Have you ever shared with others a problem that you are having only to find out that someone else is dealing with the same thing? With archery season right around the corner today’s topic is timely. Read on and maybe someone can benefit from my story.  

I have had my share of health issues. A side effect from so many medical treatments is severe muscle atrophy in my right shoulder. Over the years it has gotten worse, to the point where reaching overhead to pull a simple light cord was painful. The downward progression was so slow that it was almost unnoticeable. Like most people of my vintage, it was easy to dismiss and chalk it up to the aging process. I grudgingly accepted my fate. I thought that this was good as it would get and to enjoy what little mobility or range of motion I had left.

The ticking clock in my head was speeding towards the end of my archery and musky fishing career. Along the way, concessions were already being made. When throwing huge musky lures I started to throw more underhand casts. The biggest and heaviest lures in my tackle box were being ignored. To be honest, I never threw the Two Pounder Bulldog lure for very long to begin with. 

The other concession? When archery hunting, I almost exclusively used my crossbow over my compound bow. I always preferred a compound bow but pulling it with a dinged-up shoulder was painful and extremely difficult. A few times last year I did use my compound bow with the hope that the adrenaline of having a big bruiser at stake was enough for me to draw the bow. Once the cold weather arrived, I never used my compound again.

A little over a year ago it felt like a lot of activities were about to end for me. Then I went to see Dr. Sam at Ellsworth Chiropractic. During the initial consultation I asked her two questions: (1) Have you ever seen a shoulder as dinged up as mine? (2) Did you fix it? She answered: “Yes” and “Yes.” I admit that I was very skeptical because I had lived with the issue for so long. Now I realize that the tide turned for me on that day.  

To start, adjustments were twice a week. Positive results were initially almost imperceptible. Slowly the range of motion improved and the pain decreased. I waited for over six months before trying to pull back my bow and when I did, I was in disbelief. I was able to pull back my compound bow with ease and without pain.  

My experience was not meant to be an advertisement for Dr. Sam but by extension, it kind of is. My point is for others not fall into the trap of “this is as good as it gets.” If one person reading this is moved to seek treatment in order to get back on the golf course or to be able to pick up a grandchild again, well, then mission accomplished.

Thanks Dr. Sam!

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