Trad Gang
Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: BigTimber on February 11, 2016, 03:34:00 PM
-
I'm having rotator cuff surgery on my left shoulder which is my bow holding shoulder. I'm also going to have the left side AC joint tuned up.
For those of you that have been through this, what am I looking at for recovery? I know everyone is different. I'm very motivated to recover as quickly as possible. Big Hunt in late November.
How soon could you begin to shoot again with a light bow?
Thanks,
BT
-
I had mine done last September and I'm shooting 50# bows right now. GO to your physical therapy and stick with it. I did'nt find my surgery all that painful,the worst part was the couple of weeks that I had to sleep in a chair because of the sling. Don't rush it and you'll be fine for your hunt.
-
Just had that surgery last Wednesday, seen doctor today and she told me 4 to 6 months before I could shoot a bow. Agree on sleeping in a chair, going on 7 nights now and it's a pain. I only have to wear the sling when I sleep now, start PT next week.
-
Try prolotherapy first. There is a reason the pro athletes are using it more and more. I had my prolo of 100 shots in both shoulders last week. Should be good in 6-10 weeks. Great, non-invasive, and highly successful. Solved a number of other joint injuries with it. Works.
My 2 C
Dan in KS
-
I went to my pre-op doctor's visit today for this same type work. I was told that I will be in a sling for about six weeks. Physical therapy can be a real undertaking. I was told that I should be able to shoot archery again, but it is possible that my hunting weight may have to be greatly reduced. It may be some months before I can again pick up a bow. Maybe we can get together and cry in our beer together. Good luck!
-
I'm already crying Sam. I have trip insurance for the November trip. Guess If I have to bail, I'll get my money back.
Antelope hunt in Aug. but I'm betting I can shoot a 40# longbow by then.
My Doc seems to think I'll be fine come hunt time. I sure hope so.
-
I had mine done in January back in 2005. I was back shooting well enough to shoot in 3d tournaments by June of that year, but I was quite religious about the PT.
-
I've been avoiding shoulder surgery for several months now for that very reason. Even debated shooting a compound through turkey season just to get it over with now. Something is gonna have to be done....but man I dread it.
-
I just had mine done onJanuary 29th.. I do not have a recliner but I recommend you get one. I am told no theraphy until after 6 weeks. I am still having pain and very sore. I am hoping by at least june to start shooting again. Good luck
-
BT, had my rotator operated on at age 64 16 months ago, Here's my experience, your going in fitness level and lifestyle have a huge impact on recovery, PT was the key to recovery, positive mental outlook was huge, I was shooting a light bow after 10 weeks. Post surgery pain was not an issue, being in a sling for 6 weeks was a challenge in terms of sleeping. Good luck, be positive! Mark
-
I can't answer your question, but hope you have a quick and full recovery!
Bisch
-
Hey BT. I've had three rotator cuff surgeries. DO THE THERAPY AS PRESCRIBED!! I don't know your age or the amount of work being done, but it's all different. Your doc and PT will be able to give you a better idea of recovery time than any of us, since they know the particulars. It's said to be the second most painful surgery out there, and I believe it. Prayers and good luck your way. j
-
Surgery August 7, 100% and back to work in 16 weeks- drawing 40# longbow. Have not shot much since and slacked off on PT. Definitely keep at the PT and stretching exercises. You could make November if no complications arise. Good Luck !
-
I tore my bicep tendon and rotator cuff. 85% full thickness tear with a retraction. Dr kept me completely imobile for 8 weeks. Started pt at week 9. Was back to shooting 51lbs at 4 months. It's been a year and a half. Shoulder feels incredible. Only problem is my other shoulder feels like crap. Listen to to your Dr. And your therapist. Look for a therapist that deals with athletes if possible. The tend to be more proactive.
-
I'm no doc but be careful. Cases are certainly different.
Twice in 6 years I've had shoulder difficulty. Both times the surgeon said I could have surgery but there was a 50:50 chance rest and mild therapy would fix it. I'm pleased to inform that in both cases, after 8 and 10 months respectfully, I was on the right side of the odds.
Same advice and outcome on my left knee. No knives yet for me.
-
I had rotator cuff, bone spur, bone to bone on the collar bone joint fixed as well as lot of arthritis removed last Jan.
I was on a passive motion machine 4 hours a day plus 2 hours of rehab daily from day one. With a 30 minute break between sets it took me 9 hours a day to complete rehab for the first month.
So, I am making great progress, just about pain free after 6 weeks and I decide I knew enough about rehab to push it a bit, you know, double the weights like a real man. BIG MISTAKE, I was back to square one in short order, wracked with pain to the point I had to stop rehab for two weeks and get a shot in my shoulder.
Starting over, I did exactly what they told me to in rehab and progressed nicely. I was shooting my normal poundage in 6 months
A year out my shoulder is much better than it was before surgery, it will never be 100%, gets sore if I use it much over my head. I am back to lifting the same weights as I did before surgery, shooting a bow doesn't hurt. The best thing is I can sleep on my bad shoulder side again.
My experience, as well as my friends who have had the same surgery; a year is a reasonable time frame to get over the surgery as much as you are going to.
I have been through some bad injuries in my life, broken back, wrist, and a host of other things. They were nothing compared to getting over the pain from this surgery.
-
This is one of those 'all depends' questions. I'm six weeks out from surgery on my bow shoulder. Had a detached bicep tendon, bone spurs, rotator cuff tear, bursa removal. Got to take off the sling and pad that pushed my arm away from the body this week. Have been in therapy since week one. Range of motion is now about 80% of normal. Dr. thinks I can try a bow in about 6 more weeks.
If it was the 'string' shoulder, the wait would be longer since the pulling motion with the string is harder on the shoulder than holding the bow. The key is to listen to your therapist and Dr. They have a good guage on your condition and progress. I'm sure everyone is reporting accurately what has happened to them. But this is about your shoulder.
-
It was a good year before I was 100%.
Shot well before that, but lighter bows. After the year I could try pulling any weight bow with no pain or fear of injury.
Working and stretching is the key. You have to work your butt off to make sure you heal totally unrestricted. When PT says you continue on your own, you damn well better.
-
In september of 2012, I tore my AC ligament on my bow arm. I also had significant damage to my rotator cuff and bicep and was able to hunt that same season in late december with a 54 lbs bow. I went through 6 weeks of physical therapy. After that, I started shooting bows in the 20 lbs range and worked my back up by the end of that season. I would say it can be done, but I am no expert.
-
BigTimber, had my right rotator cuff done in June 2013. That is my draw side. As has been stated before, the first 6 weeks in the sling will make sleeping normally a challenge. If you have a reclining lounge chair that will help alot. My surgery was on a Tuesday, was in PT on Thursday.
Be very vigilant about doing everything your phys therapist tells you, all the home workouts, push yourself in therapy, and keep a PMA. I was released early from PT when I tested at 110% of normal range of motion without pain.
If it had been on my bow holding hand, I probably could have hunted with my bow in the 2013 season. Both the surgeon and the therapist recommended against it since it was my draw side. I did, however, hunt with a firearm and there were no issues from recoil. I would definitely recommend the trip insurance, just in case.
-
Holy smoke! I had no idea PT was so intense for this kind of thing.
-
I start my PT next Thursday. Everyone I've talked to emphases the PT.. And that's what I intend to do. My surgery was on my drawing shoulder.
-
Originally posted by Bowwild:
Holy smoke! I had no idea PT was so intense for this kind of thing.
PT is probably 98% of recovery for rotator.
-
KSdan,
Glad you shared info on prolotherspy. Have been researching it. Interesting and looks promising for many joint injuries. I had never heard of it before.
Scott
-
I had two tears in mine and was repaired Dec. 2014. The biggest thing as others have posted is do exactly as the DR. and PT say. I am usually hard headed about completed the full sessions but this was my drawing arm and i love archery too much to mess that up. I went to every session did at home exercises foe about 5 months and went to a 20 lb kids bow and slowly worked up to my BW which is @ 42 lbs by August and shot a round of 3D.
Come season I couldn't carry my lone wolf climber without some pain so I didn't push it,hunted from a ladder stand. I only got to hunt Trad one afternoon and killed a small deer but was a major accomplishment for me.I could even drag it out of the woods.lol Hang in there it will be good in the long run.
Danny
-
Good stuff Scott. . . If it does not work, there are zero side affects. A guy can still go to surgery. It is not quacky stuff as it has been developed over the past 50 years here in US by Ortho surgeons and med practices (my guy is a KU med guy here in KC). Europe has been treating injury like this longer than us. Many pro-athletes are starting to pick up on it. No money in it per se- so there is no research incentive by the medical industry, other than individuals who really want to see people healed with no surgery.
I had a bad bow arm elbow fixed a few years back- 6 weeks and it was good as new. Never a trouble again. I had a torn shoulder treated 8 years ago, and it held me to the present year. Now after more wear/tear and a fall- I am having both shoulders (tears, damage) treated. Should know outcome in next 5 weeks. I may have another round for the final few % of healing. Dr. figures at my age (55) and all the past athletics and wear/tear that I may need maintenance treatment 1x/1-2years.
Its $400-500 per tx with zero side affects. Small peanuts for the possibility of healing without all the pain and effort I hear from guys doing surgery. And frankly- there are no guarantees that surgery won't create further problems.
Dan in KS
-
Had mine done last december,was shooting 45# by augest.Could not afford physical therapy.Used youtube for rehab ,bought bands etc.
-
Guess I'm in for it. Surgery is scheduled for Feb. 26. I try to keep myself in the best shape I can so I feel I'm going into this well.
PT's big I know. I've had the left hip replaced and back surgery not long ago. I did the PT as prescribed.
My hunt plans for the end of the year are a great motivator.
Thanks for your replies
-
Big Timber - My long head bicep tendon was totally shredded, just short of snapping, I had some tears in the Rotator Cuff, and the bursa in my left shoulder was totally screwed up. Essentially, I had my left shoulder rebuilt, as the surgeon stated - "I got the blue plate special." I started PT at 3 weeks, just some arms circles while it was hanging and some stretching. When the sling came off, I was cleared for full PT, and that is the key. I am pulling 40 pounds (the surgery was Sep 23) and I have essentially full flexibilty. I was religious about doing my exercises at home, and that was the key according to my therapist. I have my last PT appointment this coming Wednesday, and I will be working on the exercise that I have been given, probably for the rest of my life (I'm 69 and in reasonably decent shape). I had very little pain from the surgery, and only sometimes during PT would the pain get to me, especially when she was trying to loosen up the muscles and tendons. I plan on being back to my 60 lb Bighorn by August, and planning on a trip home to Colorado for deer season.
-
I had my left shoulder done in the month of January when I was 50 years old. At that time my shoulder hurt 24/7. I lived with pain for years but not nearly as intense as it got. It was changing my life so surgery it was.
I went to all my PT sessions but was not good at my home work. I probably did about 25% of the homework I was told to do. However, I did push myself with doing activities I wasn't supposed to do. I remember pulling back an old all fiberglass maybe #20s after 3 months. By 6 months I was pulling back my 45-50# bows with no problem. I am right handed and having the left shoulder fixed; I think puts less stress on it.
Never miss a PT schedule. My therapist told me that if I see God every time she would work on my shoulder stretching it, then she was doing it right :eek: Many tears occurred during this process.
-
I had rotor cuff surgery after a fall at work.I was laid up 6 weeks after surgery before I started therapy. I picked a pt that was hell bent to get me back to work in record time.After 4 weeks in constant pain I walked out of there and had a heart to heart talk with my surgeon.i then went to another pt and all was well with slow progess and a lot of ice!!Tensing shock treatment worked wounders to.Its been two years and I still work with the bands at home.good luck but take it slowwwww.
-
Well, today's the day. My shoulder surgery is scheduled for 11:00 A.M. this morning. I guess I will soon be deeply involved in rehab.
-
Originally posted by Sam McMichael:
I went to my pre-op doctor's visit today for this same type work. I was told that I will be in a sling for about six weeks. Physical therapy can be a real undertaking. I was told that I should be able to shoot archery again, but it is possible that my hunting weight may have to be greatly reduced. It may be some months before I can again pick up a bow. Maybe we can get together and cry in our beer together. Good luck!
Surprised by the sling period. I have had 4 shoulder surgeries. First time which did not go well they put me in a sling (1979). The last three (1997, 2000, 2001) I was out of the sling the next day and was only allowed to use it for short periods. These were done by the same Dr. that did Tom Brady's knee and Hershiser's shoulder. My shoulders and pretty much pain free and I shoot daily. It will take a full year for total recovery but I was pretty good to go after about 6 months. Follow the advice of others and stick with the therapy
-
Has anyone tried prolozone therapy for their shoulder rather than surgery? I'd sure like to avoid what ya'll have experienced.
-
Good Luck Sam! I under the knife Feb. 26th.
-
Scott- if you mean "prolo-therapy" I posted about it earlier on this thread. I have known of it for 25 years. It has worked quite well for me.
I have both shoulders tore up. Just had prolo Feb 3. Will know full outcome in 4 weeks- though I could exercise and shoot my bow within a few days of the tx. Already can tell that things are healing. I may need a 2nd round in March.
If prolo does not work I can always do surgery. Prolo tx with other injuries over the years has saved me from surgery. Had the bad elbow from shooting. Healed it up in 6-8 weeks. Has not been a problem for 5+ years. A good bet.
Dan in KS
-
Sam and big timber, how are you guys making out? My surgery was Feb 3rd. This past week marked the 6 week period and I was finally allowed to lift my arm out and up as if drawing back a bow. I raised my arm right up with no pain or problem, first time I was able to raise my arm up since last August. Put a smile on my face.. I have to be careful for 6 more weeks and no lifting anything heavy. Then after that 6 weeks, I can start light weight lifting to regain strength.. Hope you guys are doing well..
-
Well, my surgery went far better than expected. As it turned out, the rotator cuff was not torn, but the labrum did have a small tear. Mostly, he cleaned up some ragged tissue and disconnected a tendon that was frayed beyond repair.
Pain was almost non-existent, and rehab has not been as bad as expected. I am still going. At about 3 weeks, I began pulling a reduced weight bow. I am the exception to the rule. I am not back to normal yet, but things are going well. I expect to be able to compete in the Howard Hill classic in Alabama in June with my regular weight bows, which will be good, because I have received a brand new Shelton from Northern Mist. It is 53#, so I am holding off on it till I build up a little more strength. I was a bit surprised how much strength I lost on this very mild surgery.
For you guys who are having a more difficult recovery, stay with it. It's a lot of work, but your archery future may well depend on how successful your rehab program goes. Good luck!
-
That is fantastic, Sam. Happy it went well for you.
-
Same with me as with Sam. My Rotator Cuff was not torn as indicated by the MRI but frayed. Doc removed bone spur and clipped some bone to alieviate bone on bone or arthritis. I feel extremely lucky.
Roy, I hope your better soon. At least you had the surgery during the right time of the year. You'll be rolling come hunting season.
-
That's great BT.. I'm getting there slowly but surely..