The Firing Line Forums - View Single Post - Can rifle recoil damage a rotator cuff???

rebs · October 21, 2012, 07:02 AM

I had a severe rotor cuff tear 6 years ago, it was a complete tear with retraction. I went to 5 different specialist in rotor cuff surgery and not one would recommend surgery as it was a complete tear off with retraction. It is now 6 years later and I can raise my arm above my head, It is still a problem shaving and brushing my hair or anything about that height. As far as shooting, I can shoot my AR just fine and a 243 cal and thats about as much as I can do in rifles. As for pistols I can shoot my 22, 357 mag and 1911, however I cannot shoot them with only my right hand as there is not enough strength to hold them straight our at shoulder height. I have to use both hands.
IMHO the rotor cuff injury is not to be taken lightly, go to the doc and get another MRI. You could injure it for life.

October 21, 2012, 07:02 AM	#7
rebs Senior Member Join Date: January 10, 2012 Posts: 3,881	I had a severe rotor cuff tear 6 years ago, it was a complete tear with retraction. I went to 5 different specialist in rotor cuff surgery and not one would recommend surgery as it was a complete tear off with retraction. It is now 6 years later and I can raise my arm above my head, It is still a problem shaving and brushing my hair or anything about that height. As far as shooting, I can shoot my AR just fine and a 243 cal and thats about as much as I can do in rifles. As for pistols I can shoot my 22, 357 mag and 1911, however I cannot shoot them with only my right hand as there is not enough strength to hold them straight our at shoulder height. I have to use both hands. IMHO the rotor cuff injury is not to be taken lightly, go to the doc and get another MRI. You could injure it for life.