Archery is a sport that requires a great deal of shoulder strength and stability. With the repetitive motion during shooting, injuries could occur over time. There are certain signs and warnings that can indicate a problem, and which you can use to prevent shoulder injuries form occurring in the first place.
Identification
Many archers may overlook the aches and pains associated with shoulder injuries. Archery-related shoulder injuries could be indicated by shoulder pain while drawing back the bow, holding the bow at full draw or upon release. Another sign of a shoulder injury could be reduced range of motion that results in the inability to pull the bow back to full draw.
Significance
The shoulders are critical to shooting a bow. If a shoulder injury occurs, the shooter will have two options--switch hands with the bow or take a rest from shooting. Shoulder injuries can negatively impact performance, and could eventually prohibit someone from shooting a bow.
Mechanics
Shoulder injuries can be greatly reduced and prevented with proper mechanics. Talk to a local archery pro shop about lessons. A properly qualified teacher can critique your technique and teach proper mechanics that can not only prevent injuries, but also improve your shooting performance.
Prevention/Solution
Lightweight strength training can improve shoulder stability, which in turn can prevent and even cure shoulder injuries. Perform three sets of 10 to 15 repetitions of rotator cuff and shoulder exercises at least three times per week. Another prevention is to take time to rest the shoulder after a long day of shooting.
Injuries
Common shoulder injuries that are seen in archery include tendinitis and rotator cuff injuries. Tendinitis is an overuse injury when the ligaments and tendons become inflamed. The rotator cuff--a series of four muscles that stabilize the shoulder--can be injured if the archer has weak shoulders or poor shooting mechanics.
