Can grip design help alleviate joint issues?

[buckeye_hunter]

I used to shoot a longbow with a flat style grip. While shooting it I developed tendonitis in my elbow. I noticed since I started shooting a recurve with a medium/high grip, my elbow tendonitis issues are gone. This is without physical therapy or anything else. It seems like a more ergonomic or "natural" hand position.

Any input or anyone else notice this?

-Charlie

[Jmatt1957]

Charlie  I also have (had) tendonitis in my elbow of my bow arm. I have always been a recurve shooter. I switched to a long bow and saw no difference. Ended up getting a quartizone shot, also was taking 600mg ibprofin a day for about 2 weeks. That was a month ago no problems since wish I would have gone to the Dr. a year ago.   Jim

[Elk whisperer]

In my experience the grip matters. My elbow hurts with a straight grip and is relieved with a locator grip.

[Bill Carlsen]

For those of you who have similar problems there is a new treatment for tennis elbow....PRP treatment. The link is to an article which I believe is in the NY times. May be worth it to see if it is available in your area.

 http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/17/sports/17blood.html?_r=1&scp=2&sq=prp&st=cse

[buckeye_hunter]

Great article! I'll have to keep an eye out for this.

Thanks,
-Charlie

[James Wrenn]

Yes grip matters.That is why there are so many replacment grips for ilf risers.Find what works for you and it will help you stay pain free.

[Don Stokes]

It affects my shoulder muscles. For me, the grip definitely makes a difference.

[GINKSTER]

It matters to me. I can't shoot low or high grips. It kills my elbow and wrist if I shoot more than 40 or 50 arrows in a short period so I shoot the medium grips on all my bows.

[buckeye_hunter]

I'm honestly suprised by the answers. I thought you guys might think I was crazy.

[PAPA BEAR]

i shoot low grips i'm done pretty rapidly.high grips i am fine no hand or elbow pain at all.

[hockey7]

-I have had to stop shooting for almost a year because of elbow tendonitus. Couldn't even turn a doorknob,use a hammer, screwdriver, hold a coffee cup. I found a high grip, like my Widow PSA takes the strain off those ligaments attached to the elbow. A low grip stretches the ligaments tighter, and any shock is transmitted directly to the elbow. When in pain...ice,ice, and more ice.

[ranger 3]

Size does mater (LOL)

[BobCo 1965]

Yes. I also develope tennis elbow if I shoot my straight limbed longbows too often. When I go back to recurve, the problem goes away.

FWIW I sold most of the bows that give my elbow problems except for a few collector bows.

[Orion]

Buckeye:  I agree with others that grip can make a difference.  You also introduced another factor into the equation though.  You went from a physically lighter longbow to a physically heavier recurve (due to the larger riser and limbs in the recurve).  The heavier recurve absorbs more of the bow's excess energy, which means less of that energy travels up your arm at the shot.  A recurve's design vis-a-vis a standard longbow also tends to reduce hand shock more.  Though there are exceptions, less hand shock is one of the advantages of a recurve over a longbow, regardless of grip style.  

[wollelybugger]

Drop down in weight and see if your elbow still bothers you. I dropped from a 55 to a 45 pound bow and my elbow problems disappeared.

[30coupe]

I agree with Orion, sort of. I don't think the physical weight of the bow is as much of a factor as the hand shock. My Kanatis have zero hand shock, medium grips, and cause no joint problems. My old Mahaska with a locator grip (medium/low) weighs nearly the same, slightly more, and more yet with a bow quiver, yet until I changed from B50 to D97 skinny padded string, it was pretty shocky. My elbow suffered. So, I don't necessarily think the physical weight was the cause. I is also only 3# heavier than my Kanati in draw weight, so I doubt that is a factor. After changing to a skinny D97, I can shoot the Mahaska without pain, so I think hand shock is the major factor.

Since we are all built differently, my anecdotal evidence may not match yours or others. I do think the bow you shoot will make a difference in the amount of pain you experience, however.