I just got a bow for christmas and am shooting 65 lbs. First bow ever. It isn't a strain to pull it back at all. I have shot about every other day since then. I have no pain in my right arm (pulling arm) but the arm I hold the bow with becomes extremly soar in the shoulder, sometimes after I shoot alot I cant barely move it. Anybody else suffered similar problem or have suggestions? Please Help love shooting but pain is almost unbareable.

Funny you should say that. I woke up thiss morning with the same thing. I shoot a lot and shot yesterday with no pain at all. Woke up this morning and almost can not lift my bow arm. I work in a hospital so I have some knowledge. I am going to treat mine with Advil to reduce inflammation and apply ice often. This is the part I hate and you will hate also, no shoot for a while. It does need some time to heal. The very best med. for inflammation is called Vioxx if you can get a presciption for some. Good luck.

first off welcome to the board
now to your problem I suggest you back the poundage off to 60 so you put less stress on the shoulder and build up to what you want to shoot at slowly the same as you would in weight lifting.
You have to let the muscle build up without too much stress on it

The only thing is that it doesn't really seem like a muscle. I don't know maybe rest it for a week or two and drop the poundage.

BIGS, you have to be very careful about your front shoulder, and that goes for everyone. I think this may be a form issue. My suggestion to you would be if you have an archery shop close by, go and shoot there. Ask the owner or person running it to watch your form, or if you can get your hands on a coach utilize them. I beleive you have a high deltoid problem( of course not seeing you shoot, my conclusion may be wrong). With a high deltoid, usaully you are over extending your shoulder socket and taking the pressure that should be distributed across your shoulder blades and putting it directly in your joint. <img src=icon_smile_dissapprove.gif border=0 align=middle>
This can cause major injuries to the deltoid mucscles, such as rips, tears, or even muscles being stripped from the insertions of your bone. OUCH, happened to my coach. It also puts un needed pressure on your shoulder joint, which can cause break down's in the bone. Most reason's for over extending the deltoid, compensation for a draw length that is to long, to much hand on the grip causing poor arm-body alignment. If this is serious, it can't be fixed over the net, and must be taken to a professional person, with alot of form experience. Please do not take this lightly, and I am being totally serious, I wouldn't want to see a new archer have to leave the sport early in to it. Good luck, and great shooting. Take care of that shoulder.
Dylan

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i agree with dylan, sounds like a form problem. next time you shoot try this. forget about hitting the bulseye. draw back and think about the position of your sholder. is it pushing up toward your ear? your sholder blade is it pushing backwards? think of the tension of each muscle. now let your breath out and let your sholder drop and relax as much as posible. is your grip tense? it too should be relaxed. only enough presure to keep the bow from falling. the best advise i was given when i started was &quot;practice does not make perfect only perfect practice does&quot; if you practice bad habits in form your body will remember this and contenue to shoot improperly. practice your form every shot if you get the least bit tired stop shooting, if you dont it will make bad habits.
good luck and shoot strait
Ron

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You might want to try a wrist strap if you don't already have one.You may be keeping your arm too stiff.Rn,Hntr is right try Vioxx I get pain in my back and shoulder and tried everything else.Nothing took the pain completely away except when I got the Vioxx.Good Luck.

55# Recurve and lazyarcher are dead on the money. Rotator cuff injuries are very painful and not to be ignored. Have your draw length measured...sounds like you are too long forcing your bow shoulder high.

Edited by - Zippernut on 02/11/2002 06:40:44