Are there any bow shooters out there that have had a shoulder replaced? I am a 70 hunter who must choose between having a shoulder replaced and not knowing if I can pull a 60# bow or being able to pull it and endure the pain. I will not have it replaced if I can no longer bow hunt. I am right handed and have to have my left shoulder replaced. Thanks, Montana Slim
Montana, you ever thought of lowering your draw weight down to say like 45#'s or using a crossbow? Either way, best of luck to you and I hope you can continue to bowhunt.
MS- I'm an orthopod and I do shoulder arthroplasty surgery. Everyone's different when it comes to these operations. If you plan to go through with the surgery, realize its probably going to take the better part of a year to get the strength back to stabilize and strengthen your shoulder enough to be able to steady your bow. If it was your right shoulder for a right handed shooter, I'd say your likelihood of being able to draw that weight would be slim. But, being that its your base arm, I'd say you have a good chance of being able to continue hunting...after sufficient rehab. That being said, shoulder replacement surgery is typically for relief of pain, not necessarily to improve motion. Most patients do see some improvement in motion and function, but I tell them that's gravy on top. The goal is usually to provide pain free function below shoulder level. I'd certainly try all avenues of conservative management prior to surgery, as I'm sure you have. Anti-inflammatories, corticosteroid injections, physical therapy. Best of luck on your decision. Whatever you decide, I wish you the best!
I broke my shoulder, had surgery, and am pulling 60# still. Did this about a year and a half ago. I'm also 17.
I've had shoulder surgery and can still pull back my 70# bow just fine. It wasn't nearly as serious as a shoulder replacement though. I'm also only 21, so I healed up and regained my strength fairly quickly. I'm not really aware of how long rehab and recuperation would be at an older age. Comfort is very important thought, and I think I'd go ahead an have the surgery. With the way technology is on bows today, there is nothing wrong with shooting 45-50 lbs because you still get plenty of arrow speed to kill a deer. Good luck with whatever you decide to do.
My dad had to get his shoulder replaced. He is in his 50's and unfortunately it ended his bowhunting. But not completely. He looked in to the regulations out here in California and found that if a physician can give him a note for fish and game he can hunt with a crossbow during archery season. Hope this helps.
