Rotator Cuff

I had RC surgery in Dec. 2019. The surgeon described the injury as "severe and irreparable", however the surgery was successful. Prior to the fix I could draw my bow, with some pain. After surgery (Sept. 2020) I could easily draw, but thet biggest problem I found is how weak I had become. The doctor emphasized avoiding any movement that could reinjure the shoulder, so other than PT, I didn't push it. As a result my overall physical condition declined and I'm still working to get back what I lost. My advice is to do the shoulder PT and add exercise that will maintain all other muscle groups during recovery.
 
I found after rehab the Bowtech SS had a much more comfortable draw cycle compared to many others.
Agreed! The type and design bow does make a big difference. I have an old Mathews signature. While it is old and slow, it is a lot more forgiving than my PSE Omen II. The Omen is so much faster but not very forgiving. Once drawn, it wants to go (70% let-off IIRC). However, because it is a faster bow set-up, I can drop from 62 lbs to 50 lbs, and it is still faster than my old bow. It's a compromise I can live with at the moment.
 
lifelong bowhunter, Both shoulders repaired after major falls over 3 year period. Doc was a bowhunter and after lots of PT, painful, I am shooting my 68# Mathews comfortably. Took an AK moose 2 years ago and a WY Bison this year. Caribou next fall in AK.
 
My wife just had shoulder surgery yesterday. In extreme layman's terms, it appears to suck a lot.

also, do orthopedic surgeons also struggle to say "shoulder surgery" without it coming out as "soldier surgery"?

being Wyoming it's not too uncommon, but doc is a hunter too. He said she should be back to shooting in a few months, bow may take time just for strength to bikes back up.
 
Had both shoulders rotator cuffs repaired in 2017. Both need another repair, with, for some reason, the left being the worse of the two. At 75 this is getting a bit old (pun intended). Not a bow hunter, more into firearms, but if I can convince the state of Utah that I am too damaged for a bow and can use a crossbow, I would like to give it a try in archery season.
 
One shoulder done in Feb 2020 and the other in June 2020. Actually feeling great, PT went great and feel I could pull 65 # But quite tentative mentally and the surgeon advised against it ?? I feel in a couple more monthsI will be 100 %
My bet is that your ortho is not a hunter, esp a bowhunter. Try to find an ortho who is, and get an informal consult.
I had rotator cuff surgery (at age 75) along with a biceps tendon repair in March 2020. 8 weeks later my ortho let me start PT, and 4 weeks after that I was allowed to pull my 60# bow. Surgery was on my string arm. It is going well, but I still workout with a trainer weekly, and exercise the shoulders 2 times a week on my own.
 
SO tomorrow I head in for MRI to give road map for treatment plan on right shoulder again. X-rays showed some issues that cannot be addressed with PT and not related to previous surgery in 2018. I may be on last legs with vertical bow but will do what is necessary to give me a chance to shoot vertical IF it is possible. The thought of not shooting a vertical bow dang near brings tears. I have a x-bow Bowtech Stryker 380 that shoots extremely well but there is absolutely nothing like the release of an arrow true to mark pass through that gives you this.
 

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My bet is that your ortho is not a hunter, esp a bowhunter. Try to find an ortho who is, and get an informal consult.
I had rotator cuff surgery (at age 75) along with a biceps tendon repair in March 2020. 8 weeks later my ortho let me start PT, and 4 weeks after that I was allowed to pull my 60# bow. Surgery was on my string arm. It is going well, but I still workout with a trainer weekly, and exercise the shoulders 2 times a week on my own.
Funny and true. When my wife went last month for shoulder surgery she asked the dr about shooting her rifle. Fortunately in Wyoming Eveyone hunts so of course the ortho was a hunter and had some good advice (mostly do your PT and don't push it until you're recovered).
 
Remember, You draw a bow with your back, not your arms. Let it heal and do your exercises. Then pull the weight down and start flinging arrows.
 
Disclosure, I am an Orthopedic Surgeon. One of my closest associates is a "Ivy League " shoulder specialist. I watch him daily do cool things to the shoulder. Age, severity of tear, occupation/ avocations, and general health all combine to make every patient unique.
I have a torn rotator cuff and I hunt with gun,occasionally with a bow and do hip and knee surgery every week. I did PT and no surgery twelve years ago. Still okay.
Point is, you are you, not a statistic. Establish a relationship with a surgeon of good repute and listen to the options. Make a slow deliberate decision. Get other opinions if necessary.
Good luck.
 
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