Medical condition affecting draw

[mk2dave]

A friend of mine recently broke his collarbone. Had surgery, and has healed up well. The only issue is he is not a fan of appendix carry, but range of motion at the 4 oclock is limited. Basically, what used to be sub 1.5 second draw to first shot is now a labored 3-4 seconds.

He cant be the first one to have to work around something like this.

The short term solution is going to be to learn to love appendix, or at least accept it. Longer term, any hints, tips, tricks, resources that could help?

[TTT]

Can he crossdraw?

[The Manager]

I would think he needs to work on his range of motion. Start stretching to regain the lost mobility. The shoulder should be able to compensate but it will be uncomfortable at first. He may need to get a holster with a little more drop if the full motion cannot be regained. This coming from a guy who's broke every bone in his arm including the elbow, collar bone and rotator cuff surgeries with more than a few screws and plates.

[ACfixer]

How old is he Dave? I agree that continued physical therapy and improving his range of motion. Unless he's really old or has other complications I think he'll get it back if he keeps at it.

[mk2dave]

He's in his mid 40s, and fairly active. His surgery was maybe 6 months ago, give or take? He says he does stretching, but I'll reinforce the idea. I've seen him do that one with the hand going up the spine, looked painful. Regarding crossdraw, I think that would fall in the same category as appendix. He's a small dude, say 5'4" maybe 130? He's not a fan of having the gun in front, and figures if its at the 4 oclock, the gun is that much further away from the "assailant" if he blades his body. "Great. Let me grab a calendar and I'll time your draw."

[pzbike]

The joint capsule adheres down on the shoulder secondary to inactivity.
Adhesive Capsulitis is a painful condition and may require significant time with ROM routines. The rotational movements are difficult.
The carry method is obviously going to be whatever he?s most confident with.

[Dan_Eastvale]

He didn't heal well.... yet.

He's active so following through with physical therapy.? Or just normal usage which is physical therapy.

6 months is recent at his age. It will likely heal completely after a year. When he can return to normal carry.

Until then, appendix

[mk2dave]

He didn't heal well.... yet.

He's active so following through with physical therapy.? Or just normal usage which is physical therapy.

6 months is recent at his age. It will likely heal completely after a year. When he can return to normal carry.

Until then, appendix

He's been done with PT for a month or two now, and hanging out with him things seem normal assuming normal movement. He did mention something about a future appt. at 6 months, I'm guessing this is his orthopedists.

I just wanted to see if there was an obvious work around that we weren't seeing. Seeing this is not the case, I'll advise him to put on his big boy pants and carry appendix but train/stretch on his preferred method.

Thanks, all.

[Sennasixty8]

I’ve got 10 years and 10 lbs on your friend, otherwise the same build. My issue carrying at 4oclock are excess poke at the love handles or fear of printing in that zone. I must be wearing the wrong holster and wardrobe since even a micro nine seems to poke more than I like.

[mk2dave]

I?ve got 10 years and 10 lbs on your friend, otherwise the same build. My issue carrying at 4oclock are excess poke at the love handles or fear of printing in that zone. I must be wearing the wrong holster and wardrobe since even a micro nine seems to poke more than I like.

PM sent.

[Mute]

Without seeing your friend's range of motion limitations we can only make generalized suggestions. But for now, appendix position sounds like the most viable option, though he will likely have to change some of his gear to accomodate. Sometimes, you have to make some changes to deal with changing circumstances. You carry often enough and you learn to adapt as needed. As the other's have suggested, maybe crossdraw or a shoulder hoster could help.

[CSACANNONEER]

Last year I developed a hip issue right at 8 0clock, where I carried. I've gone to a belly band with a shoulder strap for now and will be pocket carrying my new DB9 once I can get it on my LTC. Yea, neither option is great for a fast draw but, both are better than not carrying.

This should be a good thread since, I have not seen or heard much on the subject of alternate methods of carry for medical reasons.

[JohnCCW]

shoulder holster or pocket carry

[G.O.D.]

I Switched to my left hand at 72, because of Arthritis. Then had to Switch to a Glock out of 1911, same thing Arthritis. Took about 6 Months of Practice. Now it's like the only thing I know. It can be Done.