Shooting after rotator cuff surgery

163bc

FNG
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Sep 29, 2019
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Thanks to a tree stump and an ATV i have 1 tendon torn completely off the bone and 3 other others partially torn. I'm 66 with surgery in a couple weeks. I usually shoot trap and skeet all summer right up to mid October. I prefer to shoot 12 ga and have a bunch of hard kicking rifles i shoot regularly. I know I wont be shooting for a while but want to get back at it as soon as I can. I can go with a 20 ga and shoot light kickers for deer. I do have a couple deer hunts one is September early ML in Kansas. Would hate to miss that. Was looking at a lead sled today but am skeptical of them. What have others done? Experiences? Suggestions? Dos and don'ts?? . Thanks in advance.
 

Fdh

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Apr 13, 2019
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128
Don’t say which shoulder, but if it is your shooting shoulder minimum of 3 months, probably longer, for 12 gauge. I had mine two months ago, left shoulder, right handed. Shot 300 win mag with no issues
 
OP
163bc

163bc

FNG
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Unfortunately its my right shoulder and i'm dominant right handed. I know im in for a tough time with it. Not to sure about shooting and when??
 

cuttingedge

Lil-Rokslider
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Jun 28, 2018
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216
I would say do exactly what your doctors and PT's tell you to.

My brother got zapped with over 400V working maintenance on a ladder years ago. I know it's not surgery, but it dislocated is shoulder. He couldn't shoot right handed for a long time. Every time he tried, it would dislocate the shoulder again.

If it were me, I might consider using semiautomatic, soft recoiling calibers once I started shooting again.
 
OP
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163bc

FNG
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6mm Creedmoor or 7x57 mauser is going to be my deer rifle for at least the coming season if not more. Will likely be learning to shoot left as well
 
Joined
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Wisconsin
Thanks to a tree stump and an ATV i have 1 tendon torn completely off the bone and 3 other others partially torn. I'm 66 with surgery in a couple weeks. I usually shoot trap and skeet all summer right up to mid October. I prefer to shoot 12 ga and have a bunch of hard kicking rifles i shoot regularly. I know I wont be shooting for a while but want to get back at it as soon as I can. I can go with a 20 ga and shoot light kickers for deer. I do have a couple deer hunts one is September early ML in Kansas. Would hate to miss that. Was looking at a lead sled today but am skeptical of them. What have others done? Experiences? Suggestions? Dos and don'ts?? . Thanks in advance.
A surgery for 'tendon torn completely off the bone', shouldn't be scheduled weeks out!
Tendons tend to shrink when not connected, and stretching them to reattach, might not be possible if waiting too long.

The days after those surgeries can be excruciating, pain wise. I'd ask about the pain management plan, specifically if there will be a nerve block. The nerve block needs to last for days, wearing a catheter with nerve numbing medicine might be needed. The old school doctors don't do those things, unfortunately.

For recovery time, might take more than 4 months before shooting, every injury is different. Follow Doctor and Physical therapists advice, or you'll be doing it all over!
 
OP
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163bc

FNG
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I got the 1st available surgery appointment and am on a cancellation list if a spot opens up. Pain is tolerable right now. I'm not looking foreword to the after surgery pain but I plan to follow the program to the letter.
 
Joined
Jul 27, 2021
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Left hand shooter, left shoulder surgery times 3 Long recovery and still have problems with it at times. I like the big bore rifles and know my limits when shooting these. My advice is taking your time healing and limit shooting when you do recover believe me the shoulder will tell you time to stop and take a break.
 
Joined
Sep 24, 2022
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I'm about your age and just had rotator cuff surgery and collar bone trimmed back to repair AC joint. My doctor said no shooting until month 5 unless it was a 22. Surgery was on my left shoulder and I'm right-handed. I feel for you, it is a slow recovery. Week 10 for me and still sore. Do the PT even at home. Good luck with the surgery and recovery.
 

akcabin

Lil-Rokslider
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Feb 10, 2023
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As mentioned doing the physical therapy is very important. Hey if you want to do it you'll figure it out. Extra pad, maybe adjust the butt stock length. Lighter load
 
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Just realized how old this thread was! Hope it all went well!
#1- Rig up a pulley System on the door to help the good arms raise the Bad Arm to gain range of motion
#2- Use the shower wall to work your fingers up the wall slowly to gain range of motion and mark the wall to show yourself your progress
#3- Do you Physical Therapy at home on your own. Be motivated to get back to activity.
#4- Rig up a lift to load the deer in the your bed of the truck. ( I put a ATV winch on my headache rack & you can shoot with your left arm!)
 
OP
163bc

163bc

FNG
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Virginia
Im 3 weeks post surgery now. Had the nerve block. Did pain killers 1 night only. Doc also had to reattach my bicep which was a surprise. Used ice machine around the clock for 1st week. Doc said do nothing for 1 month to let everything heal. Start 25 weeks of PT next week. No shooting anything for 6 months. Hoping for the best. Thanks for all the replies.
 
Joined
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Montana
Had a torn rotator cuff surgery 2 and a half years ago and you have been given good advice. Follow the PT at home and be motivated to get back to the field. Just had another SLAP tear in the same shoulder last August and still recovering from that one. This is my last week of PT with doctor then see specialist end of month to see if a steroid injection might benefit but seems to be healing good. These injuries take time to heal which is a big bummer. I Ice in the mornings after stretching and same in the evenings, especially if it's a strength training exercise. Last year I couldn't archery hunt, so I just helped with my buddies by doing the elk calling and still made good memories. Best of Luck and I hope you have a speedy recovery.
 

EdP

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I suggest dry firing as part of your at home PT once you are able. It will help you recover the strength, range of motion, and proprioception specific to shooting, without the potentially damaging effects of recoil.
 

akcabin

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Feb 10, 2023
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Good on ya for getting down the trail to healing up. The P T is important.
Reminded me back when I had to get the burrs removed in my shoulder surgery. Doc said 4 weeks. But I had a bear hunt scheduled for 2 days after the surgery. My buddy talked me out of going. Making life with beautiful wife better. Yeah he was right. After that drugs wore off, oofda man. Had the whole thing replaced a few years later. Triple dog oofda hurt man.
Yeah just got my neck fused again a month ago, again. This time in the back.
Kinda work hard play hard and had a ball getting there, I'll own it.
And the snow just got melted enough to go out n look for moose antlers. I'll wear the brace eh and our chessy is needing to get out too. Got grandkids to teach them about the bush n important stuff to do these days
 

mtndo

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Jul 3, 2018
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Hastings, Michigan
I've had rotator cuff surgeries done on both shoulders. I diligently followed the doctor's & therapist's instructions and after the 5 pound weight restriction was removed started going to the gym. I did a general weight lifting routine as well as shoulder specific workouts letting pain/discomfort (per doctor/therapist instructions) be my guide. Within 8 weeks I was doing everything I had done in the past, including pitching (I play fastpitch softball) and experienced zero pain. I can't say I was at 100% strength within the 8 weeks as that took a bit longer but pitching, shooting my longbow or shooting firearms was not a problem.
 

Damdamdon

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Dec 23, 2021
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Albion Indiana
I've had 2 rotator repairs on left and 3 on right. Recently Ended up with total reverse replacement on right. And I shoot right handed. Then had lower back surgery and neck surgery all this year. Not sure when ill get to shoot again.
 

KenLee

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South Carolina
I've had 2 rotator repairs on left and 3 on right. Recently Ended up with total reverse replacement on right. And I shoot right handed. Then had lower back surgery and neck surgery all this year. Not sure when ill get to shoot again.

I think a 60 gr Partition from a 22-250 would kill an elephant...if you are looking for a low recoil option.
 
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