Another shoulder injury thread…
General Topic
So, about three weeks ago I got hit, after another truck in front of me lost control in the rain. The fella hit the cement barrier and I tried going to the far inside lane to avoid him. To no avail, he slammed into the side of my truck, totaling it.
Along with having my hunting/daily commute truck destroyed, I now have a 50% tear in the largest muscle/tendon that connects to the rotator cuff. Going to see a orthopedic specialist in the next few days to see about my options.
My question to you guys, can this be repaired by rehabilitation and PT? Have you had this happen, if so, what was your route to get back to 100% or close to it?
It’s not all doom and gloom although, Lana and I hit the Oklahoma elk lottery by both pulling coveted tags at the Wichita mountains NWR. She got a cow tag, I got a bull tag. She had 15 points and I had 25 points. The odds of both of us drawing were quite low. We’re excited. ;)
Praying for a speedy recovery Rick!!!!
Good luck Rick. Mine was surgery. New injuries heal better then fixing old. That’s what I was told. I waited several years. Had it fixed finally. Was a good year till full recovery but worth it. Listen to your doc.
I think I’d wait and see what the orthopedic specialist has to say, first. Could be any number of things. Hopefully it’s something that can be rehabbed with just PT.
Congrats on drawing the elk tags!! I gave up on ever hoping to draw one years ago.
Thanks fellas. Troy, that’s exactly what I’m waiting for and hopefully this will give me options after meeting with the specialist. Hoping I can strengthen and rehab it with therapy instead of going surgery route. We will see.
Rotator cuff injuries can take over 6 months to heal, if they're going to heal. Mine healed on its own, but wasn't as traumatic as yours sounds. Keep in mind, orthopedic surgeons make their millions on surgery.
Dang man, Injuries suck.
Congrats on the 2 elk tags!
Keep the Faith,
Robb
On May 31 I came down hard on my left shoulder...unable to catch myself. I felt a "crunch" and it's still hurting, but not as bad. I have an appt. with an orthopedic doctor the 27th and will go from there. Good luck to you.
Go look for a doctor that will give you Platelet rich injection treatment. Typically sports surgeons will be your first choice. If it’s not a ligament, and just a muscle or tendon, you’ll be on your way to healing much faster.
Glad you’re ok Rick! And I hope you have a quick recovery. Two OK Elk tags, that’s awesome!
Rick, I don't have any medical advice to offer but I will give you prayers and well wishes for a full and speedy recovery.
That is awesome that Lana and yourself both drew elk tags! I'll be looking forward to a hunt recap with some great pics.
Congrats on those tags, Rick!
X2 on Platelets (PRP), either as a supplement to surgery if absolutely necessary, or just platelet injection with physical therapy.
I had 3 tears confirmed by MRI (rotator cuff, superior biceps tendon, and labrum). My Sports Med MD hit two of them with PRP back in 2019, and I have had no pain or problems ever since.
Kinda works like "poor man's stem cell"...initiates the body's own healing cascade.
Shoulders are so complex it's tough to compare injuries and treatments. But best of luck on the recovery.
Big congrats on the Oklahoma elk tags! Two tags in one family is a bonus for Oklahoma. At least that's a rifle hunt!
Its a complex injury, best decided by medical personnel,,,,, My wife had rotator cup surgery.... Done in Wis, by the Doctor, that does the Brewers repairs,,,,,, Excellent job,,,, it was done in May,,,,,, very painful recovery at first,,,,,, I also had to learn the exercises do help her with, even during her rehab,,,, I went to classes for that, by her rehab,,,,,
This continued for the rest of the year,,,,,,, by Sept, it was easier on her, and by Dec, she was s 100 percent..... That was 3 years ago, and she has not looked back,,,,,
That is how long her recovery was,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, good luck
No ideas on the shoulder but congrats on the tags. The odds of drawing those bull tags is worse than drawing the best tag in NM. To draw a bull and cow has to be astronomical. You guys will be eating good in 2022.
First, glad to hear you made it out of that accident with just a shoulder injury.
I had mine repaired last year. Three tears, bone spurs, and they had to cut and reattach by bicep tendon through my armpit. Three anchors installed.
Follow PT instructions and don't go too fast.
I decide to throw in a motorcycle accident with 11 broken bones a few months after my surgery also. I was able to bow hunt and shoot a doe. Could've got to shooting form quicker without the accident and I was too stubborn to turn the bow down.
Listen to PT and go slow!
LINK... around 1 in 400 for the bull tag, according to the 2021 odds. All combined, the odds are around 1 in 100. Now I feel like the guys that pick up a trad bow for the first time to go on the Big Mac traditional hunt. Largest caliber I have is a .243, might need to borrow a gun. At least I know how to shoot a rifle. :)
Also... thanks for the tidbits of info regarding the shoulder. I should be seeing my specialist in the next few days. I'll heed the advice given.
I waited years trying to rehab my torn rotator cuff and pt. Finally gave in and had surgery to repair. I wish I had went for the surgery now first. 9 months post I went elk hunting with 50 pound limbs on compound. I also had a tear in cartilage and my bicep tendon was partially torn.
Damn buddy, didn't see this..Keep posted for sure!
What Blood said.
I let my left shoulder go with two irreparable tendon tears. I then tore my right rotator cuff and opted for PRP. Complete relief. That was 5 years ago and it has just started bothering me again. I am going to get another round of injections ASAP.
Prayers for a speedy recovery and I'm glad it wasn't worse for you.
I had bone spur surgery 6 yrs ago. I do remember my Dr saying it's better to go ahead and get it taking care of instead of waiting.
What Blood says does ring true. A fireman buddy of ours was telling my wife about that. That could definitely be an option. Honestly, I still think I could pull back a 65 lb bow. It’s when I try to lift my arm straight out and above my shoulder/neck height, that it hurts. Plus there’s a dull, constant pain, in that area. About in the 3-4 pain scale range. Not continuously throbbing, I just know it’s there.
I have had 4 shoulder surgeries. 3 times on right and once on the left. First surgery did not work out on the right and the next surgeon fixed it in two stages. Both have had a lot of archery pulls since 2000. My only advice would be to search out the best surgeon you can find if it comes to that. They are not all created equal. I live in Maryland now and would fly back the Cali if I needed shoulder surgery again.
I tore my left several years ago playing Hockey and was not sure what the problem was for a few months. It got a little better but still had pain and limited movement when lifting the arm. After a short break I was back playing Hockey and finally went to see a surgeon, he had a fit when I told him I was still playing and made me quit. But also told me I could continue shooting my Bow if it did not hurt too much. So I stalled off surgery until early December which was after Bow season. They told me I would not be shooting for 12 weeks after surgery, Got kicked out of PT early as I was doing so well then got the OK to start shooting again after 10 weeks. Shoulder is stronger than ever now.
I dont know if platelet rich plasma shots are an option for you or not. You could ask. I tore the rcl in my elbow and went with prp instead of surgery. Im glad i did.
It still takes time and pt to heal but speeds up the process.
Gonna look into the PRP injections for my shoulder…..had it fixed in 2008 and it’s never been the same. Derailed a lot of baseball dreams due to that injury. Rotator cuff had 6 years almost complete in 2 spots, labrum was torn completely. To this day I can’t throw half of how I could before….
Well, after much thought and deliberation, and consulting with multiple surgeons, I had the surgery done yesterday. Apparently the tear was greater than 50% and along with the constant pain, it made the decision easier. I guess the clock is ticking now. I'll be hunting this fall, even if I have to find a left handed bow and pull with my teeth. :)
Good luck! Do your PT religiously and don't ever do more than your doctor or PT says. It will set you back further if you try and rush it.
Heal quickly and listen to the Doc’s…
Best wishes on a speedy recovery, Rick! Let me know if I can help you out in the left handed bow dept. Hopefully you’ve got good dental insurance! ;-)
You’ll do well Rick. Pt is your friend!
Troy... I'm serious too. I talked with a guy here at work today about the shoulder ordeal and his reply was, "get a crossbow". LOL! I told him to I'd rather find a left handed bow and draw with my teeth, like Dwight Schuh did at one point in his career. That would be MUCH more satisfying. Just need a short draw at about 45 lbs. :)
Thanks Quinn, Ike, and Ron, I'll definitely be on the PT train! Meanwhile, my little helper, Tater Tot, is helping me out.
No sling!? I feel like I was in mine forever. Heal quick!!!
Rick:. If it comes to shooting with your teeth there is a KBA member that has done that successfully for years. I am certain he would be willing to help. If you are interested in talking to him send me a PM and I can get you contact information.
Nick, I had just taken it off for a few minutes to "breathe". It has been the only time I've had it off. In fact, that's where I've been sleeping too. :)
Lee... I sure will, thanks!
I was serious, too, Rick. Unfortunately for your situation, the bows that I would happy to loan you, are all 70 lbs (hence the joke about having a good dentist) Plus probably much too long on the draw length, for your needs, as well. I admire your attitude towards wanting to still use a vertical bow vs resorting to a crossbow!
I'm glad it wasn't worse. Prayers for a speedy recovery.
I would get 2 opinions if possible. Better to deal with it as soon as possible.
Thanks, Troy! I'd bet with PT and being cautious, I'll be able to pull back adequate weight with my right handed bows by November. Heck, one of my lower poundage recurves will work just fine.
Clay... I certainly did get two doctors advice/opinions. The first said it was 50% and the second said it was greater than 60% in his opinion. So, I went with the second and I hope I made the right choice. No looking back now.
I had a bone spur on my left shoulder..glad I had the surgery..that was 6 yrs ago when I was 56. Mine probably wasn't as bad as a rotar cuff issue but I think you doin the right thing going ahead and getting it done
I had my surgery June 14th. Don't take your sling off and have your arm un-supported. Sleep in a recliner and burrito yourself in so you don't toss & turn. The more careful you are now, the sooner you'll get back. The first six weeks are key. It takes that long for the tendon to reattach itself.
I had what you had on my right arm 4 years ago. this time on my left, I also had labrum tear, biceps tenotomy and they ground off the end of my clavicle. You'll be drawing your bow before me probably this fall. I've got my daughters bow all set up at 40#.
Good luck. Ice is your friend.
The sling will be more comfortable once you can get a cotton t-shirt on instead of the button-ups. That was 7-10 days for me. Have someone slip that sleeve up your arm as far as it will go, then stretch the neck opening over your head. :)
good luck and speedy recovery
Rob, for sure on the sleeve. It's uncomfortable as all get out, but I'm doing as said. My wife scolded me after the above pic and told me to put it back on. I'll be able to take bandages off Friday and shower... I CANNOT WAIT! I'm going to do a cotton shirt as well.
Alas! A scolding from the wife that is probably deserved!
I have had two total shoulder replacements in the last 3 years. All my tendons and ligaments were good though I just had no cartilege left, bone on bone. i can tell you a lot depends on how good the surgeon is!! The doctors have to cut the sub scapularus so they can dislocate the shoulder to replace it. After the surgery the shoulder is actually ready to go but that major muscle must heal.. It is sewn back together different ways, so in some cases 5 months before shooting a bow. In my case the first time it was 8 weeks and I started light like 35 pounds and was shooting 60 by 12 weeks. The second time I was shooting 60#s 8 weeks later. You never said which part of the rotator was torn. I myself with my surgeon who is a bowhunter, i would always go with the repair unless he advised otherwise!! Shawn
It was the largest of the four, Shawn. I believe it was the Subscapularis.
Think I’ll be okay. 10 weeks removed from surgery.
Glad to see you are shooting again!!!
For the record, that is a 40 lb @ 28” curve and I was only drawing to about 26” or so. Definitely wasn’t pulling the entire 40#’s. Also it was only 10 yards. Baby steps.
Same way you eat an elephant. One bite at a time. Good luck in the recovery!
Good to hear the recovery is going well, Rick!
Continue the healing and the excellent shooting with that recurve!
Sorry I missed this thread earlier Rick but I like your attitude! Another old archer with a messed up shoulder here and 50lbs work fine for all my hunting. I believe old Ted Nuggent himself just does 50lbs so don't rush trying to pull more. Good luck to you and Lana and I will be looking forward to your hunt posts!
Old thread I know,,,but I'll bite. Had a bad motorcycle crash in my early 20s. Completely dislocated my right shoulder, broke by right wrist & broke 3 ribs on the right side. I've suffered with shoulder issues ever since,,, basically at age 62 now I have little shoulder pain but extremely limited range of motion.
Cold with no warm up , upper 30lb trad bows is all I can handle & although I still enjoy shooting trad bows, I'm currently hunting with a 50lb Oneida Phoenix.
2 years ago I blew out my ankle at work. After the mri's two different doctors it was determined I had 2 choices, a fused ankle or complete ankle replacement......I declined both......after 4 months of sitting on my ass on comp disability I was going insane,,, I made the decision to go back to work,,,, I suffer through the pain and don't regret my decisions.
