Without examining you or having any real idea about what problem who had that required two surgical interventions...
As an occupational therapist/certified hand therapist (OT/CHT) who specializes in upper extremity rehabilitation I not infrequently have treated cops and military folks who have to use firearms in the line of duty. I even kept a dummy Beretta and 1911 in the office for them to use with exercises. (Usually with the door closed to prevent undue excitement in other patients).
Your care should be "patient-centered" meaning that it is your purposeful, meaningful activities of daily living that the therapist needs to be taking into consideration in establishing the treatment goals in your plan of care. If they can't or won't incorporate your shooting interests, find another therapist.
Once you bring the topic up, you may be surprised to learn that the therapist may have some interest in learning about shooting from you. Remember that the one demographic that buys guns almost exclusively for self defense are women, and that the overwhelming majority of OT and PT therapists are female. Single professional women who live alone have security concerns. Could be a good opportunity to advance the cause!
In occupational therapy we find that functional activities that provide the exercise components needed to restore normal function usually are more beneficial than rote exercise in the clinic. The reason you stopped hurting after shooting for a while is that your body needs the exercise provided by that activity.
First, you need the exercise/functional activity of shooting to train for more shooting. My advice would be to start out using a gun that is heavier than your normal piece. Maybe use your regular gun wearing a 0.5-1.0 pound wrist weight. Exercise means essentially
overusing your muscles to signal the body that it needs to get stronger to meet the higher demands of getting well. Second, the heavier gun will kick less, meaning you won't have to grip it as hard. Quit when you are tired, rest, then do it again in a day or two. Keep track of how long you can shoot before you get too tired in each session.
Strive for longer sessions. Warm up and stretch before shooting. Cool down using a cold pack if needed after each session.
Remember: April is national Occupational Therapy month.
Get well. Shoot straight and safe.
