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Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: snowplow on August 30, 2020, 11:18:21 PM

Title: bow shoulder soreness
Post by: snowplow on August 30, 2020, 11:18:21 PM

Hey guys, random question here-

I committed to making a anchor point change. It is a pretty high anchor that puts the arrow directly under my eye. Before I had a pretty low anchor. I can definitely feel that I am pulling more 'up' on my bow arm. After shooting quite a few arrows my draw shoulder was fine as it always is, but my bow shoulder was a little sore. I just figured I'd post up and see if that sounded about normal?

It also got me thinking. I have heard tom clum talk about keeping the shoulder in the pocket. Not sure exactly what he means though. What is the most supported musculoskeletal position for the bow shoulder? Should it be pinned back with your lats? Its such a weird joint.

Thanks fellas  :archer2:

Title: Re: bow shoulder soreness
Post by: kat on August 31, 2020, 10:29:21 AM

Just my own experience to draw on here.  I have felt soreness when shooting with a high anchor. That seems to give me a higher shoulder position, and in turn some discomfort.
Lowering my anchor point gives me better shoulder alignment and relieves the soreness after shooting.
I would think the ticket would be if you could use a higher anchor point, and keep your shoulder lower, you would have what you are looking for. Straight shoulder alignment is key to longevity in my opinion.

Title: Re: bow shoulder soreness
Post by: Car54 on August 31, 2020, 10:54:00 AM

I have similar pain if I don’t keep my bow/ front shoulder down. Everythings good once I do this.

Title: Re: bow shoulder soreness
Post by: McDave on August 31, 2020, 11:27:46 AM

“Should it be pinned back with your lats?”  Definitely not.  As stated in the other responses, try to keep the bow arm shoulder in the same neutral position as it was before you started the draw.  No pushing forward, no raising, no trying to squeeze an orange between the shoulder blades.  As the shoulders rotate into the bow during expansion, it may feel as if the bow arm shoulder is pushing forward, but it is being pushed forward by the rotation, not pushing, a subtle difference.  The triceps muscles of the bow arm should be tensed to help keep the bow arm steady, unlike the biceps of the string arm, which should be relaxed.

Title: Re: bow shoulder soreness
Post by: madmaxthc on August 31, 2020, 05:35:18 PM

Quote from: McDave on August 31, 2020, 11:27:46 AM

“Should it be pinned back with your lats?”  Definitely not.  As stated in the other responses, try to keep the bow arm shoulder in the same neutral position as it was before you started the draw.  No pushing forward, no raising, no trying to squeeze an orange between the shoulder blades.  As the shoulders rotate into the bow during expansion, it may feel as if the bow arm shoulder is pushing forward, but it is being pushed forward by the rotation, not pushing, a subtle difference.  The triceps muscles of the bow arm should be tensed to help keep the bow arm steady, unlike the biceps of the string arm, which should be relaxed.

This. Definitely good advice. 👍

Learned that the hard way.

Best,
Max

Title: Re: bow shoulder soreness
Post by: snowplow on September 02, 2020, 01:08:52 AM

Thanks guys, that all makes sense. Today was better. My shoulder was creeping up for sure.