Dupuytren's Contracture

[lbcagary]

Hello. I am new to this forum and expect to learn a lot here. I am 63 years old and have shot bows on and off for about 15 years, but have only been seriously trying to improve my accuracy for a few months. I suspect that my biggest obstacle right now is my release, and have been trying to invent a method to overcome a condition in my hands that prevents my flattening my palm. It's called dupuytren's contracture and is basically a thickening of the flexor tendon of the ring finger that results in that finger being unable to straighten beyond a bend of approximately 45 degrees. When I draw a bowstring, most of the pressure is on that fingertip, and when I relax the fingers to release the string the ring finger kind of hangs up momentarily. At least that's what I think is happening. I have considered using a mechanical release aid to overcome the problem, but don't really want to complicate my archery if I can compensate in some other way. I just thought I would ask here if anyone else has experience with Dupuytren's and working around it. As it is, I shoot cross-eye dominant but believe I can still learn to shoot accurately with enough practice. The hand problem makes consistancy of release difficult. I have tried using only the fore and middle finger, but it's pretty uncomfortable with a 45 lb. bow. Also, they don't completely straighten either, mostly in sympathy with the ring finger. Thanks for reading, Gary Hastings

[moebow]

Gary,

These are more questions than suggestions.  You say that just using two fingers but that it is uncomfortable.  Are you using a deep hook?  If a 3 fingered release is done correctly there should be only about 10% of the string weight on the ring finger -- so not using the ring finger shouldn't increase stress on the index and middle significantly.  The real use of the ring finger is for hand/string alignment not for increased strength.

Second, since you mention cross dominance with your vision, have you considered switching to the other side? Presuming the condition doesn't exist in your hand there?

If none of these are options, using a mechanical release really won't "complicate" yours shot and will keep you shooting.

If pressed for a recommendation based on what you have posted, I'd suggest switching to left if you are currently right handed or vice versa.

Arne

[lbcagary]

Arne,

I just watched your "release tips" video. Actually, with me, the string is more like on an angle: index finger, between first and second joint, middle finger, in the joint, and ring finger, string is on the pad, causing a callous. I will try hooking the string with all three joints and lowering my elbow. The condition exists equally in both hands, so I won't be switching to leftie to solve the problem. I do shoot left handed occasionally, but always return to right handed because it feels natural to me and left handed just feels weird. Thanks, Gary

[JMR]

I've never tried this but I have seen videos of people shooting with a thumb ring. There was also a thread on Tradgang about using a leather strap type of release aid. I think Mudd posted it.

[halfseminole]

I shoot with a thumb ring.  My hands were crushed in an accident, and I don't have full use of some fingers.  Ishi shot the same way, without a ring (which is what I do about 50% of the time, having learned from abo shooters almost exclusively at first.)  If you do, a loop on the bowstring will prevent the roll from the ring, though I can often release properly from a bare grip without complicating the string.  That's only with practice though.  The loop is a great tool, honestly.  There's a nice little webpage set up about it I think from PrimitiveWays, it's definitely worth a shot.  My damage is very similar at times, though my hands tend to claw up fiercely due to major nerve damage.