I have had tears repaired on both -1st one was able to do it with scope. My shoulder was frozen, painful and much reduced mobility prior to surgery. After almost no pain from day 1, except at physical therapy and exercising but after almost 3 mos of the PT had about 90% rotation. few years later the left one and that tear was extensive so had to do regular surgery. Lucky the cuff was not completely detached, but recovery was longer. Lots of pain prior, and pain meds for a few days after. Had arm in sling for about a week, then 3 mos of PT again. I again have about 95% rotation and was pain free after the 3 mos of PT. Glad I had them done as in both cases the before pain was way worse than anything after the surgeries.

There is some good advice here, especially to young Rudy. If you have a rotator cuff injury it's very important to rest it and get medical advice before doing anything else. I had an injury for a long time and eventually it was exercises and stretching that helped alot but it's critical to make sure you're doing the right exercises in the correct manner as otherwise you can make things alot worse - especially if overuse was what helped cause the injury in the first place. Those that found cortisone helpful were lucky - it did nothing for me and I've heard it can have some negative side effects too. If anyone would like to find out more about which exercises can help and how to do them I've included a link. Just make sure you see your Doc before you start the exercises! Here is a link that might be useful: Rotator Cuff Exercises

Hmmm....I don't think I have one yet...supposedly just impingement syndrome. Which I'm told if left untreated may very well lead to a torn rotator cuff. I saw an orthopod and he recommended PT - which I did and have been doing the exercise every other day for six months. I don't think it's helped much. I do find one naproxyn tablet about twice a week pretty much eliminates the pain. I think this has been caused by working in the software industry for about 25 years and spending alot of time working at a computer with bad posture. Rounded shoulders hunkered over a desk - if you do this you better straighten up. All that said, I know three guys who have had rotator cuff surgery - they all seem to have done pretty well. One is very active and has resumed playing tennis - DH is a good tennis play and he apparently killed him - post surgery. The other guy also plays alot of golf and he was able to resume that about six months after surgery. The third guy also kind of an extreme sports guy who plays alot of tennis and does alot of kayaking - he's doing all of that again without any difficulty as far as I can tell. Like any other medical treatment one big factor in the outcome is the skill of the surgeon - and the therapist. They are not all created equal and I think some people think if someone is a doctor or a surgeon or a shoulder surgeon that they'll be able to get the job done successfully. Nothing could be further from the truth. Also, I think results are dependent upon how dedicated you are to following through with the therapy. Two of the three guys said they spent alot of time on rehab and that getting a good PT was critical. Good luck - I am pondering this shoulder surgery issue myself - trying to avoid it.

Hi, faron ... DH has had two rotator cuff surgeries. The first was to repair one tear, the second was to repair two tears. Both were outpatient, arthroscopic surgeries. Instructions from the surgeon were to NOT fire that shoulder muscle for six weeks, and the sling was to remain on at all times except for showering. So, no physical labor. He's back to work now, but only in a supervisory capacity for another six weeks as he can't do much with instructions of no lifting and minimal use of the arm. The sling prevented him sleeping on his side ... back only, which he said was not fun. We rented a hospital bed so that he could use the lift function to get in and out of bed easier, and kept that for a month. A recliner would work just as well and would likely be more comfortable to sleep in. If your Dr. is only recommending 2-3 weeks for your sling, you are lucky! DH complained most about the sling. Physical Therapy is once a week, with a series of exercises done at home twice a day.