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Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: Wudstix on December 18, 2023, 06:30:02 PM

Title: Had a Bit of a Scare (Recovery)
Post by: Wudstix on December 18, 2023, 06:30:02 PM
Hope this is considered traditional bow material.  Christmas will be two months since I had a Mt Bike incident, that banged up my right shoulder.  Dr. didn't think it was too bad and no need for surgery.  After a month I tried to draw my hunting longbow and was unable to come to full draw.  This rattled me.  Thought my bow shooting might be over.  Decided to start "hanging" based on guidance from a therapist.  Have been intermittently hanging and it seems to help.  Tonight I strung my HTD recurve 62" 62#@28", so @60#+ at my draw.  Was able to come to full draw with very mild discomfort, second and third time back it was feeling much better.  This is very encouraging and has lifted my spirits dramatically.  As with most of you bow shooting and hunting is a big chunk of my life.
 :campfire: :coffee: :archer2: :campfire:
Title: Re: Had a Bit of a Scare
Post by: Terry Green on December 18, 2023, 06:47:10 PM
Yeah, I broke a rib Saturday.... broken not separated.... meaning cracked.  No big deal, I'll be on for LTR.
Title: Re: Had a Bit of a Scare
Post by: Wudstix on December 18, 2023, 06:51:50 PM
WOW, I didn't break anything, but my pride, just buggered up my shoulder.  All the best to LTR 24 crew.
 :campfire: :coffee: :archer2: :campfire:
Title: Re: Had a Bit of a Scare
Post by: Michpatriot on December 18, 2023, 09:29:11 PM
I will have to say that intermittent hanging from the rafters in my garage greatly helped my rotator cuff that I injured more than a year ago..reach up, grasp the rafter\ceiling 2x4 (that I rounded off the edges so it don't hurt so bad on the hands) and hang for what ever time your comfortable with..not a contest! Just do it regularly and hang time will increase.. Also helps with back pain! I was absolutely amazed with instant back pain relief, as soon as my feet touched the floor I was fine again on several occasions. Sometimes reaching up and initial hang put my back in spasm, but it went away before I touched down on two feet.. Another thing I've found to help out with joint pain and general arthritis is TUMERIC..first dose and I was sold..after a few months I ran out and thoughts of wether it was actually doing anything came to mind so didn't take it for a few days..absolutely eye opening! First pill was like a secondary confirmation.. This stuff works for me!
Title: Re: Had a Bit of a Scare
Post by: Wudstix on December 18, 2023, 10:32:18 PM
I definitely have felt the benefit from "hanging", so will continue.  I have a nylon rope around an oak tree on the patio.
 :campfire: :coffee: :archer2: :campfire:
Title: Re: Had a Bit of a Scare
Post by: Terry Green on December 19, 2023, 08:56:17 AM
Oh, and no worries on not being trad related.  In the beginning we didn't allow 'medical' threads, but as our numbers exploded we started to allow them so other members could chime in on situations and time frames for healing from ailments they themselves had.

Of course you should always see your doctor, as in my two Thanksgiving threads, but general guidelines for the above stated are ok as they do effect our ability to hunt.

Lets all heal well and quick!!! :campfire:

Title: Re: Had a Bit of a Scare
Post by: Maclean on December 19, 2023, 09:13:05 AM
Thanks Wudstix and Michpatriot for the input on hanging (and turmeric). I suffer from chronic lower back pain and refuse to take anything stronger than ibuprofen. I will be setting up a hanging station in the garage as soon as possible.
Title: Re: Had a Bit of a Scare
Post by: McDave on December 19, 2023, 09:22:42 AM
Never heard of “hanging” except as a cure for horse thieves. I used to do a lot of pull-ups back in my climbing days, but those days are long gone.  Probably still have enough strength to hang for a while, though.  I'm going to try it and see what happens.
Title: Re: Had a Bit of a Scare
Post by: rastaman on December 19, 2023, 09:51:08 AM
Glad everything is better Wud!  I learned something new about the "hanging". :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Had a Bit of a Scare
Post by: Tim Finley on December 19, 2023, 10:33:38 AM
They have the machines that you hang by your feet that are supposed to help your back . Stretches your spine .
Title: Re: Had a Bit of a Scare
Post by: trad_bowhunter1965 on December 19, 2023, 11:54:25 AM
There's a guy on YouTube that's a physical therapist and he has a lot of got exercise and stretching that help me it's called Archery Strong. 
Title: Re: Had a Bit of a Scare
Post by: Hud on December 19, 2023, 03:51:38 PM
I had an impinged rotator cuff, caused by a lack of conditioning in my right shoulder. The therapist gave me half dozen exercises with stretch bands. It took about five months to heal and build up the muscles that protect the shoulder. If it is ignored, the RC will tear and require surgery. Here is some information on the problem, and exercises to alleviate the problem, common with archers, pitchers, and others that use their arms in sports.

https://www.google.com/search?q=impinged+rotator+cuff&rlz=1C1PQHA_enUS539US565&oq=impinged+ro&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUqBwgAEAAYgAQyBwgAEAAYgAQyBggBEEUYOTIHCAIQABiABDIHCAMQABiABDIHCAQQABiABDIICAUQABgWGB4yCAgGEAAYFhgeMggIBxAAGBYYHjIICAgQABgWGB4yCAgJEAAYFhgeqAIAsAIA&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8
Title: Re: Had a Bit of a Scare
Post by: Wudstix on December 19, 2023, 06:13:20 PM
I have adjusted my set-up, so that my hands are side by side and palms facing front.  The hang feels a bit different and better.
 :campfire: :coffee: :archer2: :campfire:
Title: Re: Had a Bit of a Scare
Post by: M60gunner on December 19, 2023, 07:06:28 PM
May try the hanging method. My lower back and nerve pain have limited my mobility. I do eat a handful of Walnuts each morning for my Arthritis in my hands. Thursday I see the heart doc, I need to narrow down my balance issues. Maybe the 4 blood thinners I am on are to much?
Title: Re: Had a Bit of a Scare
Post by: Wudstix on December 20, 2023, 10:08:23 AM
I can feel "stretch" on both shoulders now and also my back/spine.  Would like to hang more, but the trunk on the 100 year old oak is straining!!!
 :campfire: :coffee: :archer2: :campfire:
Title: Re: Had a Bit of a Scare
Post by: RIVERWOLF on December 20, 2023, 10:29:45 PM
Sorry to hear this Michael ....Good to hear you are on the mend my friend !

Safe, Healthy, and Happy brother.... :campfire:
Title: Re: Had a Bit of a Scare
Post by: Wudstix on December 21, 2023, 08:13:13 PM
My shoulder is almost back to 100% hanging and working out with my 60#+ HTD recurve.  About a month ago I couldn't draw my hunting bow past @1/2 way.  Apparently, I just bruised my upper arm and shoulder.  That was one heck of a belly flop, from riding to laying on my face on the concrete!
 :campfire: :coffee: :archer2: :campfire:
Title: Re: Had a Bit of a Scare
Post by: Terry Green on December 22, 2023, 09:26:16 AM
 :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Had a Bit of a Scare
Post by: elkken on December 22, 2023, 11:43:46 AM
I took a BIG crash on my mountain bike last spring and could barely move for weeks. I'm not much going to the doctor but my wife made me get Xrays, nothing broken but my right shoulder and ribs really got pounded. No pulling my bow back all summer.

I found a resistance band set up at Goodwill called the X factor. This gizmo has been amazing in helping me strengthen my shoulders, arms and back. It has 15#, 30#, and 60# bands. I'm 75 and you can do a very low impact routine or a kick your butt routine on this thing. Back to shooting my bow getting ready for LTR  :goldtooth: it has also helped my golf game giving me back some distance that I had lost.

Check it out on YouTube 
Title: Re: Had a Bit of a Scare
Post by: Archie on December 22, 2023, 01:05:37 PM
I wrecked my fat tire e-bike in June of 2022.  It was a bad wreck... broke my handlebar clean in half, and bent one of my pedal arms.  As for me... it broke the "cap" off the top of the humerus bone, and I got a little skinned up.  The broken bone didn't shift enough for me to need surgery, but it took many months to heal, and the doc said I had to be careful.  I tried to pull my lightest bow after 3-4 months, and it hurt bad... scared me that it would affect my bow shooting. 

But I was able to start shooting a year later.  By the fall of 2023, I was shooting my 67# bow with no pain at all.  Just sharing a positive success story to spread some hope!
Title: Re: Had a Bit of a Scare
Post by: Wudstix on December 22, 2023, 09:40:29 PM
My damage must not have been that severe, just bruising.  Christmas Day will be two months and I'm almost back to shooting my hunting bows.
 :campfire: :coffee: :archer2: :campfire:
Title: Re: Had a Bit of a Scare
Post by: Wudstix on December 26, 2023, 02:30:16 PM
Continuing to hang, and worked up to drawing my MOAB (63#).  Still tenderness in shoulder/upper arm, but no pain.  Continued improvement.  All I can hope for.
 :campfire: :coffee: :archer2: :campfire:
Title: Re: Had a Bit of a Scare
Post by: Wudstix on January 03, 2024, 02:02:03 PM
Working through it, hanging is helping.  Still a bit sore, but able to draw bow.  Probably, wait until warmer weather to try my heavy longbows and recurves.
 :campfire: :coffee: :archer2: :campfire:
Title: Re: Had a Bit of a Scare
Post by: A Lex on January 04, 2024, 07:26:46 PM
Glad to hear you are healing up good Wud. I certainly understand the scare part of that.

Back in September I built a 30 yard long hot house in our garden. My back was getting pretty sore towards the end of it, but being a "Yobbo" (which can often be translated to D#%khead) I kept going, gritted my teeth and finished the project.

Well, let's just say the redhot wheel nut of knuckle chewing pain that ended up in my back was excruciating. I'd torn my back tension muscles in a bad way.

I could not even draw my 55lb longbow...... severe pain that caused more than just a few tears......not good

Anyway, to cut a long story short, with time, care and prayer, since Christmas I've been able to work back to shooting my old faithful 75lb Blackwidow longbow. Only 8 or 10 shots at a time at the moment, but I'm carefully working on getting my big bow fitness back.

No pain now which is absolutely marvellous 😁

Best
Lex
Title: Re: Had a Bit of a Scare
Post by: Wudstix on January 04, 2024, 07:51:35 PM
With time, Christmas was two months and "hanging" several times a day.  I have been able to get back to my 61# recurve, and then mid-range 63# Longbow.  You mentioned prayer, attended a healing Mass last night and shoulder feels amazing.  Few more days of "hanging" and I'll try the 66#+ and then perhaps the 70#+ longbows.  I'll warm up with the lighter bow prior to attempting the big boys, in a couple days.  Glad to hear you're back at it, you're still young and bounce back better.
 :campfire: :coffee: :archer2: :campfire:
Title: Re: Had a Bit of a Scare
Post by: Wudstix on January 07, 2024, 11:56:09 PM
Just did some testing.  61# recurve is good, 63# MOAB is good, but 66# Big River longbow doesn't quite make it all the way back, short @6".  So more "hanging" and practice with the lighter bows will get me there.  Encouraging indeed!  I'll be back shooting my age soon.
 :campfire: :coffee: :archer2: :campfire:
Title: Re: Had a Bit of a Scare
Post by: Wudstix on January 08, 2024, 10:06:47 PM
Finally, able to raise both arms straight up and hold it for a bit.
 :campfire: :coffee: :archer2: :campfire:
Title: Re: Had a Bit of a Scare
Post by: A Lex on January 08, 2024, 10:35:21 PM
Keep going mate

Slow & sure, but careful hey. You'll get there  :thumbsup:

Best
Lex
Title: Re: Had a Bit of a Scare
Post by: Wudstix on January 08, 2024, 10:48:41 PM
Thanks, Alex.  Another couple weeks.  I'm @99% now.  :thumbsup:
 :campfire: :coffee: :archer2: :campfire:
Title: Re: Had a Bit of a Scare
Post by: Wudstix on January 21, 2024, 04:38:20 PM
Discomfort in shoulder is almost totally gone.  Have been able to draw my bows up to 63#.  Haven't tried the heavier bows yet, focusing on other hobbies right now.
 :campfire: :coffee: :archer2: :campfire:
Title: Re: Had a Bit of a Scare
Post by: Wudstix on January 23, 2024, 05:47:19 PM
Just tried the 66# D/R longbow and got back to within 1/2" of lips.  No pain, just need to work on strength.  Probably shoot 60# recurve and 63# MOAB to built the shoulder muscles back to 100%.  3 months since Mt bike mishap.  I feel very confident in full recovery.
 :campfire: :coffee: :archer2: :campfire:
Title: Re: Had a Bit of a Scare
Post by: Wudstix on January 29, 2024, 01:37:09 PM
Finally, getting to full draw with Big River D/R 66#, for a split second.  USPS finally released my McDonald bow coming from Iowa.  She came to San Antonio on Dec 7 and then floated back to Atlanta, in early January.  Finally headed back to SA on 24 January.  She arrived on Sunday, so I think they used UPS to deliver it.  Box was a twisted mess, but bow is in good shape.  Strung her this morning, 60#@30", so @54# at my draw.  This is my new "old man" bow.  Limbs are very thin and tips are tiny.  Don said it was a one off John made for him.  Mild D/R Longbow 62" and she draws extremely smoothly.  Has a custom screw on 3 arrow quiver, plus.
 :campfire: :coffee: :archer2: :campfire:
Title: Re: Had a Bit of a Scare (Recovery)
Post by: Wudstix on February 04, 2024, 10:14:47 PM
As the other thread says I'm shooting CE Heritage 250's through it and getting good results.
 :campfire: :coffee: :archer2: :campfire:
Title: Re: Had a Bit of a Scare (Recovery)
Post by: Wudstix on February 05, 2024, 02:19:38 PM
Mathematically, the bow pulls 53.5# at my 27 3/8" draw to the pivot point.  160 gr tips weigh 606 gr at 29 1/4".  That's 11.33 gpp.  190 gr tips weigh 636 and 639, one of the arrows is about 1/8" longer.  That's 11.89 gpp.  These might be one factor in the bow shooting so quietly.  Can't wait to dig up some woodies that are spined for this bow with 160 gr broadhead.
 :campfire: :coffee: :archer2: :campfire:
Title: Re: Had a Bit of a Scare (Recovery)
Post by: Wudstix on February 19, 2024, 07:03:13 PM
After four months am feeling almost back to normal, if that is a word with a definition!!!
 :campfire: :coffee: :archer2: :campfire:
Title: Re: Had a Bit of a Scare (Recovery)
Post by: pdk25 on February 19, 2024, 08:37:51 PM
congrats
Title: Re: Had a Bit of a Scare (Recovery)
Post by: Sam Spade on February 21, 2024, 03:32:50 AM
I sure hope all is well. I had a boghg myself.
Title: Re: Had a Bit of a Scare (Recovery)
Post by: Wudstix on March 02, 2024, 10:20:13 PM
Well back to shooting 53.5#, 60# and drawing 63# - 66# a couple times.  Hoping to be back to usual by this summer.
 :campfire: :coffee: :archer2: :campfire:
Title: Re: Had a Bit of a Scare (Recovery)
Post by: Wudstix on April 11, 2024, 04:14:50 PM
Beautiful sunny almost cool day, so took the Big River D/R longbow (53.5#) and some arrows of unknown specs or origin.  4x4" yellow feathers, white and yellow cresting in front of feathers, looks like 125 grain tip, 29" TAL.  Arrow weight average 774 grains.  One arrow with the fletch all chewed up.  First couple shots were wonky, mostly my release.  Moved back to @15 yards and started picking spots on the foam to shoot at.  Better release, as I warmed up and started shooting well.  Dead on to about 2" from point of focus.  No clue what the spine is on these arrows, but heavy and they fly quiet, hit straight with a very slight touch of nock high.  Good enough to build strength back and my shoulder felt good after three shot groups.  30-36 total arrows.  First time shooting, more than a couple of arrows, instead of just drawing the bows since October.
 :campfire: :coffee: :archer2: :campfire:
Title: Re: Had a Bit of a Scare (Recovery)
Post by: Wudstix on April 15, 2024, 02:04:59 PM
Testing RJ Elite tab with Big River D/R longbow(54#) and feeling good.  Have to get used to this tab though.  Little trimming required.
 :campfire: :coffee: :archer2: :campfire:
Title: Re: Had a Bit of a Scare (Recovery)
Post by: Wudstix on April 30, 2024, 11:12:36 PM
Really getting into it with my Paul Bunyan 100, 50#.  Trying to scrape up some lighter arrows to fly better through this bow.  Have a couple onesie - twosie arrows, but no two the same length or point weight.  Comfortable to shoot several dozen arrows at a stretch.  Even found some 2115 arrows in the arrow graveyard bucket.  Getting some decent testing of different tabs.
 :campfire: :coffee: :archer2: :campfire: