Shoulder surgery...when we’re you able to shoot again?

[Blue Ridge Rifleman]

In January of this year I had a repair of a complete tear of the supraspinatus along with repair of a "SLAP" tear (superior labrum anterior posterior), tedonesis of long head biceps tendon, and ground down bone spurs. For four months, it was passive range of motion, no lifting anything heavier than a coffee cup. Next week I go through the same for my right (dominant) shoulder. Key takeaway, do not rush back to work, do not rush the PT, it takes a long time for the rotator cuff tendons to heal... do not rush it!!

 

[keithcandler]

The best shoulder surgeon I found does not prescribe any kind of pain killers...if you hurt, you will not re injure yourself!

 

[26Reload]

Well...my surgeon gave me a prescription for pain pills....didnt ever take any other than one before PT.....as he instructed....
Other than that....a few anti-viagra.....you know...the blue pill...ibuprofen...to keep the swelling down.....
Other than that....sleeping in a recliner... preferably an electric one.....shoulder ice pump.....
I have more pains in my wrist from severe carpal tunnal than anything else......but that's another story...

 

[Country Bumpkin]

After 35 years of competatve tournament archery and bow hunting Arthritis with severe joint degeneration and Impingement pain led me to a total shoulder replacement 18 months ago. I was back shooting (bench) as soon as the stitches came out in weeks not months. In fact I started shooting before beginning physical therapy. I had pain and weakness that affected me primarily in two areas; cycling the bolt hurt a lot (still does) and I still have strength issues....I only recovered 50% of my strength and some moves/ motions I can't do at all. I often have to reach over and unlock the bolt with my left hand. The second big impact affects my CCW. I had to change my holster location. I cannot draw a pistol from behind my hip. Shoulder will not function at that angle. I had to change to the 3 o'clock position with a smaller lighter pistol. Lastly, I can't shoot my bow anymore. I moved to a 25# long bow but that's a long road too. If I knew it was going to be this bad, I would NOT have had the surgery. The price I paid was not worth it.

Oh man, it's accounts like this that scare the snot out of me. I've only been dealing with the pain for 7 years (3 years apart, broken collar bone and scapula that misaligned everything, then I separated that same shoulder with tears. I've still been able to shoot my bow (with pain), until two weeks ago. I picked up a cobble rock and something went rrrscrscgrrpppp.... within minutes I couldn't get my arm over my shoulder. How can I get an injury from such a ridiculous action... I'm an incredibly active guy in very good health.
Tried to shoot my bow two days later... no dice. I'm giving it a month before I try again. Trying not to panic ... archery season is coming right up. Surgery is the LAST thing I want to consider, I've been getting by without it all these years.

 

[Muddyboots]

CB: I pushed mine off too long and paid the price of tearing it up more. Don't let these accounts deter you from getting it done. My shoulder has NEVER felt this good since I had surgery. The total relief and ability to do small menial tasks that was impossible before go by virtually unnoticed. I killed a really nice buck 2 weeks before my surgery and I have no clue how I got the bow back and almost did not make it. The pain was excruciating but somehow it got back. Luckily short shot of maybe 15 yards. My son had to come and help me recover the deer out of a ditch since my shoulder hurt so bad I couldn't even lift bow case back into truck from ground. I am now shooting a bow completely pain free now is something I hadn't done in maybe 10+ years and is a joy to shoot now. The PT is where you "make or break" going forward and takes real commitment to finish it off the right way. I looked at it that I went through the surgery so I might as well make it as close to 100% as I can on my end. Shoulder surgery can make huge quality of life difference for you and highly recommend you consider going through it ASAP.

Take the time to really talk to your surgeon on what your after surgery expectations are after full recovery and don't mince words. My surgeon was a woman that became familiar with bowhunters needs and understood what I wanted as a repair going forward. She didn't mine words with me either which is exactly what you want from your surgeon. Shoulder surgery should be a collaboration between patient and surgeon on expectation so be frank and honest about everything you wish to do post surgery and hopefully you have a surgeon that will be open and honest back. If not, get another surgeon that will. They are body mechanics so just get another one that will listen and be honest with you.

 

[J E Custom]

Well I've been trying to put of my shoulder surgery but the sleepless nights are too much and they have an opening so I'm getting surgery next week. Fixing a labrum tear and a partial rotator cuff tear. The doctor says I'll be in a sling for 3-5 weeks and then physical therapy after that for a few months. He indicated that the impact of a rifle should likely be ok in a few months. Just curious what time you guys had to wait. Also, I'm considering shooting with my opposite hand. He said that should be fine once I'm out of the sling since your forehand does not really get any impact.

Several years ago, I took a fall hunting in Colorado and wrecked my right shoulder and had to have immediate surgery. My prognosis was worse and the time was 4 to 6 months before I could shoot or lift anything over 10 pounds. I was a dedicated bow hunter and rifleman and this came as very bad news.

The reason I am telling you this is that with physical therapy and perseverance that all changed. Instead of regaining 70 to 80% I am at 98+% use and function. For a while I shot left handed with my rifles set up as they were and did not wan't to change anything. Bow hunting however is still difficult at the weights I was use to shooting.

Don't know how old you are but you can heal, and hopefully back to 100%. I was older and we seniors heal slower. Be hard headed and don't give up and you will be fine. It will take what it takes.

Good luck and hang in there.

J E CUSTOM