Archery and rotator cuff surgery

[Seabass]

release hand, but the bow hand is starting to go

I had a release hand shoulder issue a few years back…couldn’t pull far enough to turn the cam over. I remedied the problem through PT but it took a bit of time and I needed to hunt before the shoulder was fixed.

My PT showed me a way to pull until I was fixed and it got me through that season. Traditional proper form is to pull with the elbow high. I had to break “proper form for a season but it worked and allowed me to pull with far less pain.

If you keep your elbow tight to your body and think about tucking your scapula into your back pocket, you will engage WAY more lat, trap, and upper back muscle than you will with your elbow high. That will take some of the pressure off the rotator’s.

At the same time tryi to focus on pushing the bow away with your bow hand. I started with the bow hand very close to my body while starting the pull so that I had more room to push the bow away from you.

It took me a fair amount of practice simply due to the fact I had pulled the traditional way for 20 years.

[scotsman]

I had right shoulder replacement 10ish years ago. 2 months after surgery I started rehab with a 30# bow and within 9 months back at hunting weight. (Mid 50# stickbow) Pay strict attention to your physical therapist and work your way back. Btw im now mid 70’s and shoot several times a week.

[baldopepper]

Shoulder replacement is a faster, less painful recovery than rotator surgery.  Usually a better outcome in the long term, but a different type of surgery.

[vandeman17]

A good option for people with shoulder issues or even those that don't have it and want to try to keep it that way is crossover symmetry. Its a band system that you can attach to a door, a wall or a squat rack. It is a bit spendy but it has two protocols that you follow that are pretty good. Tons of CrossFit athletes, myself included, try to use them daily.

[Dr. Death]

This was a few years back but might help your thought process. I've shot archery my whole life and feel like I have taken decent care of myself. Do some weights, peloton, hike and shoot a lot. I had horrible bone spurs in my left shoulder that basically destroyed my bursa. Couldn't tie my shoes, button or unzip pants, shirts on over my head etc. Went to lots of PT which did zero, but Insurance said I had to before they'd let me have surgery. I finally had surgery in Feb of '12, they went in a ground down 5/8" from one bone and 3/4" from the other and worked on the Bursa. I did exactly the rehab that the Dr said to the T. There were days that I wanted to do more but didn't, I think this is where people get themselves into trouble. At 4 months post operation, I started pulling bands back like a bow, I also ordered 25# limbs for one of my bows and started shooting it shortly after that. I made it to 62# by Sept 1 and killed a buck and bull that year. That was 12 years ago and my left shoulder is better than my right for sure. It does work, but PT and following directions is a must do. The surgeon did say that because of my regular conditioning routine with weights before my injury, did help with the recovery. PM me if you want more info....wish you the best

[pianoman9701]

I had a light tear in my shoulder from a long bow and sold it the next day. Great bow but I value the continued use of my shoulder more. Do whatever it takes to recover and don't forget that we're not 30 years old anymore. The eternal youth fairy doesn't visit anymore.

[Wood2Sawdust]

Thanks to all of you, appreciate every ones responses.  I will try the pt before any surgery

[Doublelunger]

Not sure if you'd have any interest in using a crossbow but I bet you'd qualify for it.

[smalldog]

I have had 5 shoulder surgeries, 3 left and 2 right side. One of the surgeries was a Reconstruction of the right side.  I finally went to using a draw - lock on my bow. Their is a great system you can buy that will adapt to your bow. I use a Mathews and it works great and have gotten some really nice animals. I still have the feeling that I am still bow hunting and the draw-lock arm comes off and I only use it when in a tree stand or ground blind. I started using on on my bow around 2000 and have used on all these years. I will be 76 this hunting season and still look forward to bow hunting.  Good luck with those shoulders, I know what you are going threw so God Bless.