I just got done with my Orthopedic Doctor, and he said the MRI results show a small tear in my Labrum (or whatever the he'll it's called) which is in the shoulder, a bone spur in my shoulder, and further tests show a pinched nerve in my neck.  He told me surgery was not an option as of right now, so he sent me to physical therapy.  I started my first session tonight (I was amazed they could get me in that quick), and I immediately had the pain and numbness dissapear till about half way home, and it came right back.  

My therapist...I thought it would always be a different type of therapist if I ever needed one...told me that after each time I come, the relief will last longer and longer.  He too is a hunter, and understands my need to get back to shooting.  He made me promise no bows for 1 month, and stay out of the gym for atleast a couple weeks till he can give me some strengthing exercises to use there.

So, long story short, If I do my part I will be enjoying the new limbs that should be here in a little over a month, and hopefully never return to this stage again.  This has literally been a pain in the neck.  

The pain was one thing, but when the numbness set in, and I couldn't draw my bow I figured I had let it get bad enough, and should seek help.  Please don't be stupid like I was.  If there is a problem, get it looked at.  I was lucky this time.

That's great news!

Congrats to you!!      

Really good news! Surgery can work wonders, BUT, it's invasive. Heal quick & get after it.

Good news. Now do what they say! Good luck Mike.

Great news Mike. It's a bonus that there's plenty of time befroe the hunting season.

Fantastic news Mike.

Congrats! Just listen to that PT & I'm sure all will turn out great    

Great news Mike!!!  

Mike that is fantastic news!!! Take it easy buddy and rest up. Glad your ok!

Good news!   God has blessed you!   This sounds like my own dilemma  before I did the physical therapy... Impingement at the C4 vertebrae does nasty things brother!

Great news!  In 7 months we all hope to hear you  stuck to the plan, that it worked, and that you enjoyed some great hunts this upcoming fall!

Great news, happy for ya!

Always good to avoid the knife, hope you continue to heal.

Great news Mike.  Hope the healing goes fast!!!!

BOB

Good for you Mike. I didn't fare as well. I had shoulder surgery two weeks ago. But it's been healing so good I wasn't going to go to PT. After reading your post I think I'll go. Thanks.

Awesome news!!

Mike that is fantastic. I found out last fall I have Ortho Arthritis in my right shoulder. I tweaked it about a month ago, and haven't been able to draw my bow.  I'm gonna have to get back to the PT excercises I was supposed to do last year.

There is nothing worse than not being able to draw a stick bow, or reach for a can above my shoulder height...

That is fantastic news.....

Best of luck Mike. And do what the doctor says, it will only make you better.

Mike,

I had rotator surgery, 3 corner tear, bone spur shredded a tendon to look like a "frizz stick" to light campfires!

I did my therapy religously and was shooting my hunting weight bow in less than 60 days! But I did EVERYthing they told me and nothing I wasn't told to do (I asked tons of questions!) to make that happen.

Non-surgical repair w/ therapy can take nearly as long as post surgery, but you AVOID surgery and the rehab.

Do it! Do it their way!  

I'm lucky. Guy I graduated with has his on PT biz so I go there and they've been bailer twining and bubble-gumming me together and around ragin arthritis for years!

Rizzo, ya knothead...get yer butt to therapy.