I have developed an arthritic shoulder from years of playing sports when I was younger. I have had the shoulder joint cleaned out in three separate arthroscopic surgeries.

After the last surgery, three weeks ago, the surgeon told me that the inside of my shoulder is a complete mess, and that the surfaces are now bone grinding down bone.

I have been told that a shoulder replacement, in the fairly near future, is the only way to reduce pain and return functionality. Without the replacement the pain and loss of function will only get worse. That's pretty bad news.

Here is my questions:

Do we have any members who are orthopedic surgeons who could offer an informed opinion.

Does anyone out there know anybody who has had a total shoulder replacement who has been able to regain the strength to return to trad archery afterward?

I am looking for knowledge about shoulder replacement and the long-term prognosis after the procedure.

My old boss's wife is a physical therapist and I've had her work on knots in my shoulder muscles because it got to the point of not being able to use that are. I talked to her bout what the future will hold for my shoulder (sounds like gravel in there when I move it and I'm only 24). She said that full shoulder replacement is something to avoid if at all possible. I hope I never get to that point but with how things are I'm probably headed that way. Wish I knew more. Hope it works out for you

Good luck Joe.  I hope you are able to shoot pain free again.

I am going to send this back up to the top to see if I can get more info.

Joe,

I feel for you on this one. I don't know you at all. But I do fell compelled to suggest that any advice you may get here would be better than other bowhunting related websites. However the best advice will most likely come from a consultation with an orthapedic (sp?) surgeon or two.

Hopefully someone here is one, and better yet they are close to you in NC!

I wish you the best!

Kind regards,

BB

Thanks BB. The orthopedic surgeon who did the clean out scope job basically said that the only thing left to do, when the pain and disability gets bad enough, would be a replacement.

My surgeon is not an archer, so reaching out here I think I might get some information from a member who has had the procedure and returned to shooting successfully.

So I will keep this near the top of the posts and see what develops.

I tell you what can't give you advice on this one, but I can shoot up some prayers, deal?

I have not had a rebuild, but I have had a general clean up. It was not too bad, but it still takes time. My surgery was last February, and I am still not shooting at 100%. I can shoot my hunting bows 20 to 30 times, and then control breaks down due to fatigue. However in hunting one or at most two shots will be available.

Your rehab will be uncomfortable at best  and will take a long time. But, if you work hard and LISTEN to the doc, plus DO THE WORK according to your therapist you will get back to shooting. You may never be able to pull bows as heavy as you do now, but just read a few threads here. Light bows will get it done. That will not be an issue for you. The main thing is just to hang in and get it done. Good luck to you. One last thing as a bright point, though. Once you do complete your rehab work, you will have justified buying yourself a brand new bow.

Thanks, dahyer, prayers are appreciated.

Sam, I like the way yo think.

Joe, a guy I work with is 60 and had his shoulder done about 6 weeks ago.  He was advised to keeping moving even thru the discomfort.  He did and has not had a problem as he does the PT religiously.  He is an avid skier and says he will ski 4 times a week...he retires a month after me.  Do not fear it if the procedure will help, rather embrace it and do what they tell you.  I agree to putting it off as long as possible, but when it's time.....

Well, here is what my doc told me. If I
Replace your shoulder I can't promise you
can ever shoot your bow again. I'm 65 and
have both knees replaced. The 2nd knee
I got a dvt (blood clot) almost did me in. I'm
bone on bone in my shoulder I now shoot
48lbs from 65. Can't shoot as much but, can
still shoot. The surgery is very tuff they have to
cut your rotator cuff replace the joint the fix
the rotator shoulder is not mobile for months then the
Rehab

Joe, every situation is different, have you asked for a second opinion?  Your doctor may think it is a good idea and make a referral for you. Obviously, you want good advice so find the best Orthopedic surgeon and then ask for a referral to that particular one.

QuoteOriginally posted by Hud:
Joe, every situation is different, have you asked for a second opinion?  Your doctor may think it is a good idea and make a referral for you. Obviously, you want good advice so find the best Orthopedic surgeon and then ask for a referral to that particular one.

Hud makes a great point. If you are not working with a top surgeon, you're fighting an uphill battle. Think of it like buying a custom bow from someone who doesn't understand limb design. Might look good, but shoot like crap.

No clue how to help. I know I am getting ready for doc visit to evaluate my own shoulders. Either through working out or shooting I am getting some rough sharp pains. I have been able to ignore for some time but getting worse.

Sometimes better not knowing in my book!

Wish you the best in the upcoming ordeal, maybe only advice I can give is dont push it in recovery and do exactly as they say.

J

My doctors are all part of a huge orthopedics group with specialists in everything imaginable: spine, hip, elbow, etc.

At this point I am working on re-building support strength around the joint after another clean up scope job one month ago.

I see the doctor in mid-September to talk about best options like replacement soon before I do too much more damage in there, or waiting longer, etc.

I'll keep everybody on here posted. I would guess I'm not the only one who is facing something like this.

I would think it would depend on whether it is the bow arm or string arm. I have friends who had it done who are not archers but they said it is the toughest to recover from compared to hip and knee.

Reddogge: That's what I have heard as well. I have had a hip and a knee replaced and the results have been excellent because I went to the gym and did the work that I was told to do. What I have heard is that the shoulder is harder to rehab, and that it takes longer -- and that makes it more difficult.

It is my string arm. I am right handed.

My dad had a rebuild done about 3 years ago. He is as tough and mean as they come and it took him a solid year to get full range and strength back. It was a long road, but he is much farther ahead now. He shot bow very causally before, he hasn't tried drawing a bow since. But I'm sure he could now.

Joe
I'm in the exact same place as you. No choice but a total replacement. No doctor will say weather I will be able to shoot again but they do say repetitive shock will loosen the screws on the implant like hammering. So I asked about archery and they all say USE A CROSSBOW. That's when give up and walk out!
I have asked your question on here and other sites and have never got an answer. Even three Doctors.
I guess either you or I will have to get it done so we will know.
I'm real close to giving in to the pain.
Will try this season and hope for the best!
Good Luck Chuck

I am not an orthopedic surgeon or a doctor. I am a biomedical engineer.

The shoulder joint is very unique in that it affords a lot of freedoms of movement, however it does that by relying on muscles to stabilize the 'ball' in the 'socket'. Whether or not you will be able to shoot after a total shoulder arthroplasty is anyone's guess. I would personally be confident that there is no cartilage if thatbis what the surgeon says because the arthroscopic imaging is very good and he can probably see the joint surfaces with excellent resolution.

My advice is to get a second opinion before doing anything.

And my advice to everyone who is reading this and there shoulder still works is to shoot the lightest bow you can get away with, and with the least handshock you can find. Better to be a wimp for 100yrs than a tough guy for 1yr. (Not suggesting the OP did something wrong, just saying)

My shoulders are trashed from wrestling many years ago, and I'm very careful to treat them kindly. For those reading and hoping to maintain shoulder function, keep up your shoulder strength by exercising the rotator cuff, and minimize any trauma by going LIGHT!

Cheers and good luck.