PREVENT AND RELIEF ARCHERY BACK OR SHOULDER INJURY

ARCHERY

On the one hand, archery subjects your muscles to chronic stress and sudden movements and vibrations that your body then has to absorb. On top of the asymmetrical force it obliges you to create, it can also result in an asymmetrical muscular development (it develops some muscle groups on one side of the body and not other groups on the other side of the body). This could cause you to be at risk for back pain because you might be distributing the weight and force of the action improperly, creating stresses and strains and threatening lesser developed groups of muscles. This could lead to an imbalance in the back and of our muscular structure. Proper and studied technique, fluid style and the correct posture are all essential in archery as this will allow you to practice the sport for as many years as you like. Bad or incorrect postures lead to small strains and stresses. These repeated strains can result in severe and chronic injuries.

ARCHERY TIPS:

COMPENSATION EXERCISES

An exercise regimen is recommended to help develop the muscles of the spinal column, compensating for possible imbalance. These exercises must be tailored to the individual and recommended by a doctor.

WARMING UP

Warming up prepares the muscles for the effort it is about to undergo which helps to prevent possible injuries. Any time that you subject your muscles and tendons to stress, strains and stretching without the necessary preparation, it can result in small muscle tears, contractures, etc. Our muscle fibers can be cold and stiff and we must activate them by warming them up and stretching them, consequently preparing them for the exercise ahead.

W-WEAR keeps your back and kidneys at an appropriate temperature. While supporting the trunk and shoulders, it reduces the vibration to be absorbed by your back.

APPROPRIATE EQUIPMENT

Balanced bows, arrows and equipment in general, adapted to the personal characteristics of each archer (level, fitness of the archer, taste, event) are recommended. High quality equipment is required, according to your level, height and strength and all this must be adjusted correctly. A good quality bow will reduce the vibrations your body will need to absorb. Do not hesitate to contact a specialist and/or discover more information in some nearby archery clubs.

CORRECT POSTURE

Adopting a proper posture is essential in archery. A correct posture must be maintained for the correct balance of loads and to prevent excessive stresses on the back and shoulders. Avoid leaning forward and keep your core straight and balanced, or bend backwards only slightly together with the shoulders.

The W-WEAR Back Pain Corrector will help you to keep a correct and natural posture so that your muscle and skeletal structure work perfectly, balancing the loads and their pressure on the entire back and upper torso.

BASIC SAFETY

Archery is not a dangerous sport as long as you follow some basic safety rules. Never shoot an arrow upwards. When ready to shoot, make sure that the terrain and shot is clear over a 150º angle. Never use an arrow that is shorter than needed as accidents may occur. Do not overstretch a pulley bow. Various protection accessories are available such as arm protectors or chest protectors, which reduce risk of injury while practicing archery.