sdhoulder surgery
Broc...@giganews.com
I'm 65 and just had total shoulder replacement surgery on my my
shooting arm :-(
How do I know when its OK to start shooting again?
I'm talking about left handed shooting only, vs my normal right.
I've tested this earlier, my "circle" grows somewhat but is still
pretty good as long as I take it slow.
I'm talking revolver shooting only, for the time being. Wouldn't
want to try to clean a semi-auto with one hand! Also, loading
magazines will likely be more tricky.
It'll be months, maybe late summer at the best, till I can get close
to normal again.
The Physical Therapy ppl and doc involved, don't know nuttin' about
shooting, far as I know.
Anybody else been thru this?
Thanks!
James Canning
--
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Bluehawk99
medicine specialist.
We aren't doctors and couldn't possibly advise you on something like
this.
Roger
wrote:
> ...
When you think your ready try it. Pain is natures way of telling you
to stop. If it ain't comfortable. STOP!
Mike Corey
motorcycle accident a few years back and shattered the collar bone of my
shooting arm. No matter what I do, I can no longer shoot handguns with
any accuracy at all. I haven't even squeezed a trigger for over two
years. Maybe someday, but it doesn't look like soon.
Truth is I didn't learn much from this. I'm going dirt bike riding with
my kids tomorrow.
"War is an ugly thing, but not the ugliest of things; the decayed and
degraded state of moral and patriotic feeling which thinks nothing is
worth a war, is worse." --- John Stuart Mill:
nord...@yahoo.com
wrote:
# Hi-
#
# I'm 65 and just had total shoulder replacement surgery on my my
# shooting arm :-(
#
# How do I know when its OK to start shooting again?
#
# I'm talking about left handed shooting only, vs my normal right.
# I've tested this earlier, my "circle" grows somewhat but is still
# pretty good as long as I take it slow.
#
# I'm talking revolver shooting only, for the time being. Wouldn't
# want to try to clean a semi-auto with one hand! Also, loading
# magazines will likely be more tricky.
#
# It'll be months, maybe late summer at the best, till I can get close
# to normal again.
#
# The Physical Therapy ppl and doc involved, don't know nuttin' about
# shooting, far as I know.
#
# Anybody else been thru this?
I've had both shoulders redone and things are better in every way
since the surgery. Do your PT religiously. Tell your surgeon and
therapist about your sport so they know what your goals are. Do your
PT religiously. Don't rush it. Do your PT religiously. It may take
months but things will get better. Oh yeah, did I mention doing your
PT religiously?
Ol Shy & Bashful
James
I did extensive shoulder surgerey and it took nearly 18 months before
I felt anywhere close to normal again and it took closer to 3 years
before I was pain free.
It takes time for the muscles to come back to being able to shoot a
2700 and shoot decent scores but it will happen.
I'll say it was the most painful thing I ever went thru and I lead a
pretty active life.
Cheers
DX Pistol - Presidents 100
Kevin S.
wrote:
> ...
On 30MAR05 I fell from a Bellsouth Pole, 18 ft to earth...
Earth barely moved...
I tore my left labrum halfway free, broke a fusion in my neck and
injured L5...
I was unable to shoot, even though I am right handed, for about 18
months...
I did not try to shoot until I had recovered almost full motion in my
left arm...
I still have not recovered full strength...
The Shock of a centerfire round will not be good for your recovery...
Waiting sucks, but that is why we tip waiters, so we'll get good
service...
Waiting for your shoulder to completely heal is best...
Kevin S
Zomby...@cox.net
<rwils...@verizon.net> wrote:
#On Mar 28, 7:22 pm, Brocpu...@giganews.com (brocpu...@hotmail.com)
#wrote:
# > ...
#
#When you think your ready try it. Pain is natures way of telling you
#to stop. If it ain't comfortable. STOP!
#
Or use more lube.
--
"Before all else, be armed" -- Machiavelli
flash
What kind of surgery? Reversal or artificial implants?
I'm 70, and getting over both shoulders, myself. Rotator cuffs torn, as my
orthopedic surgeon said, "worse than most people I have seen."
Twenty-six months out on the repair of the right one, and I AM able to hold
a 45 up for one shot, and it wobbles. The second shot (and any subsequent,
for the day) will have to be a snap shot, because I can't hold the target. I
have done therapy, but it has been of no significant value, as I have no
strength at all. That kinda makes going to the range a disappointing thing,
but goals are worth having.
I'm not an expert on the subject at all, though one of my neighbors at 68 is
having his (rotator cuffs) done for the second time, and he has had no
strength at all since the first operations eight years ago, he still shoots
a rifle and harvests venison off the farm yearly. He lifts his arms in a
rather contrived manner, even to eat.
Drs and phys ther people should have some comprehension of the problems.
That's why they make the big bucks. But seriously, look around, and I'm sure
you can find some who are cognizant of the mechanics and stresses involved.
As for what you can stand, well, it might just be "whatever discomfort level
is your threshold".
I wish you good luck with your recovery. I'm still struggling with mine.
Flash
"broc...@hotmail.com" <Broc...@giganews.com> wrote in message
news:fsjuj1$c7r$1...@grapevine.wam.umd.edu...
> ...
Robert Scott
"Bluehawk99" <Blueh...@aol.com> wrote in message
news:fsl8ab$rno$1...@grapevine.wam.umd.edu...
# If your doctor doesn't know then have him refer you to a sports
# medicine specialist.
# We aren't doctors and couldn't possibly advise you on something like
# this.
Hard not to agree with that....
A couple of years ago, I had arthroscopic surgery to remove a bone spur in
my shoulder that was shredding my rotator cuff. The surgery, on my shooting
shoulder, was done shortly before the opening of duck season (gasp!). On a
follow-up visit, I explained to the doc that I hadn't missed the opening of
a duck season in a long while, and I was wondering if I'd be able to shoot.
(I knew I was going to do it anyway, but I wanted to feel around a bit and
see if there might be any dire consequences, just in case.)
The doctor told me he grew up hunting ducks with his dad and their
retrievers. He told me to stand up against the wall. Without warning, he
rammed the heel of his hand into my shoulder, knocking me up against the
wall (I'm 6'2" and 250 lbs., he is about the same size).
"Did that hurt?" he asked.
"Nope." said I, still somewhat surprised.
"Then you can go duck hunting." he said as he walked away.
I was grinning from ear to ear all the way home.
Good shooting,
desmobob
petey
# On Sat, 29 Mar 2008 11:14:26 +0000 (UTC), Roger
# <rwils...@verizon.net> wrote:
# #
# #When you think your ready try it. Pain is natures way of telling you
# #to stop. If it ain't comfortable. STOP!
# #
# Or use more lube.
Too bad the fingertip can't be softer during the prostate exam either. =:-O
sta...@prolynx.com
wrote:
# Hi-
#
# I'm 65 and just had total shoulder replacement surgery on my my
# shooting arm :-(
#
# How do I know when its OK to start shooting again?
#
# I'm talking about left handed shooting only, vs my normal right.
# I've tested this earlier, my "circle" grows somewhat but is still
# pretty good as long as I take it slow.
#
# I'm talking revolver shooting only, for the time being. Wouldn't
# want to try to clean a semi-auto with one hand! Also, loading
# magazines will likely be more tricky.
#
# It'll be months, maybe late summer at the best, till I can get close
# to normal again.
#
# shooting, far as I know.
#
# Anybody else been thru this?
#
# Thanks!
# James Canning
# --
# jcann...@rochester.rr.com
#
# --
How about downshifting and practicing with a match air pistol?
That'll give your muscles a workout without the possible hazards of
recoil. Just ask the doc if it's OK to hang a couple of pounds out at
arm's length for 50 or 100 times a day. With enough room, you can
even shoot at home.
Stan
jim_kr...@sbcglobal.net
(broc...@hotmail.com) wrote:
#Hi-
#
#I'm 65 and just had total shoulder replacement surgery on my my
#shooting arm :-(
#
#How do I know when its OK to start shooting again?
48 myself.
I got creamed by a wave while surfing last summer. Tore the Supra
Spinatas off the bone in my left shoulder. Lots of pain and could
not get a good shooting stance with pistols or sling up with rifles.
Had it re-attached back in October (they put a steel bolt in) and now
do PT every day. I can shoot everything but rifle magnums and
shotguns.
Do the PT.
This is going to sound like preaching but.... Don't go shooting if
you are one of those persons who just pretends to do the hour of PT
everyday. Do the PT. When you go shooting, warm up really well.
When you feel the twinge of pain, switch to .22lr.
Works for me.
Jim
wb
One thing here. If you shoot rifles, even something like a .223 bolt
action, wear a shoulder pad designed for shooters! I didn't wear one
initially when I bought my .308 target rifle. When I got it, the first
thing I did was buy several boxes of Federal Match ammo and headed off
to the range. I put about 50 rounds down range that day. I was so
thrilled with the performance of my first real high power rifle that I
was out there the next day to pound out another 40 rounds. Then I
noticed that my small and index fingers on my right hand were feeling
numb and tingly. I happened to go to the gun shop a day later to get
more ammo and just happened to mention my sore shoulder and my tingling
fingers. The dealer immediately told me to get a shoulder pad and about
the damage I was doing to my shoulder. I bought a shoulder pad and have
never looked back. As for pistols, I shoot light hand loads and save the
heavy stuff for personal and self defense only. I NEVER practice with
heavy loads when using a pistol and I always keep my arm slightly bent.
I know several of you have injuries you are recovering from. That's
different. My point is that a person can injure their shoulder just by
shooting a lot if not using a shoulder pad. Magnum pistols are real
hard on the whole arm and shoulder. You not only get shoulder issues but
elbow as well as wrist problems. The only thing you can do here is use
reduced loads.
.
J Buck
cuffs torn, as my orthopedic surgeon said, "worse than most people I
have seen.">
I had a torn rotator cuff about 20 years ago (I was 30). Worst pain I
ever had, until a few years later when a couple other problems flared
up. (won't bore you with the specifics). I didn't have it treated, just
took it easy as far as playing softball or basketball for about 18
months. But man, did that shoulder hurt. The least little harmless
movement would re-tear it.
Omelet
AWR7...@webtv.net (Mike Corey) wrote:
# James, you're lucky that you will recuperate one day soon. I had a
# motorcycle accident a few years back and shattered the collar bone of my
# shooting arm. No matter what I do, I can no longer shoot handguns with
# any accuracy at all. I haven't even squeezed a trigger for over two
# years. Maybe someday, but it doesn't look like soon.
#
# Truth is I didn't learn much from this. I'm going dirt bike riding with
# my kids tomorrow.
Why don't you learn to shoot left handed?
--
--
Peace! Om
"Thousands of years ago, cats were worshipped as gods. They have never
forgotten this." - Heinlein
Omelet
"Robert Scott" <desm...@earthlink.net> wrote:
# "Bluehawk99" <Blueh...@aol.com> wrote in message
# news:fsl8ab$rno$1...@grapevine.wam.umd.edu...
# # If your doctor doesn't know then have him refer you to a sports
# # medicine specialist.
# # We aren't doctors and couldn't possibly advise you on something like
# # this.
#
#
# Hard not to agree with that....
#
#
# A couple of years ago, I had arthroscopic surgery to remove a bone spur in
# my shoulder that was shredding my rotator cuff. The surgery, on my shooting
# shoulder, was done shortly before the opening of duck season (gasp!). On a
# follow-up visit, I explained to the doc that I hadn't missed the opening of
# a duck season in a long while, and I was wondering if I'd be able to shoot.
# (I knew I was going to do it anyway, but I wanted to feel around a bit and
# see if there might be any dire consequences, just in case.)
#
# The doctor told me he grew up hunting ducks with his dad and their
# retrievers. He told me to stand up against the wall. Without warning, he
# rammed the heel of his hand into my shoulder, knocking me up against the
# wall (I'm 6'2" and 250 lbs., he is about the same size).
#
# "Did that hurt?" he asked.
# "Nope." said I, still somewhat surprised.
# "Then you can go duck hunting." he said as he walked away.
#
# I was grinning from ear to ear all the way home.
#
# Good shooting,
# desmobob
Your Doctor sounds cool. ;-)
--
--
Peace! Om
"Thousands of years ago, cats were worshipped as gods. They have never
forgotten this." - Heinlein
Herb Martin
"broc...@hotmail.com" <Broc...@giganews.com> wrote in message
news:fsjuj1$c7r$1...@grapevine.wam.umd.edu...
#
# I'm 65 and just had total shoulder replacement surgery on my my
# shooting arm :-(
#
As others have said "we aren't doctors" and we don't know YOUR
shoulder.
The idea to ask your doctor is of course good (if you don't
have one of those 'guns are evil' docs but of course if you
do that might be nice to know so you can stop giving him
your money.)
Using pain, or lack of pain to decide what works is also good.
If you are (have ever been) an athlete you probably know
generally how to tell the difference between "good pain" and
"bad pain". If it feels like you are doing damage the stop;
if it seems that gently increasing the load or range of motion
warms up the muscles and stretches the ligaments so they
fell better you are likely doing it right.
Also consider just practicing, going through the motions with
a firearm. Drawing and presenting the firearm repeatedly
a few times, several times per day.
For a rifle, do the exercise of bringing the firearm to bear and
following along etc.
Use a small weight -- lighter than your firearm or even no weight
at all if that hurts -- more weight than even your firearm if that
is comfortable.
Concentrate on "doing the motion precisely" as opposed to speed
or strength at first -- think Tai Chi not power lifting.
Ask your rehab therapist for range of motion and conditioning
exercise organized around firearm use. Or ask on some
medical/rehab web site perhaps.
All the top instructors swear by dry fire and dry practice and
so here is an opportunity to do a little (maybe many times)
each day.
# I'm talking about left handed shooting only, vs my normal right.
# I've tested this earlier, my "circle" grows somewhat but is still
# pretty good as long as I take it slow.
Good practice too -- esp if your strong side hurts after you get
to the range.
It's still good for eye cordination, breathing, balance, stance,
hold etc.
# I'm talking revolver shooting only, for the time being. Wouldn't
# want to try to clean a semi-auto with one hand! Also, loading
# magazines will likely be more tricky.
Is your dominate hand still mostly immobilized or without capability?
Racking the slide on an auto can be done by VERY weak people
if done correctly. Generally the ways that works involve FIXING
one arm, either gun hand or slide hand, and pushing (gun) or
pulling (slide) with the other.
If that arm is still not working well, or hurting you might be able
to do it better opposite side.
Putting a thow pillow under you injured arm, trapped against
the body by your elboe MIGHT help stabilize the injured arm
for either loading mags or cocking/ejecting.
Loading a mag almost one handed is pretty easy if you can
stabilize your injurred arm and still hold the mag firmly in your
hand.
Trap the arm against your body (or add that throw pillow --
and don't ask how I learned this trick) or put the hand and
arm holding the mag firmly down on a table while you press
in the round with the other (more usable hand).
# It'll be months, maybe late summer at the best, till I can get close
# to normal again.
Follow the rehab guidelines for stretching and strenght and try to
include non-painful dry practice that emulates the motions and uses
the muscles you need for shooting.
# The Physical Therapy ppl and doc involved, don't know nuttin' about
# shooting, far as I know.
#
# Anybody else been thru this?
Some, but not for a shoulder -- I have also helped people who were
too "weak" (supposedly) to operate a semi.
Ja...@giganews.com
The repaired shoulder is coming along well, still too weak to lift
even a .22 above shoulder height.
What bugs me now is I've developed tendonitis in my left arm elbow!
Probably overworked, but dammit-
--
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Herb Martin
"jcan...@rochester.rr.com" <Ja...@giganews.com> wrote in message
news:g0c16r$5nr$1...@grapevine.wam.umd.edu...
# Terrific info and advice, Herb. Thanks!
#
# The repaired shoulder is coming along well, still too weak to lift
# even a .22 above shoulder height.
Then start with NO firearm when you can, or using the injurred side
as the support hand even if it just follows along.
Wait for range of motion, and the ability to comfortably make the
required movements without the firearm -- even this can be good
presentation practice.
# What bugs me now is I've developed tendonitis in my left arm elbow!
# Probably overworked, but dammit-
Probably -- or just simple overstrained at some point while lifting
something you normally would not have lifted with that side (alone).
Use the pain as your guide. Talk the the PT folks about the difference
between good pain and bad pain. (A few of them don't allow for this
concept philosophically but all top athelets understand it or cannot
compete at full ability.)
It's ok to work a muscle to induce some pain, it is not ok to stretch
a normal tendon to real pain nor keep working it once you get that.
Sometimes adhesions and low range of motion must be worked
through by gently challenging the current range.
My belief is SLOW MELTING is better than ANY quick, jerky
stretches (although this is NOT what we were taught decades ago.)
Yogo (get a SLOW tape) or Tai Chi might help as well.
Notice if you do Yogo, I recommend the very slow yogo, not the
fast or "strength" versions.
Omelet
Ja...@giganews.com (jcan...@rochester.rr.com) wrote:
# Terrific info and advice, Herb. Thanks!
#
# The repaired shoulder is coming along well, still too weak to lift
# even a .22 above shoulder height.
Had a similar problem with a rotator cuff injury. Took a few years to
heal and a lot of patience. Weighted shoulder exercises helped too, but
I let it alone for about a year before trying that.
#
# What bugs me now is I've developed tendonitis in my left arm elbow!
# Probably overworked, but dammit-
Ibuprofen.
Take it with FOOD. ;-)
--
Peace! Om
"Human nature seems to be to control other people
until they put their foot down." -- Stephan Rothstein
Gunny_2008
"jcan...@rochester.rr.com" <Ja...@giganews.com> wrote in message
news:g0c16r$5nr$1...@grapevine.wam.umd.edu...
# What bugs me now is I've developed tendonitis in my left arm elbow!
# Probably overworked, but dammit-
Give that elbow joint a rest. Turn off the Playboy channel and go back to
the History channel. :-() LOL.
Get well soon. Don't push it too fast. Slow and easy on the joint recovery
is the way to go. You don't want to ruin the progress you have already
made.