Archery physical rehab question

[Clay Hills Bill]

I had neurosurgery on my cervical vertibrae 10 weeks ago.  It went pretty well and I am in my third week of physical therapy.  I still have range of motion and strength issues that the therapist is working on through various stretching and strength exercises. I am 57 years young.

It is time to SLOWLY get back to my first love.  For those of you have been through these things, do you recommend going back to my bows,2 Super Shrews at 41 and 43 lbs, and a Bob Lee takedown recoure that is 45 lbs?  I draw 25" and those draw weights are at 25".  As an alternative, I could purchase a light compound or get some 35lb limbs, or even lighter for my Bob Lee.

The PT guy has me just partially drawing the 41 pounder but i have no idea how long it takes to get over this type of surgery where they cut you right where we all apply back tensions.

Comments on your experiences is appreciated.

Bill

[lpcjon2]

Personally I would PT for a bit and make sure your healed up good. You wouldnt want to pull something and set you back longer.

[crotch horn]

I am LH and had my left shoulder redone back in Dec 08. I shoot low to mid 50 bows and started shooting 35lb limbs 16 days after surgery. I also lift weights quite a bit and everyone is different. I would follow what the PT & MD tell you, and listen to your body as well. There should be pain and soreness that goes away after the workout. If it stays constant you are doing to much. Be smart and good luck.

[Friend]

Once relased from your physican, you may consider practise drawing a low poundage Genesis. Crank it all the way down to start. You may wish to do sets of 10 for 5 sets. Then the next day increase the tension by going one round if you are ready. Continue this process until you have maxed the bow.

Note: Once you feel the 1st bit of pain then stop for that day and and back off a round on the next day. Also, be sure you are using the correct muscles to draw. Please run this by your physical therapist or doctor before trying.

[smokin joe]

I had a similar surgery in August and also back in 1988. In all I have had 4 discs removed from my neck. This time the doctor put a steel bar and screws in to hold everything in place and if I did not have the steel I would not be able to shoot for about 6 months.

I just got a 6 week check up and I am cleared to do what my muscles can manage. I have lost a lot of strength, but I was pretty fit before I ruptured the latest disc so it isn't too bad. I am shooting again and will be hunting by the 15th of October.

Take your time -- I know that you don't want to hear that. You will get your strength back completely if you build up slowly. A rowing machine will get those upper back and shoulders in shape fast with very little danger of injury. Trying to do too much weight too quickly could have bad consequences.

Best of luck to you.
Joe

[KPaul]

Get clearance from your surgeon.He knows your particular situation the best.metal bars ,screws and plates can break.they are only there to provide support while the bone heals.

[mambashooter]

Just recovering from a broken arm at the left wrist. Compound break. Has a metal plate inserted.Occurred on Father's Day. Just this last week I started shooting my 50 lb recurve. Not getting it completely all the way back but almost there. I shoot about 30 arrows a day for now. Shooting pretty good, but it swells at night.Also recovering from "frozen shoulder" at the same time. Y just takes time. I am 64 years old...think I will make it back.Good luck. Just take it slow.  

[Bowwild]

I've never had surgery for the shoulder, arm, or back. However, in December 2008 I tore a tendon 50% loose in my drawing shoulder. I had to resort to band exercises (3 different ones)  using very light weights but 50 repetitions. I did this from January 2009 through August 1st.  Under doctors orders I was to take only 2 shots per MONTH from a 20 pound Genesis compound (no let-off).

 I was EXTREMELY skeptical of the value of this procedure as the shoulder pain persisted through mid-July and then one day it was simply gone.  This was one of the few times in my life I've been smart enough to follow the doctors orders.  He motivated me by telling me if the rehab didn't work (strengthen the rotator cuff muscles) surgery would be my only alternative and he couldn't guarantee me that I would EVER shoot a bow again if surgery was required.  

When the pain was gone and the doctor said ok, I went immediately to a 59# compound bow (my return to traditional was set back a year due to this injury).  I started my return to traditional in December 2009.

By the way, I hurt the shoulder carrying too much awkward weight (lumber) on my shoulder.

[crotch horn]

BTW I sold all of my 60+ lb bows after the surgery. I could still shoot them but my shoulder really hurt after. I knew I would not leave them alone so I took the temptation away. My first custom made LB killed a cow elk this year for someone else! Better than hanging on the wall at my house.

[Clay Hills Bill]

Thanks so much for all your inputs! The PY guy says to do the same things that you all stated so that is encouraging.  

I will take it slow and get out there once I think I can take an ethical shot again.

It is great to know that you have bounced back.  Archery season is almost a month old down here in Georgia, but hopefully I will make it out later.  If not I will take the old smoke pole and return to the bow next season.

Thanks again for sharing your experiences.

Bill

[Hud]

Ask the Doc or PT about stretch bands for exercises. It amazing what you can accomplish with the right professional help. Don't go it alone.

[YORNOC]

When you get back to shooting a lightweight bow, try and get your hands on a 1960's to 1970's  68" target bow. Can be a piece of junk, you don't even have to shoot it. Just work on getting form and strength back. They usually came nice and light, and the LONG limbs are very forgiving to an injury like yours.
The compound is a bad idea, because of the sudden change in resistance as you peak on the wheels.

[sstewa]

I've had shoulder and neck surgery and quit shooting for almost 8 years before starting again this last year.  What a mistake!  I'll never get those years back.  Listen to your MD & PT and start shooting again, but don't push it.