Shoulder pain

[shirikahn]

I usually just respond to posts on here and don't chime in much with my own threads but I'm kind of at a loss.  Attempting to get ready for the year (practicing both shooting and form drawing) with my recurve and I'm beginning to show shaking in my bow arm and general pain and discomfort in my drawing shoulder.  Now keep in mind that when I got my bow I was able to draw and hold just fine, but only for 10-15 pulls (I just accredited this to not shooting in years).  But the last month or so I am showing either a loss of strength or just general fatigue...it's got me spooked.  Last thing I need is an injury after being out of traditional bow hunting for far too long.  Does anyone have any exercises or techniques that could help?   My bow is a Bonner...56 inch, 57 lbs @ 28. (its the one I won on giveaways some time ago, and I simply cannot afford another) I draw right at 27.  I'm beginning to wonder if I just need to drop down in weight, although I'd hate to.  Any and all advice would be greatly appreciated.

[Norminator]

My hunting bows are 55# but I mostly shoot a 45# all winter.
I believe that once you hit 50 pounds you really start snapping those old muscles.

[njloco]

Google Indian clubs and try working out with kettlebells or some other strength training.

[Keith Langford]

I have been fighting a really bad bow arm shoulder,left, since September.Tried cortisone, and laying off the bow and anything else physical. started working out in the middle of febr. and started shooting this past Saturday, just a few arrows each day, it is getting better but I will not push it. It still pops when I do the chicken wing move over my head. My advice is see a doctor and follow his advice.

[achigan]

^^X2. I've had both rotator cuffs rebuilt, and am better for it. See a professional and follow their advice. I know guys who just needed a physical therapist to teach them stretching and strengthening exercises, no surgery needed. Good luck with it. Dnon't over do.

[-snypershot317-]

this is actually an interesting thread. i say this because i also am struggling with shoulder pains and a popping shoulder..i usually shoot 55# also but this shoulder pain is probably going to make me also drop in weight...and i am only 23..im hoping to go to the doc soon to see just how bad it is or if its still just sore from when i bruised my clavicle about a month ago...im with the others on seek a doctor and follow his advice for that is what i am doing...good luck and hope its nothing too serious.

[atatarpm]

I have had these problems and will tell you what I have done so far.  1. GNC's Triflex taken as directed.  2.  Lay on the bed or some other furniture on my side with my ribcage half way off suporting myself with one arm striate out to the floor. Starting with a light weight I draw the weight up just like I am drawing my bow. Then I switch sides and do it again. Without straining myself. Every other day. 3. I stayed off of my bows for two months. Then started my bows again but not over doing it. First two or three shots then five or six taking my time to work into them again.

[Bonebuster]

See a doctor.

Calcium deposits in the joint can cause a lot of pain.

REGULAR excersize can prevent much of the pain that we deal with.

[mpauls]

I'm 25 and have been experiencing the same thing this winter. I'm guessing it was because I hung up the bows for 2 months after season and then went right to shooting 60 arrows a day. I bought another bow at 45lbs versus the 53 I was shooting but I think it's already too late. I'm not sure I could hang up again for a while without going into withdrawal.

[Mojostick]

Yup, see a doctor and possibly get an MRI if the pain is to that point. You may just need PT.

[Ssamac]

Sorry to hear that. Bummer when you like to shoot
Had similar problem

1. Stop shooting if it hurts. Just make it worse.
2. This could be a mechanical problem. Have someone observe your technique that knows how to shoot. It's hard to observe yourself. Normally pulling a bow would not hurt you but if you're doing something wrong you'll really mess up.
3. The weakness sounds like a pinched nerve. Something pressing on a nerve. I had similar in my right arm last year from using a computer. I'm on it all day for work. Physical therapy and making some changes to my desk setup did the trick. Guys above are right on. I still do some exercises to keep up strength and flexibility. Part of my PT was getting back to shooting the bow btw.
5. See a doctor. My arm was numb from my fingers up to my elbow. It was a pinched nerve in my neck. Go figure. So see a doctor. It may be the way you're shooting is hurting your neck. Find out and get help
6. Painkillers -- if you can't sleep maybe but taking pain pills and shooting anyway is just covering up the pain and doing more damage. Don't do that.
7. reduce weight -- maybe someone will trade with you. 57# is not super heavy but heavy enough to cause problems. If it's more than you should pull then it's too heavy. The draw is what you can handle not someone else.

And good luck and be patient.

sam

[BCWV]

I agree with the above post. I know you don't want and can't afford a lighter bow but you can't afford to injure yourself further either.

 Due to older age and broken bones when I was younger, I've resigned myself to shooting 45# at my draw and enjoy shooting much more now.

 Good luck.

[chase perry]

Something for guys to bear in mind that shoot often; removing arrows from your target can also result in shoulder pain and soreness.  This is especially true when shooting into a new target, as the arrows require more awkward tugging to get out.  This is very much the case when you have an open layer target sitting on the ground and you lean over while standing to remove arrows.  Bend your knees and get more level with the arrows so that you're pulling horizontally out of the layers instead of up against them.  We shoot methodically, using proper form, then try and yank the arrows out of the target unwittingly putting a lot of stress on the same muscles we depend on to draw our bows.  If you're a right handed shooter you probably remove your arrows from the target with your right hand?  Start using your left to reduce the demands of your shooting sessions.  

Best Regards, Chase

[Bob Moran]

I'm going through the same thing. I injured my left (bow) shoulder 5 months ago. I tried to just baby it, but finally went to my doc. Had an MRI

[Bob Moran]

Continued!
and have started PT. The exercises that they have me doing I initially thought were a joke - 1 lb wts! That was until I started doing them! Therapist said it will be several weeks before I see improvement.

Get some professional advice and don't worry about the macho crap. I've dropped back from 47# to 38# and just a couple of arrows a night; working on form.