Whether you are an athlete, a couch surfer, a parent, or a teen, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon can make the difference between ongoing shoulder pain and a speedy recovery. When you work with Dr. Michael Bercik at Lancaster Orthopedic Group, you can be sure that you are in the best position to heal your ailments, manage ongoing symptoms, and return to the movements you love. Residents of Groffdale, PA, should waste no time in making their first appointment today.

Dr. Michael Bercik is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon who has spent years learning advanced techniques to treat conditions of the shoulder and elbow alongside modern methods for orthopedic traumatology. After finishing his medical degree at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School and an orthopedic surgery residency at the Rothman Institute, Dr. Bercik completed three fellowships to further hone in on his expertise. 

For his fellowships, Dr. Bercik returned to Rutgers New Jersey Medical School to learn advanced techniques to treat acute fractures, nonunions, malunions, infections, arthritis, and other post-traumatic complications. Following this, he studied internationally under some of the most recognized surgeons in the shoulder and elbow orthopedic field. This included Dr. Gilles Walch at the Centre Orthopédique Santy in France, followed by work under Professor Simon Bell at the Melbourne Shoulder and Elbow Centre and Monash University. These fellowships have allowed Dr. Bercik to combine a broad range of advanced techniques to offer his patients truly innovative treatments.

Improve Elbow Range of Motion: Flexion and Extension

Flexion and extension elbow exercises can be performed several times per day if approved by a licensed shoulder and elbow specialist. When performing these exercises, you should feel a stretching sensation, but you should not feel pain. If you feel high levels of pain during these exercises, we recommend seeking the advice of your orthopedic doctor as soon as possible and stopping the exercises in the meantime.

Extension and flexion exercises are two great ways to improve the range of motion in the elbow related to bending and straightening the arm. To exercise these movements, perform the following: 

Elbow Flexion

Elbow flexion is when you bend the elbow. To improve how far the elbow can bend, follow these steps: 

1. Let your arm hang at your side
2. Actively bend your elbow and reach your hand toward your shoulder
3. With your opposite hand, gently pull the hand towards the shoulder and increase the elbow bend slowly. Go slowly, and stop if you feel pain or extreme discomfort
4. Hold this position for 10 seconds
5. Gently release the hand and slowly straighten the elbow
6.  Repeat ten times

Straighten It Out: Elbow Extension

Extension refers to the ability to straighten the elbow. To improve your ability to straighten your elbow, perform the following:

1. Sit at a table and rest your elbow on the table, preferably on a towel or soft surface
2. Straighten your elbow as far as you can
3. Use your opposite hand to press the forearm or wrist towards the table gently. Stop if there is any pain or severe discomfort
4. Hold for ten seconds
5. Gently release and return the elbow to a comfortable position
6. Repeat ten times

Let’s Connect!

Living with pain can drastically decrease your quality of life. If you need a shoulder specialist near Groffdale, PA, look no further than Dr. Michael Bercik and our team at Lancaster Orthopedic Group. To get started today, click the “Schedule An Appointment” link in the top right of the website or call (866) 564-1000.