When you are uncomfortable or unable to perform simple daily tasks, it is easy to become frustrated. The shoulder is one of the most important joints for mobility and allows people to move and rotate their arms freely. Dr. Michael Bercik and our experienced team at Lancaster Orthopedic Group have helped hundreds of clients achieve their best quality of life, and we are ready to help you. If you feel meeting with a shoulder specialist “near me” may benefit you, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment today.

Dr. Michael Bercik is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon who has spent years studying the most advanced surgical shoulder techniques. He completed two fellowships internationally in Australia and France, training under a few of the most influential shoulder surgeons in the world. He has taken these advanced surgical techniques back to the United States and integrated them into his domestic training. This allows Dr. Bercik to treat patients with creative techniques that combine the latest science to give outstanding results.

In addition to his extensive training abroad, Dr. Bercik scored the highest in his residency program in the US and was recognized by being awarded the Orthopaedic In-training Examination award. He was also recognized for his outstanding patient care through the Mark D Chilton award.

Minor Sports Shoulder Injuries 

While significant injuries in sports are often apparent and treated quickly, minor injuries can go unnoticed. These injuries deserve attention and are essential to treat before they develop into more complex conditions. While different sports often see various minor injuries, here are a few of the most common:

Sprains

Sprains occur when ligaments in the body are damaged without complete tearing or dislocating the joint. For example, the ligaments may be stretched if the arm were pulled hard enough that the humerus slightly separated from the shoulder socket without completely dislocating. While the ligaments would continue to hold the shoulder bones in place, there would likely be resulting pain, and the ligaments would be damaged if not treated.

Sprains are graded between 3 levels, with 1 being the most minor and 3 being severe. Sprains often cause prolonged pain, and it is essential to treat damage quickly with rest and at-home methods.

Strains 

Strains are muscular damage often caused by overusing the muscles. This can be done by not resting between exercise sessions, lifting too heavy weights, or using improper techniques. In severe cases, the muscle may rip from the tendon. This is most commonly a biceps pulley lesion, in which case the bicep separates from the shoulder and arm bones.

Contusions

A contusion is the medically correct term for a bruise caused when blood vessels break under the skin. This typically results from an impact injury and causes discoloration of the skin (characteristically a black or blue color).

Impingement or Bone Spurs

Repeatedly throwing overhead can lead to tiny bone spurs forming in the shoulder. These spurs impinge or rub against the rotator cuff and can cause pain and additional conditions to develop, such as rotator cuff tendinitis, bursitis, or Impingement Syndrome.

Get Started Today!

Whether you are a physical therapy veteran or this is your first appointment, Dr. Bercik and our team at Lancaster Orthopedic Group can help you heal from injuries and manage chronic conditions. If you live or work in Pennsylvania and are ready to work with us, schedule your appointment today by clicking the “Schedule An Appointment” link in the top right of the website or call (866) 564-1000.