Hey gang my dang bow arm shoulder has been killing me as of late. Don't have a clue what I did to injure it. One of those woke up one morning with a case of the ah chets. But just to raise it high enough to brush my teeth it starts sounding like a bowl of Rice Krispies snap, crackle and poppin. Guess been going on close to a month. For detective purposes I up until recently shot my bow daily for going on 10 years, but I also sleep on that shoulder and from February til June I dang near fish everyday and that's my jiggin arm which I often feel fatigue in the shoulder area. I'm not a shoulder bow puller and I took 3 weeks off from everything and got no better. Started back shooting bow last week actually feels better after a shooting session but next morn same prob.
I know I'm gonna get the see doctor but I'm cheap lol. In my experience it usually goes something like this. Let's take some X-rays... But doc I can tell u for sure I don't have broke bones. Dr... We need these X-rays to fix your prob, your right no broken bones $500 please. Let's get u on some pain killers. I don't want any, ok we will give u some $200 aspirin instead. When u get your next paycheck we are gonna need to do a Mri. Dr... Mri came back kinda blurry but negative. When's your next check? Where gonna have to open u up.
Guess I'm just curious if anyone has had something similar that was a simple fix other than a bunch of doctors visits.
Don't be cheap to the point of being stupid. No, I am not saying this to be provocative. If you have pain and a crunchy noise, you have a real problem. I know. Mine hurt and crunched and DID NOT get better with rest or pain killers. I had surgery, followed the therapy regimen and got better. I can now shoot my hunting bows painlessly for as many arrows as I care to shoot. Honestly, it sounds like you are being the tough guy rather than the smart guy. It is certainly your choice, but if you want to get over this you need to get medical treatment and listen to the doc. Sorry if I come across harsh, but in this situation, I know what I'm talking about. Good luck.
Quote from: Sam McMichael on June 11, 2019, 06:39:13 PM
Don't be cheap to the point of being stupid. No, I am not saying this to be provocative. If you have pain and a crunchy noise, you have a real problem. I know. Mine hurt and crunched and DID NOT get better with rest or pain killers. I had surgery, followed the therapy regimen and got better. I can now shoot my hunting bows painlessly for as many arrows as I care to shoot. Honestly, it sounds like you are being the tough guy rather than the smart guy. It is certainly your choice, but if you want to get over this you need to get medical treatment and listen to the doc. Sorry if I come across harsh, but in this situation, I know what I'm talking about. Good luck.
No sir not harsh. I'm not trying to be the tough guy either. I've had multiple knee surgeries. But in those cases I knew right away I just screwed the pooch and this ain't gonna be good. Guess I just can't wrap my head around the fact I didn't do anything to injur it. Also the cracking and popping might have been a bit dramatic, would say it pops a handful of times a day but when it does it's instant relief.
Sorry to hear this. I hope your doctor visit is better than you can imagine, but to be realistic you probably have an injury that necessitates some medical care.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Sounds like spurs and inflamation. Got one of mine injected with pain killers and steroids. doing the other one next month much better so far,
You would be surprised how easy it can be to strain ligaments or tendons in your sleep. I am dealing with it right now.
From someone who has had surgery on both shoulders, see the doctor to find out what is wrong. Your path forward might be physical therapy or might require surgery. Until you know what is causing your condition, you can't resolve it. The sooner (and younger) you deal with it, the better your outcome will be! I suggest you find an orthopedic surgeon that bowhunts! He or she will understand your predicament! Good Luck!
I've been the shoulder surgery route myself.
Rotator cuff torn off and a bone spur.
They put a screw into the bone to reattach the torn ligament and removed the bone spur.
Couldn't shoot a bow for 3 months after surgery, but now shoulder is 100%.
Your situation sounds like a bone spur.
Quote from: bowslinger on June 12, 2019, 12:16:08 AM
From someone who has had surgery on both shoulders, see the doctor to find out what is wrong. Your path forward might be physical therapy or might require surgery. Until you know what is causing your condition, you can't resolve it. The sooner (and younger) you deal with it, the better your outcome will be! I suggest you find an orthopedic surgeon that bowhunts! He or she will understand your predicament! Good Luck!
Sounds like exactly what I would advise.
Plus, once you get through rehab, take care of them. Expensive, painful and time consuming rehabs.
Sent from my SM-G892A using Tapatalk
If it helps, I had the same problem in my early 40s - I couldn't pull a 30# bow. My doc recommended some physical therapy which involved elastic bands and flys with dumbbells. It worked. I'm 59 now and shoot bows over 60# with ease - but I continue to do the therapy exercises 3 times a week. See a doc and I'll bet it works out for you. Best,
Your shoulder is not supposed to make popping noises when you lift your arm. Nor is it supposed to hurt like heck when you do that. While online diagnosis may help point out what is wrong and how to treat it, only a diagnosis and effective treatment from a doctor can fix the problem. Make an appointment today!
I work in an Orthopedics office, I would say have it checked out. The X-rays and things of that sort is frustrating but actually necessary. X-rays allow us to see a bit more than just broken bones. You can see narrowing of the joint space (osteoarthritis), bone spurs, or misalignment that may be caused by partial or full rotator cuff tears (which would then indicate the need for an MRI to evaluate just how large of a tear, and if it would be surgical, etc.). What happens is that the doctors are required to treat conservatively first, because that is the only way things are approved and paid for (at least in part) by insurance. Insurance requires them to say they tried conservative treatment before they can try anything further, unless it is something glaringly obvious upon X-ray and physical exam.
Speaking from what we do at our office, typically, we would start by getting X-rays, and then examine you - but from what your saying we would probably be looking at starting off with NSAIDs and Physical Therapy.
You don't have any crazy deficits in range of motion with that shoulder or extreme weakness in it, correct? Typically that would be evidence of something more acute, and you probably would've noticed a specific moment of injury. The popping and clicking sounds more like the tendon sheath encountering some resistance somewhere as it moves across bone, which could indicate tendonitis. At worst, there is possibility that something like that could eventually lead to some sort of tear, but we can usually prevent that by getting the inflammation down.
I'm by no means a doctor, but I often scribe for our orthopedic surgeon here so I learn quite a bit by listening to what he advises with his patients and observing the various special tests he will use to determine what is going on in the patient. Basically, I'm saying don't take my word for it but get an expert to look at it. :biglaugh:
I had inpingement syndrome in my left shoulder. Therapygot me through it. Ha to drop down in bow weight. My shoulder isn't "good as new" but I shoot without pain. A good specialist will put you on the right track. Watch overeruse of ibuprofen; I was using it very regularly and my kidney function was screwed up for awhile. Medicines are a bandaid at best. Treating the problem is your best bet. Just my2 cent opinion.
What smoke said x2
I few years back after avoiding surgery by PT I started getting some pain and clicking again. Started shooting again after several years layoff ( that sucked ) due to other nerve damage and getting good muscle strength back following surgery. Didn't want to entertain the idea of surgery again so I came back with lighter bow weight ( 40 vs 55+ ) and the pain and clicking in my bow arm shoulder went away.
Only when I tried to shoot heavier did the pain and clicking issues restart.
44@ my 30" draw and things are very good.
At 65 my hero days are a ways past but I'm very glad to be back in the woods.
See a doctor and ask about physical therapy as a FIRST resort if possible before the blade.
Quote from: mnolletti on June 12, 2019, 11:41:17 AM
I work in an Orthopedics office, I would say have it checked out. The X-rays and things of that sort is frustrating but actually necessary. X-rays allow us to see a bit more than just broken bones. You can see narrowing of the joint space (osteoarthritis), bone spurs, or misalignment that may be caused by partial or full rotator cuff tears (which would then indicate the need for an MRI to evaluate just how large of a tear, and if it would be surgical, etc.). What happens is that the doctors are required to treat conservatively first, because that is the only way things are approved and paid for (at least in part) by insurance. Insurance requires them to say they tried conservative treatment before they can try anything further, unless it is something glaringly obvious upon X-ray and physical exam.
Speaking from what we do at our office, typically, we would start by getting X-rays, and then examine you - but from what your saying we would probably be looking at starting off with NSAIDs and Physical Therapy.
You don't have any crazy deficits in range of motion with that shoulder or extreme weakness in it, correct? Typically that would be evidence of something more acute, and you probably would've noticed a specific moment of injury. The popping and clicking sounds more like the tendon sheath encountering some resistance somewhere as it moves across bone, which could indicate tendonitis. At worst, there is possibility that something like that could eventually lead to some sort of tear, but we can usually prevent that by getting the inflammation down.
I'm by no means a doctor, but I often scribe for our orthopedic surgeon here so I learn quite a bit by listening to what he advises with his patients and observing the various special tests he will use to determine what is going on in the patient. Basically, I'm saying don't take my word for it but get an expert to look at it. :biglaugh:
Correct nothing serious in range of motion. Guess I was kinda hoping for something like joint arthritis or something similar. When I wake up in the morning is when it's the most painful and slowly loosens up throughout the day. Shooting my bow isn't painful infact it feels better after the shooting. But the next morning same problem. Compare it to something like a crick in the neck. I had a bad hip pain a year or so ago that lasted for months then just went away, guess I'm hoping the shoulder does the same. My surgery experience isn't the best. Would give it a 50/50. Right knee had torn acl and damaged miniscus in 1998. Left knee blew out the whole enchilada in 2000 mcl and acl. Left knee is great, right knee is worse than b4 I had surgery and the same people did both. But appreciate all advice given. Believe I'm gonna give myself a week of not doing anything to see how it feels and if no better I will make an appointment. Thanks again guys
No where else on the planet will you find such advice, experience, and concern shared with a "stranger".
Love this place. Don't waste too much time Clay. Get professional advice, no matter what route you choose is better than waiting in pain. :thumbsup:
Quote from: goobersan on June 12, 2019, 10:00:27 PM
No where else on the planet will you find such advice, experience, and concern shared with a "stranger".
Love this place. Don't waste too much time Clay. Get professional advice, no matter what route you choose is better than waiting in pain. [emoji106]
Yeah there are a few other places.
Sent from my SM-G892A using Tapatalk
There are group of 6 or 7 muscles that form the rotator cuff in the shoulder (search online), they protect the arm bone and shoulder from rubbing bone on bone. The RC can get thin with continual use and lack of exercise, but if it caught before it tears, a therapist will know what exercises are needed. I went thru it about 10 yrs ago, it took about five months of daily exercise with stretch bands to build it back up. A tear requires surgery. Good luck.
Quote from: Hud on June 13, 2019, 01:27:57 AM
There are group of 6 or 7 muscles that form the rotator cuff in the shoulder (search online), they protect the arm bone and shoulder from rubbing bone on bone. The RC can get thin with continual use and lack of exercise, but if it caught before it tears, a therapist will know what exercises are needed. I went thru it about 10 yrs ago, it took about five months of daily exercise with stretch bands to build it back up. A tear requires surgery. Good luck.
A tear DOES NOT require surgery.
Working thru similar shoulder pain. I don't think quite as bad as yours tho.
I have had a few shots and that helps a lot for about nine to ten months.
But currently doing pt, and am hoping to build up strength around the shoulder and avoid surgery.
Hope you get it figured out, best to you,
Gary
Ive had different shoulder issues over the years and a dozen different diagnosis. I did have a torn rotator I had fixed but more often than not, the problem was back/neck related. I occasionally get a condition similar to the OP (acts just like a rotor tear) and I go to the chiropractor and get adjusted. Within a day, its cured.
Seems to me I remember a well known bowhunter with the same issue. Wensel? Mitten? Don Thomas? Cant remember exactly who it was, but the issue was just like mine...hard to raise my arm or reach out for a door knob or whatever. A chiro adjustment fixed them, too. Try that before surgery.
Here are some shoulder exercises. Stretching often does wonders........
https://youtu.be/oLwTC-lAJws
Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk
Quote from: Lakerat007 on June 11, 2019, 06:46:37 PM
Quote from: Sam McMichael on June 11, 2019, 06:39:13 PM
Don't be cheap to the point of being stupid. No, I am not saying this to be provocative. If you have pain and a crunchy noise, you have a real problem. I know. Mine hurt and crunched and DID NOT get better with rest or pain killers. I had surgery, followed the therapy regimen and got better. I can now shoot my hunting bows painlessly for as many arrows as I care to shoot. Honestly, it sounds like you are being the tough guy rather than the smart guy. It is certainly your choice, but if you want to get over this you need to get medical treatment and listen to the doc. Sorry if I come across harsh, but in this situation, I know what I'm talking about. Good luck.
No sir not harsh. I'm not trying to be the tough guy either. I've had multiple knee surgeries. But in those cases I knew right away I just screwed the pooch and this ain't gonna be good. Guess I just can't wrap my head around the fact I didn't do anything to injur it. Also the cracking and popping might have been a bit dramatic, would say it pops a handful of times a day but when it does it's instant relief.
I would look into exercises and good food. Before going to a Doctor and 1st quit doing what is hurting it. Did you know that Doctors are the third leading cause of death in America? I have read this in numerous places. Our health care is the most expensive in the world and ranked last I checked 49th. We pay more than anybody in the world for our prescription drugs. They sell them for up to 60% less in other countries. And our tax dollars subsidise the research. This needs fixing along with your shoulder.
Bob
Internet diagnosis and treatment on a trad archery forum? I know your looking for an easy answer and your comments about how the medical profession works is telling. Most doctors would not give internet advice or diagnosis due to liability issues, I know I won't.
Go see your doc and expect exam and tests to confirm diagnosis. May be simple fix or not, won't know until diagnosis is made. You may be having a problem that could advance to more severe issues.
:thumbsup:
Katman X 2
Happy to report shoulder is doing great! Took gangs advice and went to doctor and X rays came back negative. He asked if any other joints had been giving me probs. I said yes. Knees, elbows and fingers. He told me to cut out sugar for a few weeks and see what happens. Have never felt so good. Isn't easy cutting sugar out of a southern boys diet and I've cheated on occasion and instantly noticed my joints swell and ache. Kinda crazy to me but just my experience. Thanks again for all the advice
So glad you found a doctor that wanted to treat you and NOT cut you first.
Glad it's working out for you too.
:thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Take a look at gocrossover.com
Its a shoulder rehab and shoulder strengthening system that I highly recommend you take a look at for shoulder repair,shoulder maintanence and strength.
Its about as advanced as it gets if your really serious about taking care of shoulder problems.
Works for me!
Clay, I am an Occupational Therapist and a Certified Hand Therapist who has treated patients with shoulder issues for years. I am happy to try and help you navigate what might be bothering your shoulder.
You've got some good advice on the thread. I would see a doctor for imaging. Based on your age, and not knowing your profession, I think therapy could point you in the right direction.
I have had to rehab my own bouts of lateral epicondylitis (aka tennis elbow), TFCC sprain, and shoulder impingement/strain issues that affected shooting my recurve. Worst thing you can do is nothing and hope it gets better.
Feel free to pm me your contact info if you'd like to talk more.