Experienced shoulder surgeons must be able to break down complex symptoms and determine the root cause of the condition. By identifying the root cause, shoulder surgeons are able to effectively treat the problem and reduce all residual symptoms. At Lancaster Orthopedics, residents of Ephrata, PA, can feel confident in trusting Dr. Michael J Bercik to effectively diagnose and treat complicated injuries and conditions of the shoulder.

Dr. Bercik is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon who specializes in conditions of the shoulder and elbow. He has published in several peer-reviewed journal articles and book chapters, and he has been recognized for this outstanding patient care and academic performance. He is a high achiever in every aspect of his life, and that is shown in how he treats each and every patient. When you trust Lancaster Orthopedics, you are giving yourself the opportunity to receive state-of-the-art treatment and recovery services to reduce pain and improve the quality of everyday life.

As a native of the East Coast and the son of an orthopedic surgeon, helping Pennsylvania residents with orthopedic care is truly Dr. Bercik’s passion. He is dedicated to giving back to the community and helping every member on their journey to optimal wellness.

Commonly Diagnosed Shoulder Conditions 

When you meet with a shoulder surgeon, they will assess your condition and provide a recommendation for the next steps of your care plan. While this is not a comprehensive list, common conditions diagnosed by a shoulder surgeon include:

• Acromioclavicular separation
• Shoulder bursitis
• Shoulder dislocation
• Frozen shoulder
• Shoulder impingement
• Arthritis
• Calcific tendonitis
• Clavicular fracture
• Shoulder fracture
• Sternoclavicular joint injury
• Tendonitis
• Tennis elbow

What do you do if you can’t see a shoulder doctor immediately?

If you are unsure of your specific shoulder condition but unable to see a provider immediately, there are a few at-home things you can do to lower the chances of complications and ensure you do not delay healing.

When at home, we recommend the following while waiting to see an orthopedic specialist:

• Ice the shoulder area for intervals of 15 minutes with ice and 15 minutes without ice. This can be repeated 3-5 times per day for 2 to 3 days. Make sure to put a thin cloth between the ice and your skin to prevent any damage.
• Rest the area and try to immobilize the shoulder. Try to avoid any movements that cause pain.
• Take anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving drugs such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen (example: Tylenol).

Rotator cuff injuries are some of the most frequent shoulder injury types and knowing how to treat them at home before seeing a physician is important. If you believe you have a rotator cuff injury, here are a few at-home tips:

• Ice the area and take anti-inflammatory medications after any exercise or painful movement
• If you have aching from overuse, perform simple stretches and gentle exercises to stretch and strengthen the rotator cuff tendons and muscles supporting the area.
• For those with tendonitis, make sure you are moving the shoulder to improve the range of motion and avoid a frozen shoulder.
• Pay attention to your posture to help avoid unnecessary imbalance or strain on the shoulder. muscles and tendons.

Ready to Begin? 

If you live or work in Ephrata, PA, experienced shoulder surgeon Dr. Bercik and our Lancaster Orthopedics team are here to help you with all of your shoulder ailments. To schedule an appointment, please click the “Schedule An Appointment” link in the top right of the website or call (866) 564-1000. We look forward to working with you!