Traditional Archery Discussions on the Leatherwall


FRozen shoulder?

Messages posted to thread:
Ironfist 20-Jul-16
jjs 20-Jul-16
Rich 20-Jul-16
Ironfist 20-Jul-16
jimreed 20-Jul-16
LKH 20-Jul-16
Tradarcherychamp 20-Jul-16
Ironfist 20-Jul-16
Longcruise 20-Jul-16
blue monday 21-Jul-16
MichaelArnette 21-Jul-16
H Rhodes 21-Jul-16
Zman 21-Jul-16
Ironfist 21-Jul-16
TrapperKayak 21-Jul-16
George Tsoukalas 21-Jul-16
Rich 21-Jul-16
Linecutter 21-Jul-16
Jim 21-Jul-16
RymanCat 21-Jul-16
LKH 21-Jul-16
George Stamps 21-Jul-16
Quest 21-Jul-16
Ironfist 22-Jul-16
Ironfist 22-Jul-16
RymanCat 22-Jul-16
Ironfist 22-Jul-16
David Mitchell 22-Jul-16
Uncle Lijiah 22-Jul-16
dean 22-Jul-16
M.P. 22-Jul-16
twoblade 22-Jul-16
ron 22-Jul-16
LKH 23-Jul-16
RymanCat 23-Jul-16
Fireball Shooter 23-Jul-16
Paul 23-Jul-16
Ironfist 23-Jul-16
Jay B 23-Jul-16
Ironfist 16-Aug-16
David Mitchell 16-Aug-16
Ironfist 16-Aug-16
RymanCat 16-Aug-16
Ironfist 29-Aug-16
RymanCat 29-Aug-16
bownuts 29-Aug-16
Ironfist 29-Aug-16
RymanCat 29-Aug-16
Ironfist 30-Aug-16
RymanCat 30-Aug-16
Ironfist 30-Aug-16
Eric Krewson 31-Aug-16
From: Ironfist
Date: 20-Jul-16




I was diagnosed with Frozen shoulder just this week. I have never felt such pain and its in my bow arm. I had my first physio therapy session today and feel pretty sick about the whole situation. The Physio told me it would be nothing short of a Miracle to be shooting at the start of the season. There is hope.Hurts like the dickens. Anybody else have this condition?. I need some good vibes ....... John.

From: jjs
Date: 20-Jul-16




I had one back in 78 and ended up removing the distal joint (acromin process) and was down for about 6wks and back to full movement in 8wks,good to go. The procedure now days should be more evasive, what finally got me to do it I had several pheasants get up in front of me for a double and I couldn't get the double up and my hunting bud took them and rubbed my face in it, that was the last time that happen. Would suggest to get a BowTrainer for rehab well worth the $ to get you back in shooting shape, went through several rotators also and they really do put you down. Good hunting and good health.

From: Rich
Date: 20-Jul-16




Was diagnosed last year got the shot had all my muscles riped Free and while I'm doing do much better, I'm a I'll not back to my old bow shooting self. It sucks, getting fixed sooner sure beats waiting till later. Could barely use my frozen arm above shoulder height. Went to a shoot at height of problem, never did reach full draw. Good Luck. Finally back to full draw 14 months after onset.

From: Ironfist
Date: 20-Jul-16




Thanks guys I may have to sit this bow season out. Being almost 66 yrs old doesnt help but I will get there.

From: jimreed
Date: 20-Jul-16




I had it twice in the same shoulder . Once at age 35 and again at age 63. Both times it took over a year and a half to get back to normal. I thought I would have to give up archery at my age the last time but it did get better. I started shooting left handed for a while . It was easier to come back that way for some reason. But, now I'm back to shooting right handed.

From: LKH Compton's Traditional Bowhunters
Date: 20-Jul-16




Someone from the medical profession can correct me, but I think the best way to GET frozen shoulder is to have an injury and then baby it. Don't do the motion that hurts and pretty soon you can't.

Same for back injuries. Used to be they recommended rest, but now they say to keep moving.

From: Tradarcherychamp
Date: 20-Jul-16




LKH you are correct.

From: Ironfist
Date: 20-Jul-16




I am not resting this . I am going right at it. I have exercises to do at home and 2 visits to the clinic per week. I am not gonna lay down. If I miss the season then its not going to be from a lack of effort. It just sucks big time.

From: Longcruise
Date: 20-Jul-16




I had frozen shoulder that started to come on at the beginning of the season in 2011. It got worse and worse until by the end of the season it was a struggle to draw a 37# bow. Apparently it was an injury from sleeping on my left shoulder.

I lived with it for five months and finally listened to the wife and went to the doctor. He got me into PT and with six months of work it was pretty much cleared up.

You did the right thing getting right after it.

Hope you respond quickly and are back in the game soon.

From: blue monday Professional Bowhunters Society - Associate Member
Date: 21-Jul-16




I have it along with a rotator tear a laberal tear and an impingement. I had surgery 4 weeks ago and am doing P.T. You need to stretch it. It hurts like hell, but you need to keep working it. The more you sit idle the worse it will get. I couldn't reach overhead at all just before the surgery. I am shooting a 30# bow right now and plan on hunting this fall. Look up yoga stretches for the shoulders and it will get you started.

From: MichaelArnette
Date: 21-Jul-16




Have you looked into doing manipulation by a surgeon under anesthetic? Basically the surgeon manipulates weeks of therapy in minutes

From: H Rhodes
Date: 21-Jul-16




Yep, I agree with Holezone. Follow the doctor's and physical therapist's advice to the letter. The man asked for good vibes - I had torn rotator cuff and partial bicep tear a couple of years ago. I had surgery that June and therapy for about twelve weeks following that. By September I was beginning to shoot lightweight bows a little. October found me in the woods with a fifty pound bow again. I did exactly what they said and it got better quickly. Good luck to you. Find the best medical help you can, follow their instructions and you will be back flinging arrows in no time.

From: Zman Professional Bowhunters Society - Associate Member Compton's Traditional Bowhunters
Date: 21-Jul-16




I had it for a couple years. I went to an orthopedic doctor who gave me shots. Didn't do anything. Still hurt like crazy to shoot the first couple arrows and after it was fine as long as I kept shooting. If I stopped, I had to live thru the pain the first couple shots again.

My family doctor prescribed therapy. It worked in 6mos. I remember laying on the table and having my arm lifted up above my head. It felt like something tore and I rolled off the table. Whatever tore free helped a lot. No issues after that.

From: Ironfist
Date: 21-Jul-16




I am doing exactly what the physio tells me to do and its aggressive therapy.No Maverick stuff here. Thanks for the concern and for any of you out there with similar shoulder problems , my best to you all.

From: TrapperKayak
Date: 21-Jul-16




Never heard of it. I have an 2nd degree AC separation in my right shoulder (am rt handed) but luckily it has never really hurt except for the first 2 months after it happened. It does not any affect physical performance. Dr. said he would not operate on it to correct it, was not necessary and it would not be an injury that would become a problem most likely. He was right. That was in '90s. It does not hinder me. Not going to give you any advice, but I hope you get healed and pain-free soon.

From: George Tsoukalas
Date: 21-Jul-16




Ironfist, I pray you heal quickly. George

From: Rich
Date: 21-Jul-16




I never had a prior injury, anesthesia and manipulation sure beat waiting, but when the doctor told me it lasts 6 months to 2 years to heal naturally well see above. As another mentioned still stiffness for first couple shots now. Not having to think how I'm going to put on a shirt priceless.

From: Linecutter
Date: 21-Jul-16




One thing to try, is talk to your therapist and see if you can get a prescription for a home TENS unit. It isn't going to hurt you, but it can help with the pain without drugs. DANNY

From: Jim Compton's Traditional Bowhunters
Date: 21-Jul-16




Wow, I have never heard of this. Hope you recover soon.

From: RymanCat
Date: 21-Jul-16




Please tell us more I need to know. I have an issue myself a couple weeks ago was sitting at my desk working and this was 10 pm at night tried to get up I push off the desk and could not. My shoulder seemed locked also then the pain came on light a freight train hit me.

Was thinking don't tell me a stroke and I am paralized on that side? Let me see I took my right hand and grabed my left wist and lifted my arm it went up but really hurt. It would not go up on its own.

I'm freekin out now and praying took couple days till I could use it again but have the pain. haven't seen DR. yet but been thinking about it. Can't shoot is correct to hold form on bow arm its weak now.

Was wondering if atrafee is setting in also? Sucks for me getting older 63 YO. Thinking with nerve issues and maybe motorskill issues from diabettes? Who knows just that I'm falling apart it seems and trying to fight it all. Everyday is a challange any more.

From: LKH Compton's Traditional Bowhunters
Date: 21-Jul-16




Unlike women and wine (I'm not sure about the women) injuries generally don't get better with time if something serious has occurred. Go see the doctor. Often things that can be fixed can't if you wait too long.

From: George Stamps
Date: 21-Jul-16




I had one two years ago. The process to release it resulted in the total inability to even thinl of drawing a bow right handed. Hope you have a better outcome.

From: Quest
Date: 21-Jul-16




I am doing PT 3 times a week for a frozen shoulder. I first had surgery, and the Dr. "cut the capsule" to release the shoulder. He said before that, he could not force the shoulder through rotation even while I was out. After 4 weeks, I can shoot my granddaughter's 19# bow a few times. I hope to make a hunting weight by October. My frozen shoulder was caused by cancer, and I have scar material from the radiation. Just take it one day at a time, and don't give up.

From: Ironfist
Date: 22-Jul-16




Adhesive capsulitis is its Scientific or real name. Heres a link to an explanation. After my first physio visit and doing exercises at home I am getting more movement and less pain although it still hurts to move the shoulder to certain positions. Ryman cat sounds like you may have this . I would not wish this on anybody . Hope you do okay. John. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/frozen-shoulder/basics/symptoms/con-20022510

From: Ironfist
Date: 22-Jul-16




Rymancat People with Diabetes are susceptible to this ailment.Hyper and Hypo thyroid conditions are also at risk of frozen shoulder. There are many sites you can visit on the web Just type in Frozen shoulder and they tell it all.

From: RymanCat
Date: 22-Jul-16




No way could I go through another surgery right now or for a while till I heal from last one on hip couple months ago. This hurts like the dickens too. Going to call Dr. and see if I can get an appt. my hands are screaming also from typing claims it's brutal. I never had a problem with shoulder until this happened. I been raising my arm and trying to keep it moving and rotate but man it hurts. Took some 325 tylenol last night so I could get to sleep at least.

Its real depressing to keep getting things aging it really sucks but have to fight through it. Can't sleep on that side.LOL

Have to look up didn't know what it was really until this thread.

From: Ironfist
Date: 22-Jul-16




Sounds just what I am going through Glenn. Hard to get sleep hardly able to move arm even hard to force through the pain. I am on 500mgs of Naproxin its ibupropen and it helps with pain and inflammation.I am moving a lot better now with just one PT session and exercises but I have a long way to go.Session 2 this afternoon. Getting old does suck yes I agree. Good luck with it and maybe all you need is some PT . It will certainly help. John.

From: David Mitchell Compton's Traditional Bowhunters
Date: 22-Jul-16




I had frozen shoulder a few years ago and couldn't even raise my bow to shooting position. My doctor said he knew I would do what he told me (been with him for years), so he gave me some exercises to do. Hurt like heck to do them--I mean brought tears to my eyes. He said if I didn't do them manipulation under anesthesia would be next. I faithfully did the exercises as directed. Took several weeks of that but in time I recovered full use of the shoulder without surgery. There is hope! :o) I am now 72 years old and shoot with no problems.....at least as far as the shoulder is concerned. :o)

From: Uncle Lijiah
Date: 22-Jul-16




When you guys say "frozen shoulder", is this the same as an impinged shoulder? If so, I've been through that. I fell and jammed my right arm. I didn't have full movement of my arm for about 6 months. Finally, a stout lady physical therapist fixed it for me. I recovered quickly after she put my shoulder back into place.

From: dean
Date: 22-Jul-16




My wife had it. We go to a chiropractor trained to use actuators. One month of misery before she went to the chiro, three weeks later and 6 treatments, she was back to normal.

From: M.P.
Date: 22-Jul-16




I have had shoulder problems and 11 weeks of therapy didnt help but the shots did. The only problem is its a 6 month fix.9 months later and i am having trouble with using my shoulder but it doeant really mess with shooting a light bow. The pain is not real bad yet but i know its a matter of time

From: twoblade
Date: 22-Jul-16




Iron fist you have to watch them therapist I have the same thing and after a few weeks they made it worse I just live with the pain every day. Twoblade

From: ron
Date: 22-Jul-16




Around l990 I had rotator cuff surger, first on the right and then on the left. I had a good result in both shoulders. I totally believe in physical therapy and they really put me thru the paces and it was very painful. Therapy in January and shooting my bow by septemper. Five years later Had pain and weakness in my left shoulder. It took about five minus for the therapist to find the problem. With my arm hanging off the bed I could only lift the arm up. I worked up to l2 pounds in about two months and the pain was gone and my strength was back. After surgery you have to really get in the physical therapy program and be dedicated. They will gets you flexible again but its is very painful. I would thing that they could get you back on track even with a frozen shoulder.

From: LKH Compton's Traditional Bowhunters
Date: 23-Jul-16




I have had a total of 4 shoulder surgeries. Currently I have a partial rotator cuff tear and some other things.

I still shoot w/63# Harrison longbow.

I think the reason is that I never stopped doing the range of motion and strength exercises that the therapists taught me.

From: RymanCat
Date: 23-Jul-16




This is werd comes and goes lately and feels like in mussel also as well. I can't wait till Monday calling Dr. the surgen who did my hip. Hurt so bad last night had to get up around 3 and take another tynol 325 pill. Might go back to chiro this week also and see what he says and try to get adjusted have to watch the hip though and he's a little rough.

Listening to all this stuff is rougher. Hoping and praying it clears up on its own but suffering isn't good either so need to go to Dr. tired of being cash cow.LOL

Get one thing fixed and another crops up to challenge ya.LOL

From: Fireball Shooter
Date: 23-Jul-16




I had a frozen shoulder. I did PT and it got better. I am 58 now and that was 7 years ago. I think if I had known about Aleeve back then it would not have happened. It was sore (inflamed) and everything including sleeping and keyboard at work made it worse until it finally froze. If I'm doing a lot of work in yard now I take 1 Aleeve and don't get sore. Even digging lots of post holes :-). I dropped down in how weight too. Shooting 36# at 26" now and having fun :-). Still stretching and trying to use back quiver. Not sure it will work. Over head is hard on my shoulder and Dr said to limit that.

From: Paul
Date: 23-Jul-16




My wife had it and was offered either a long train of PT or a procedure called manipulation under anesthetic. She chose the procedure and was nearly 100 percent in 6 weeks and almost there in 4 weeks. I would strongly advise it. It is not a surgery. No cutting, just moving the shoulder to break away the scar tissue capsule. It is done while you are out because it would hurt too much to do it awake. She was done in 5 minutes and just told me that the was nearly normal in 3 weeks but certainly back to normal in 6.

From: Ironfist
Date: 23-Jul-16




Paul thats interesting . Manipulation is an option here but only after other options fail to work.I would probably have to have that done privately and no coverage under my health plan. Big Bucks I imagine. If the PT does not stop the pain the next step is a cortisone shot with PT .

From: Jay B
Date: 23-Jul-16




Guys, do be careful about taking too much Naproxen or other anti-inflammatories, they do a number on the liver.

From: Ironfist
Date: 16-Aug-16




3 Weeks have passed and I have some range of motion. Not all motion is painless and holding the Recurve unstrung is a little painful. Our deer season opens on September 12th. I have a good feeling I am going to make it. My physiotherapist has done well getting me this far so quickly. I went off the Naproxen a week ago . Things are looking better. I am going to try to draw the bow in one week time. Wish me luck and good luck to all of you this season. John.

From: David Mitchell Compton's Traditional Bowhunters
Date: 16-Aug-16




Be sure that you ALWAYS do some range of motion exercise before drawing your bow as we all should. Most guys I see just string 'em up and start shooting. Every athlete will do some warm up and stretching exercises before putting the full load on their body. As I said earlier, I had the problem bad. It took a bit to work through it but sounds like you are headed the right direction. Just don't reinjure it by getting too antsy. :o)

From: Ironfist
Date: 16-Aug-16




Cheers David I will also be consulting with my physio before I try. I have a six point and a fork coming into my hunting area and I havent even put my tree stand up yet. I might need help with that. The shot will be my sole responsibilty.

From: RymanCat
Date: 16-Aug-16




I didn't go to Dr. its getting better I been using oils on it that have been helping a great deal. I did start to get an issue now again last week in other arm the elbow but oils again helped. Aroma therapy like a witch Dr. if I can heal myself who needs a Dr. to be a cash cow with? LOL

From: Ironfist
Date: 29-Aug-16




Shot my first arrow tonight with a #40 recurve. I managed it with no pain. Our bow season opens on September 12th I think I am going to make it. Physio guy says if I feel okay with it then go for it. Arm and shoulder still sore in certain positions but I am on the mend .

From: RymanCat
Date: 29-Aug-16




Be careful how you lay on it also I thought my right shoulder going to lame me today from laying on it last night without the proper pillow supporting it. Get some cream and rub it out when or before it gets sore it will help. I been using oils that's been helping a lot.

From: bownuts
Date: 29-Aug-16




I'm very experienced with frozen shoulder condition. My wife had it in both left and right arm consecutively .....she tried Physical Therapy But ultimately had manipulation in both arms. One year recovery for each arm. We're two years out of it and she's 99% cured.

From: Ironfist
Date: 29-Aug-16




True enough Ryman I am careful which side to lay on.

From: RymanCat
Date: 29-Aug-16




Forget who told me this but it was said you know your getting old when you get hurt in bed. I first thought what the heck that's terrible to say? Then I first found out getting hurt in bed. I been reading to lay on my left side so lymphs drain rather than our organs laying wrong on my right side. I try to prop up a lot of pillows and switch off during night but not long on my left that's the shoulder that locked up recently and hurt like the dickens.

Long hours typing claims sitting in chair sux for me. I need more exercise now that I been feeling better to build up strength I lost last 6 months or more healing up.

Pipingrock.com has this oil called mussel ease and it worked wonders for me. Also Frankincense and lavender oil been using too. I been learning how to use oils. I also guess I need to start with messages again as well too to work the stiffness out. The chair kills me have to keep getting up from my desk to move around.

From: Ironfist
Date: 30-Aug-16




I hear you Ryman Cat the first signs of my shoulder problem was in bed when I slept on my left side. Then I could not fold my arms without some pain and then one morning in July the world fell in on me. Thank god I have some range of motion now because I thought I would never be able to draw a bow again it was that bad. I wish you the best of luck with your Shoulder. John.

From: RymanCat
Date: 30-Aug-16




I was sitting at my desk real busy closing claims and didn't get up for a couple hours from typing and darn it when I did I could not push off desk like I do. My arm and shoulder were locked up like I was paralyzed. I was thinking what just happened to me? Then this thread came up and started putting 2 and 2 together and praying and trying to loosen up myself and trying things without going to Dr.

Another thing I seem to do is drive with left hand so just the way it gets used with not enough real exercise it went lame on me. With working it out having to lift arm with other hand in a couple days was able to loosen back up again then using the oils and heat it got better. Its still there so I have to be careful not to re-injure. Sux getting older the other day it stated on right side now and worked that out before it got hurt worse.

From: Ironfist
Date: 30-Aug-16




yes it does Sux getting older . The Golden years are certainly overrated . Good luck my friend I am going to hunt.

From: Eric Krewson
Date: 31-Aug-16




I had a weightlifting injury that resulted in shoulder freeze, I couldn't sleep for the pain so I had surgery, recovery was the worst thing I had been through up to that point.

My formal rehab ended after 6 months but a year and a half out I am still doing it at the gym. My shoulder took about a year to feel almost normal.

The bad thing is I injured my good shoulder about 6 months ago. This time I opted for intensive rehab on my own instead of going through the surgery again. I have the injured shoulder functional with only marginal pain so I am pleased with my progress.

The best part is I can shoot all my bows pain free.





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