Having shoulder pain can severely limit movement and decrease quality of life. If you are experiencing discomfort in the shoulders or elbows, one of the best things you can do to speed your recovery is to seek care from a qualified professional. If you live or work in Mt Joy, PA, look no further than Dr. Michael Bercik at Lancaster Orthopedic Group to schedule your first appointment and begin the road to comfortable movement.

Dr. Michael Bercik is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with subspecialty training in shoulder surgery, elbow surgery, and orthopedic traumatology. He followed his medical degree from Rutgers New Jersey Medical School with a residency in orthopedic surgery at the Rothman Institute in Philadelphia, PA, before completing domestic and international fellowships to further refine his skills.

During his fellowships, Dr. Bercik learned state-of-the-art techniques and advanced methods from some of the most renowned shoulder and elbow surgeons in the world. He studied under Dr. Gilles Walch at the Centre Orthopédique Santy in France, continuing his studies at the Melbourne Shoulder and Elbow Centre and Monash University under Professor Simon Bell. Through these international fellowships, Dr. Bercik has been able to combine traditional skills with modern methods to offer his patients creative and innovative treatment options that extend beyond standard recovery practices. 

Preventing Shoulder Injuries in Swimmers

Shoulder injuries in swimmers are not always avoidable, but there are several tips and tricks that can help to prevent injuries from developing. For swimmers, overuse is the most common cause of shoulder injuries and discomfort. 

One of the best ways to prevent shoulder injury for swimmers is to gradually increase the intensity of training and ensure proper rest is taken in between practices and competitions. In addition, good form is imperative to reduce strain on the shoulder and reduce the likelihood of damage to the soft tissues or overuse of the muscles.

For each stroke, here are our top tips to prevent shoulder overuse injuries for development:  

Freestyle

• Keep the head in line with the body to avoid strain in the neck that can lead to tingling in the arms and shoulders
• Avoid overreaching the arms by keeping the head in line and keeping a steady pace
• Train flexibility to help keep the stroke in line with the body and reduce strain

Backstroke

• Focus on increasing intensity slowly
• Keep a consistent timing with the stroke
• Keep the arms in line with the body during the stroke 

Breaststroke

• Focus on not torquing the shoulders during the stroke
• Focus on the kick to help reduce dependency on the arm stroke

Butterfly

• Focus on the kick to reduce stress on the shoulders
• Train shoulder mobility and strength to avoid strain on the shoulders
• Start with low intensity and distance and gradually improve

Treating Shoulder Injuries in Swimmers

While many shoulder injuries in swimmers can be prevented (hint: make sure you warm up properly!), not all injuries are avoidable. If an injury occurs, knowing how to treat the injury properly can mean the difference between a short or extended recovery period. In general, rehabilitation for shoulder injuries for swimmers will focus on:

• Rotator cuff stability exercises
• Scapular muscle strengthening
• Shoulder flexibility 
• Swim exercises with pull-buoys
• Gradual resistance in the water to increase stroke intensity

Ready to Begin?

For residents of Mt Joy, Dr. Michael Bercik and our team at Lancaster Orthopedic Group can help you reduce discomfort and return to the activities you love. To schedule your first appointment, click the “Schedule An Appointment” link in the top right of the website or call (866) 564-1000.