Hunting after surgery


WStreblo

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I just had a small shoulder surgery at the beginning of August. My doctor says I should be ok for Ohio's bow season, however, I'm still nervous that I may rush back into it and injure my shoulder again. I hurt my shoulder last year and couldn't imagine giving up deer or spring turkey season so I fought the pain until this June. Does anyone have any suggestions for getting over the mental hurdle of re injury?

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I was in a similar situation last year. I had elbow surgery in February and tried turkey hunting that March. I never should have rushed into it because I could hardly get my gun up and ended up wounding a bird I never found. It took me all the way up to bow season to get into bow shape. I did my physical therapy to the max and dropped my poundage on my bow down to a point where I could do it with minimal pain. You don't need the bow set at 70lbs to kill a deer. Work your weight back up slowly. You've got years to hunt, just take your time. FYI, that first time pulling the bow back is the scariest. All that scar tissue popping. :)

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Never had shoulder surgery, but had a surgery that I was on restrictions after and I screwed up by doing more than I should have and have a bit of excess scar tissue as a result which gives me some troubles. Would only do what your physician says is ok, if he/she gives you the go ahead then by all means go for it, but if not would not risk doing more damage that might lead to the need for another surgery.

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Hunting after surgery

I have been through 2 shoulder surgeries the last two years one during deer season one last march. My advice is to make sure you are aware of your capabilities. Ask your physical therapist of an honest assessment and turn your bow down to the lightest draw weight. Get comfortable just shooting and each week add 5 lbs. until you are comfortable with the way you have healed. Any doubt or pain and you just need to back off.

Happy hunting!

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