Finding a good shoulder specialist can make the difference between a quick and easy recovery and living with daily pain. For those living or working in Lebanon, PA, Dr. Michael J Bercik and our expert orthopedic team at the Lancaster Orthopedic Group Mt. Joy location can ensure you are allowing yourself to move and feel your best.

Because of the complex nature of shoulder conditions, having a specialty in shoulder ailments is essential to ensure the condition is appropriately diagnosed and treated. Dr. Bercik has dedicated his orthopedic practice to shoulder and elbow conditions and has trained under some of the most world-renowned shoulder surgeons. After earning his medical degree from Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Dr. Bercik completed a trauma and reconstructive surgery fellowship and a shoulder-focused fellowship under Dr. Gilles Walch.

Dr. Bercik has published multiple peer-reviewed journal articles and book chapters outside of his clinical pursuits. Dr. Bercik has taken his international experiences and utilized a broad range of practice and knowledge to offer his patients methods outside the traditional orthopedic options. At Lancaster Orthopedic Group, we believe that every patient is unique and should have the treatment or combination of treatments that will work best specifically with their needs.

Common Shoulder Injuries in Basketball and How to Treat Them

Rotator Cuff Tendonitis 

Basketball players commonly experience rotator cuff tendonitis because of the repetitive overhead motions of shooting a basketball. This can lead to inflammation in the muscles and tendons that make up the rotator cuff and weakness and pain in this area. If basketball players experience pain in the shoulder, it is essential to have it checked quickly to ensure there is no accumulating damage.

Treatment: Rotator cuff tendonitis is treated with rest, anti-inflammatory medications, targeted exercises and stretches, and cortisone injections. Surgery can help reduce pain and improve mobility if symptoms persist through alternative treatment.

Rotator Cuff Tear 

The rotator cuff comprises four small muscles that help stabilize the joint, and tears can lead to dislocation of the shoulder and movement instability. Rotator cuff tears are usually the result of repetitive movements or an acute injury. If small tears accumulate over time, they can lead to a large tear requiring surgery and extensive rehabilitation.

Treatment: Non-surgical treatments such as therapeutic exercises and rest are first-line treatments. Surgery may be necessary if the injury is extensive. 

Shoulder Bursitis

The bursa is a fluid-filled sac in between the bones and tendons of the shoulder. It is small and enables the structures within the shoulder to move smoothly against one another without friction. If the bursa becomes inflamed, it can swell and pinch the tendons in the shoulder. This inflames the bursa further, restricting movement and causing pain.

Treatment: Rest, ice, and anti-inflammation medication are first-line therapies to reduce the swelling of the bursa. If inflammation persists, cortisone shots can be used to reduce inflammation further. 

Contact Us Today 

Lebanon, PA residents should make appointments directly with shoulder specialist Dr. Michael Bercik at Lancaster Orthopedics. Our experienced team is an expert in patient care and continually updates our treatment options to reflect the latest scientific discoveries. To meet with us, you can schedule an appointment at our Mt Joy location.