Fly Fishing/Physio

[commieboy]

Hi Folks,

just wondering if any of you have experienced back, shoulder and forearm problems and if you tend to favour any one method of rehab or a particular therapist who really helped.

I know it sounds wimpy, but I spent approximately 100 days on the water last year, many of those days being several hours of fishing/casting. My body is telling me now that that was a mistake.

Would love some advice.

[fish gunner]

swimming I found to be the best, I broke my casting arm in 97. bugged me for a long time. one year I lived on the water an swam every day for a summer . my arm has never had an issue since. start easy, a few lengths in the morn or evening and work your way up. hope that helps.

[pikergolf]

Am going through the same thing, had it assessed on Sat. by physio therapist. Torn rotator cuff, not completely gone but needs some work. Can't lift my arm sideways if that helps, pain in shoulder, elbow, and radiating into fingers.

[Shawnlh]

You know what, my shoulder hasn't been the same since I spent about 30-40 hours on the fly rod this summer (this is my first season with a fly rod since the early 90's). My shoulder is still not normal and I haven't been out for 3 weeks now. It hurts constantly, like a giant knot in the muscle, and makes my hand tingle/jolt or feel numb. Very uncomfortable and makes it difficult to sleep. My right arm is becoming useless, and I'm right handed!!

Piker, who's your therapist if I may ask?

[pikergolf]

Had it assessed by Palliser, Dr. told me that a physio would know better than him. I have a req. for ultra sound but the physio guy told me he's 99.9 sure, and that ultra sound would not be able to tell any better, so I'll skip that and save the tax payer a little. He said heat but not to long and keep it moving so i don't lose mobility, wanted me to come in for laser but I told them no, just tell me what to do. Said don't strain it, and gave me a few exercises to do with weak elastics, just to keep the mobility. Outside chance may require surgery, but didn't think so. Pretty funny we have the same injury from the same lake, I'm assuming it started at Cavan. Oh and the rowing has actually helped relieve the pain a little, he said that was because I was keeping the joint mobile.

[commieboy]

Thanks for replies, folks. Every bit helps.

My own tip for you all, I have started casting my five weight spey style (two handed) and it really relieves the stress on my arm.