Interested in consulting with a shoulder specialist near Middletown, PA? Dr. Michael Bercik at Lancaster Orthopedic Group can help you understand the source of your discomfort and develop a plan to help you meet your goals.

Dr. Michael Bercik is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with specialty training in shoulder surgery, elbow surgery, and orthopedic traumatology. Dr. Bercik completed his medical degree at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, before completing a residency in orthopedic surgery at the Rothman Institute in Philadelphia, PA. In his residency, Dr. Bercik was awarded for his performance with the Mark D Chilton award for outstanding patient care and the Orthopedic In-training examination award for achieving the highest score in his residency program.

After completing his medical degree and residency, Dr. Bercik completed a trauma fellowship at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School. From here, he continued his fellowship training at the Centre Orthopédique Santy in France under Dr. Gilles Walch and at the Melbourne Shoulder and Elbow Centre and Monash University under Professor Simon Bell. By diversifying his education and learning under several types of shoulder surgeons, Dr. Bercik has been able to integrate methods from around the world to think outside the box and offer patients individualized treatment plans designed to produce outstanding results.

What is bicep tendonitis?

Bicep tendinitis is the inflammation or irritation of the upper bicep tendon. This is caused by repeat throwing and can quickly lead to several shoulder symptoms and difficulty maintaining sports performance.

Signs to look out for include pain in the front of the shoulder, shoulder weakness, and shoulder tenderness. 

Bicep tendonitis, or the inflammation and irritation of the upper bicep tendon, occurs from repetitive throwing, causing pain in the front of the shoulder. Athletes may also experience shoulder weakness and tenderness.

If tendinitis progresses, the bicep may tear from extensive damage. This is typically accompanied by sharp pain and a popping or snapping sound. The athlete will likely not be able to use the bicep properly once this has occurred.

What causes a torn biceps tendon?

The most common cause of a torn biceps tendon is overuse. In these cases, the tendon becomes worn down over time through repeat stresses. This can be through daily activities, sports, or occupational movements. Acute injuries, such as a fall, accident, or lifting something heavy, can also lead to a torn biceps tendon.

How is a torn biceps tendon diagnosed?

A torn bicep tendon is diagnosed most often through imaging examinations and physical examinations. Your orthopedic specialist will look at your condition and test functions such as your range of motion, strength, and movement abilities. They will also look for swelling, discoloration, or bulging. X-rays and MRIs are commonly used to rule out additional complications and verify the diagnosis. Your medical history and lifestyle may also be taken into account when confirming the diagnosis. 

Let’s work together!

There is no time like the present to put yourself and your health first. At Lancaster Orthopedic Group, our patients surpass their expectations and increase their quality of life. Nobody should live with discomfort or pain, and our team is here to help you get back to the activities you love. Residents of Middletown, PA can schedule their first appointment by using the “Schedule An Appointment” link in the top right of the website or calling (866) 564-1000.