Am i done???

[cmh]

In the course of the last year I've managed to tear the muscle of my firearm away from my bone. The first time was turning a pipewrench ( I'm a pipefitter by trade) and recently the second time happened shooting my new to me bear takedown. The Dr says it will be a continual problem and while I can't just quit what I do for a living he said perhaps modify the way I do my job but can think of no way to shoot a bow any different.I'm  about two weeks away from laying down some serious $$$$ for a custom bow and now wondering if I'd even be able to shoot it??? Anyone ever had a issue like this?

[reddogge]

Hope you are seeing an othopedic surgeon, not the family quack. I have two thoughts. You are putting entirely too much stress on that limb for the simple act of shooting a bow. Don't know about wrenching. You also may have a congenital weakness in that area.

[Bladepeek]

My thoughts too. There should not be that much strain on the forearm if you are drawing with your back and using a deep hook on the string hand. Maybe a lighter weight after therapy and a change in form could do the trick.

[Cyclic-Rivers]

Is it on your bow arm or draw arm?

[Bowwild]

The switch from one hand to another isn't a big deal. I'd do that if possible before I'd hang up archery.

I shot RH for 28 years and switched to lefty in 1996. Never looked back.

[cmh]

My draw arm..... I've tried lefty and well...... Not good lol  

[Michael Arnette]

Try a release?

[Stump73]

Lke others. Take some time off try a lighter bow or switch hands and stick with it for awhile.

[McDave]

Originally posted by Bowwild:
The switch from one hand to another isn't a big deal. I'd do that if possible before I'd hang up archery.

I shot RH for 28 years and switched to lefty in 1996. Never looked back.

+1

You will enjoy shooting lefty. Just go into it purely for the fun of it with no expectations. Squint your right eye if you're strongly right eye dominant.  Cancel the expensive bow, for now. Get a Samick Sage or cheap used lefty and just shoot it for a few months. Of course, wait for the Ortho Doc to do all he can, first, and make sure shooting LH isn't going to make it worse.

[Possum Head]

Most of the finer customs take awhile to build. Take this time to be extra careful at work and lay off shooting. The human body has an exceptionable ability to heal.Pray for healing and do very mild exercise until the postman knocks. Best wishes.

[cmh]

Thank you gentlemen I appreciate the replies and suggestions. Will try left handed more once I'm healed up and then if my shooting is on par then order the custom.

[mangonboat]

I had to learn how to shoot righty last year after 50 yearsa of lefty.  I started out with a 26# Howatt Ventura and tiny arrows that zipped . It was so much fun that I looked forward to it every morning. A year later, I shoot RH and LH equally well with comparable bows for both side. As an unplanned benefit, it rests the muscle groups on alternating sides.  I dont hesitate to back off when I'm feeling sore and shoot a lighter bow.

[JohnV]

It takes a lot more than trying to shoot opposite hand.   It takes a total commitment and time.  I switched from right to left due to uncontrollable target panic and snap shooting.  It took over one year of constant shooting before I felt comfortable with the switch.  Now, years later, it feels very comfortable and natural to shoot left.

[cmh]

The way I draw is somewhat different than most folks.....I have scoliosis and years of abuse has caused my back to be exceptionally weak in that area so I lift, pull, etc differently. In my line of work I do alot of it lol so yes instead of drawing and holding with my back I am relying on arm strength.... And I'm right handed so it's natural to wrench with it first. Guess I'll just forgo the new bow for now  :(  and wait and see what happens. Thanks everyone  

[Panzer]

Once you are healed you might consider lifting some weights. Body builders tear muscles all the time and with light lifting and gradually increasing the weight many are able to return to full size and strength.

[cmh]

[cmh]

Well..... Not good. It seems this will be a reoccurring problem unless I alter my lifestyle..... Two physicians so looks like no new bow and I may just sell my new green stripe TD ..... No sense in it sitting g there collecting dust when someone could hunt it   :(

[Jakeemt]

You also didn't mention the weight you shoot you could consider dropping down a good bit.

[cmh]

I shoot 45 to 50 lb bows..... I wouldn't hunt deer with less than 45 though....

[tracker12]

At the least it's time to give it a rest till you are rehabbed and given the go ahead to start back up.  Lot's of threads out there with plenty of deer critters shot with #40 bows but that's your choice.