Shoulder replacement

[Archer70]

Long time lurker. Was planning on getting back into archery elk hunting this year. Had an old injury come back. Long story short has shoulder replacement on Tuesday 11/25. Anyone else here have this done and how long before you were able to start shooting again. I am still non weight bearing with that arm and no shoulder movement.

 

[j3butch]

Long time lurker. Was planning on getting back into archery elk hunting this year. Had an old injury come back. Long story short has shoulder replacement on Tuesday 11/25. Anyone else here have this done and how long before you were able to start shooting again. I am still non weight bearing with that arm and no shoulder movement.

hey there. Just stumbled on this as I was about to do a similar post. I’m considering a shoulder replacement this February..been putting it off for a few years. I have a rifle Caribou hunt in AK this late August and slightly concerned..

 

[CaliWoodsman]

My dad had a shoulder replacement in late January last year and was rifle hunting for antelope in August without any issue. He doesn’t archery hunt, but I don’t know that he would have been ready to shoot a bow at that point based on range of motion and pain levels.

 

[Small-foot]

Hey, in my profession I see lots of shoulder replacements post operatively, typically you’re not getting into actively moving that shoulder specifically till about 8 weeks post op. Strengthening doesn’t start really till about 12 weeks. There are accessory muscles that you’ll start to use/engage sooner and those will help with your archery too once you get back. I’d plan on not being ready to draw a bow though until 4 months at the earliest but likely close to 6 by the time you have the strength and mobility to do so. Make sure you talk to your physical therapist about your goals of getting back to archery and don’t let them nay say you. It’s possible, just be patient and consistent!

 

[KLUNATIC]

Can't speak to shoulder replacement, I had rotator cuff and labrum surgery. Its great now but it was pretty much the most painful thing I have ever experienced. 1st week I barely slept. You can't lie flat, and need a lazy boy or hospital bed to sit upright to sleep. Took about 2 months to gain strength and use without pain, 6months to full strength and use.

 

[Q_Sertorius]

Can't speak to shoulder replacement, I had rotator cuff and labrum surgery. Its great now but it was pretty much the most painful thing I have ever experienced. 1st week I barely slept. You can't lie flat, and need a lazy boy or hospital bed to sit upright to sleep. Took about 2 months to gain strength and use without pain, 6months to full strength and use.

I had that in 2022 and it was unsuccessful. A horrible experience. It took months of physical therapy to recover. I still have a rough time trying to reach stuff in the backseat and it’s relatively weak. It still affects my shooting.

 

[Moccasin]

Among the orthopods that I work with, the consensus for a total shoulder or RCR is you may be ready to start pulling a bow back at 3-4 months albeit at a reduced draw weight. Full weight may take 10-12 months to return. For a rifle, go down in cartridge (there’s your excuse to get a 223). Rehab and physical therapy is, of course, essential to stay on top of. For those considering having one of these procedures done, have a discussion about an interscalene block for post-op pain.