Shoulder injury

[Mike Vines]

Man was I ever suprised today when I took my youngest and a good friend with me to go do some shooting. You see I injured my right shoulder 2 months ago, and finally went to the doctor after 6 weeks of pain.  She told me I tore some tendons that connect my muscles.  I have been having trouble drawing my bow, but I just limited my activity so as not get any bad habits started.

Well today, I pulled up my bow for the first shot, and I couldn't even pull my bow back 6"  I was floored.  I let down, and tried again with the same results.  My longbow is 57# @ 28", so I borrowed a 45# Kodiak Hunter and got a couple shots off with that one, but once I got home, I was finding it difficult to get to anchor with that one.

I just wanted to share with you my pain, and to hopefully motivate someone that injures themselves, to seek help sooner than I did.  Believe me, you don't want to find out you can't draw your own bow.  It's a humbling experience.

[Norminator]

You know I have shoulder problems like a whole bunch
Of guys on this web sight. Seems to me that all us
He-men are trying to shoot weight we don't need
when 45 pounds would do.

[heydeerman]

Broke my left shoulder a few years back in a motorcycle accident. I nursed it and didnt even try to draw a bow for months. I knew I could hurt it worse if it wasnt ready. I started back with a 20 pound fiberglass bow and shot it very conservatively for about a month. I then worked up to a 40 pounder and was able to hunt with that the last couple weeks of the season that year. It is not worth it to push it. Put the bow away for a few weeks and nurse  the shoulder. Get a light weight bow and plan on shooting and possibly hunting with it this season. If you play your cards right you will be good as new sooner.

[Cookus]

I'm wishing you the best and a quick recovery my friend!  It's terrible getting old ain't it?  

[Mike Vines]

Originally posted by Cookus:
I'm wishing you the best and a quick recovery my friend!  It's terrible getting old ain't it?      

You ain't Chitin.

[owlbait]

Hey Mike, the doc just told me I have bursitis in my shoulder. Said to put heat on it for 10 minutes before shooting and an anti-inflammatory. Then alternate heat and ice after shooting. Seems to help. Good luck.

[Mike Vines]

been on an anti-inflammatory for 2 weeks, and still can't roll over on my right side.  I have to go in for a recheck in 4 weeks, and if not better then off to a specialist.

Got the heating pad on it right now.

[Razorbak]

I just had a total SLAP surgery on my shoulder and then some just a week ago...all from a work injury I had in jan 2010...couldnt do anything until last week on my shoulder due to other serious injuries...in a cast/sling for 5 more weeks then more PT (already been doing PT since day after surgery) for minumum of 6 months so take it easy and do what Dr. tells or reccomend before you get like me then you still wont be able to shoot and then you spend even more time on the TG site wishing you could do what ever body is doing...telling you it gets very frustrated....get a mri done...its possible to dislocate your rotater cuff and pop back in and tear your laberun all at the same time and not know it happen...get all the test if possible..will save you all the frustration in long run...my big goal this year is to hopefully hunt and shoot a bow and modify my cane so i can walk and get around in the woods....good luck

[Hud]

It is too easy to overlook the early signs of problems with the rotator cuff. Problems develop with age when the arm bone rubs in the socket.

You may feel it when you raise your arm, above your shoulder, or lay on it when sleeping. At first the pain is hardly noticeable, but it gradually gets worse, until their is a tear in the rotator cuff. At that point, it usually means surgery and an extended rehab program.

Don't ignore the early signs, get to a doctor for diagnosis and treatment. In my case, the doc referred me to a physical therapist, and he showed me some simple exercises to strength the rotator cuff muscles, and after about five months, I was able to shoot pain free.

Ignoring the pain is not the solution. Self diagnosis is not the answer either, get help.

[magnus]

Mike take it easy let it rest and heal. More time for arrow making. Still enjoy shooting with the kids! You just get to work the launcher that's all. Prayers for a speedy recovery my friend!

[KyStickbow]

Those shoulder problems arent fun...but giving it a little rest and working your way back up slowly will do wonders. U will be back to normal in no time. I wish u the best!!

[Night Wing]

Torn tendons usually don't heal by themselves. I think you'll have to have them surgically repaired by an orthopedic surgeon.

[Mudd]

Mike I am so sorry to read about your shoulder.

I got your back buddy and will be speaking to "The Great Healer" on your behalf.

Do what the drs tell you and I will be praying for a swift and complete recovery.

God bless,Mudd

[Mike Vines]

The ironic part of the whole thing is that I was at the gym trying to get in better shape so I would be able to shoot better and more confidently.  Sammy Hagar came on the radio, and I thought I was stronger than I actually am, now I am paying the price.

[LONGSTYKES]

Mike, I feel for you. Have the Docs do their best. Had shoulder surgery 3 years ago. Torn Rotator, bone spurs and torn Biceps tendon. What we do to ourselves. Healed for 6 months and started slowly. Went very well, started at 30# @ 28. Have been shooting between 57#  @ 27" (my draw length) and 45# @ 27". Before injury and surgery, I shot a Skookum  LB 75# @ 28".  Only problem I have had is over shooting, to many arrows. I was down for 3 weeks and had to work up again, find your limits. Take her slow Mike and good luck. Praying for you.

[Bowmag]

Mike, that sounds about like what I had. Doc put in a couple of screws to tie the tendons down while they healed and hopefully grew back to the bone. It took quite a while, well over a year, before I was able to start gaining any appreciable strength in my left arm. It took much longer before I could really start to shoot again. Then I snapped a bicep tendon in the other arm so I got more rest for the shoulder while that surgery healed. I'm gradually creeping up in bow weight to where I was before. Whether you have surgery or not, listen to your physical therapist and follow their directions. I had a really good one and he kept me on track for recovery. Good luck with it and don't get discouraged. It can be a tough recovery.

[Mudd]

Mike I forgot to tell you that there is most definitely light at the other end of the tunnel.

I had a motorcycle accident that tore two muscles into and broke two tendons where they attach to the bone.

I couldn't even lift my arm to brush my teeth or feed myself. I learned I could do a lot of stuff left handed..lol

They were able to sew the muscles back together and reattach the tendons. I was back to shooting a lighter weight bow a little sooner than my dr preferred..lol

I am living proof that there is hope.

God bless,Mudd

[Mike Vines]

Just made appointment with orthopedic surgeon for tomorrow to see what the problem really is.  Right now, I am not to happy with my normal doctor.  She gave me a 30 day supply of pills and said come back, and I don't see it getting any better.  If anything it got worse.

[BUFF]

get it looked at and get well soon

[Mike Vines]

Originally posted by BUFF:
get it looked at and get well soon

Have no fear Marty, we will be there come he'll or high water.