Trauma, diseases, and aging are just a few of the reasons you may need shoulder surgery. Each requires a different approach and a skilled surgeon to understand the nuances of the condition. At Lancaster Orthopedic Group, patients can feel safe trusting Dr. Michael J Bercik and our expert orthopedic team with their care. For Lebanon, PA, residents, check out our Lancaster Orthopedics Group Mt. Joy location to get started today.

Dr. Michael Bercik has trained under some of the most renowned surgeons in the world, including Dr. Gilles Walch at the world-renowned Centre Orthopédique Santy in France and Professor Simon Bell at the Melbourne Shoulder and Elbow Centre at Monash University. By completing these fellowships, Dr. Bercik learned diverse approaches to shoulder ailments and now treats these conditions with a broad knowledge base that allows for many options.

Dr. Bercik himself graduated Magna Cum Laude from Georgetown University before completing his medical degree and Trauma and Reconstructive Surgery fellowship at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School. He has always been dedicated to exceeding expectations in his field. He has been recognized for this through awards for outstanding patient care and being the highest scorer in his residency program. You are given access to the most advanced patient-care techniques and a compassionate and dedicated team when you come to us.

Tips to Prevent Shoulder Injury

To best prevent shoulder injuries, we recommend strengthening a few key areas to provide stability and stress resistance to the delicate areas of the shoulder. Here are a few of our favorites:

1. Scapular Strengthening

The scapula, also known as the shoulder blade, serves as the attachment site for 17 different muscles. Because of this, the scapula plays a considerable part in the shoulder range of motion and the ability of the arm to move dynamically. Scapular exercises to strengthen this area are essential to reduce the likelihood of shoulder injury. Scapular strengthening exercises include squeezing the shoulder blades together (scapular retractions), shoulder shrugs, wall ball circles, and prone rows.

2. Rotator Cuff Strengthening

For stability, the shoulder relies on the rotator cuff, a set of four muscles that keep the joint centered. Rotator cuff strengthening exercises such as internal and external rotation exercises with resistance and external rotation with the arm abducted to 90 degrees can help to increase shoulder stability and decrease injury. This is especially important for athletes who require throwing and repetitive overhead movements.

3. Maintaining Shoulder Flexibility

If your shoulder is not flexible or there is a muscular imbalance, you will be less able to withstand forceful motions or unexpected contact. For sports, it is essential to react quickly and withstand sudden impacts or movements. When the soft tissues of the shoulder are malleable, the ball of the shoulder joint can remain centered even through these forces without causing tears or dislocations. In addition to this, imbalances of flexibility within the shoulder can lead to the ball of the shoulder joint being pulled out of position or for movements to be altered to compensate for this. Stretches such as external rotations, towel stretches behind the back, and table slides can all help keep the shoulder muscles flexible and balanced.

Contact Us Today

Dr. Bercik is a talented shoulder surgeon serving residents of Lebanon, PA. Whether you have a distinctive injury or suffer from unidentified pain, we can provide you with a comprehensive assessment and treatment plan to help improve your movement abilities. To get started, contact us today to schedule your first appointment.