I'm having shoulder surgery next month and I was wondering about how long it takes to recover enough to get back to shooting my longbow.

I'm sure Smokin Joe will be here in a bit to fill you in.....

T

An Orthopedic Surgeon will be doing the procedure I assume and he would be the one to ask. I've seen some excellent advice offered here concerning archery but very seldom any on medical issues. And a surgeon would probably be hesitant to offer an estimate without knowing your age, physical condition, the extent of the injury etc..., etc...

Here is some excellent advice I've seen here:"follow your rehab instructions"

I will share my shoulder surgery and recovery experience. I think everyone's experience and recovery time will be different but this is mine.


I had surgery to repair my torn rotator cuff on January 11th of 2023. I had multiple partial tears and a full depth tear of my rotator cuff plus tearing of my bicep. All the damage was caused by a fall on September 18th 2022. I was 50 at the time of my surgery (51 now) and in above average physical condition. I had bio-anchors installed to repair the tears and the whole process took about 3 hours. It was very painful when the nerve block wore off and the first 6 weeks sucked due to sleeping in an upright position with an immobilizer sling on. I was told in my pre-surgery consult that my recovery time would be 12 months. I was also told that if I followed instructions to a T that I would get back 100% of my strength and range of motion. I was also told that if I didn't follow instructions and tore out the bio-anchors before they healed in that I would have to have a reverse shoulder replacement and would never regain 100% of my strength or range of motion.


I started physical therapy 2 weeks after my surgery. I was asked by my therapist on my first visit what my goal was and I said to be able to hunt with my bow by September. I was told it was doable if I put in the work and followed instructions. My recovery was broken down as follows: 3 months to get back range of motion, 3 months to get back strength and 6 months to get back muscle stamina = 12 months. I was diligent with doing my therapy and had my motion back in 6 weeks and started working on my strength. I made pretty big gains with strength and I've been able to shoot my bow for about 3 weeks now. It's the same bow I hunted with last year a 50# Bear Grizzly. I only shoot every other day and limit my shots to 25-50 but I'm very happy! I still do my exercises every other day as well and increase weight and reps every week. I'm not where I was before the injury with strength or stamina but I'm getting there.


This process has taught me patience and made me realize I'm not bullet proof.


I hope your surgery and recovery will be a great success! It's good to hear other people's stories like mine but please listen to and follow your surgeon's and therapist's instructions! God bless. -Jim

Somewhat similar to Jim. I'm a bit older tho. (will turn 70 in September) I had two torn tendons from a slip on ice while going in w a metal pack frame to pull an Elk stand. Landed hard on my right shoulder. One was complete tear. That was two years ago March. Had surgery a year ago March. Repaired tendons and also rebuilt rotator cuff w a cadaver graft.
My surgeon said my bow pulling days were over right handed.

Two months 24/7 in padded sling. Then rehab for another two months. I still used a mouth tab last fall not willing to take a chance. Harvested my best Mule deer and a 3 yr old Bull Moose. I was still working out with exercise bands and dumbells.

In December I started w 38# limbs on my Bear TD. I am now at 42# @ 26 1/2" right handed shooting about every other day. I get tired after about a dozen arrows. (I also have some nerve damage to my right side that limits my shooting too) I'm hoping to be at 50# by fall.

Listen to your therapist and go slow to start.
Good Luck

Gun, I think I've mentioned this to you before but I'm going to say it again.... You are an inspiration!   


I told my therapist about you on my first visit with him when he asked me what my goal was. I told him that if I couldn't pull my bow back by summer that I'd be trying it with my teeth. I showed him your thread with your moose kill and he was amazed. He's a bowhunter so he understood what a feat you accomplished.


You're the man! Good bless you, thank you and keep on keeping on! 

I have had both shoulders replaced -- which is about the most invasive shoulder surgery a person can have. In my experience, the answer to your question is, "It depends."

For example:
Which shoulder is it? There is a significant difference between draw shoulder and bow shoulder recovery time.
What kind of surgery? Is it arthroscopic or open?
Why are you having the surgery? Bone spur removal, worn cartilage, torn rotator cuff, etc.

There are so many variables. If you provide more information we can perhaps guide you a bit.

Nice work Gun.... Can you show us pics?  I'll make sure this thread gets archived for future  reference. 

Listen to Joe, he's also 'in the know'.

Thanks Terry
I just posted a link to a recent podcast I did above ^^^

I may have posted this before? Hope this works too

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/rU4gQayd9vk

Nice video Gun....

But I can't find a link to the podcast....

See if this works

https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-traditional-bowhunting-podcast/id1675683866?i=1000614553484

Really depends on which "shoulder surgery" you have and lots of details.  I've had both biceps tendons reattached with a labbeal tear repair a.d some other "clean up".  As was said above, the best advice is to listen to your doc and PT.
I found picking up some lighter weight limbs or bows so I could start shooting comfortably faster was really helpful.