you might try looking at www.feldenkrais.com for a PT that is also certified in feldnkrais- they are more understanding to the needs of a damaged body-

Your post made me shudder- even 3 and 6 months after surgery (left and right sides respectively) i have hurt myself doing the lightest of strengthening. If you are in pain, it is not the way to go.

My first PT was a TOS specialist and got all the things moving that need to move, and helped me get my body into some reasonable alignment (over 9 mo and 2 surgeries). She then sent me to a different PT who is a feldenkrais practitioner. It has been slow progress, but I am starting to get the hang of it and feel better. I do not stretch (i am too flexible, my PT said, and I aggravate my nerves when I stretch too far) more than once a week, i do not strengthen. I do some occaisional walking, playing with my kids, light gardening, and light housework. If I take it easy i do OK. I have started to see progress, but i am not yet ready to go back to work or anything.

take it REALLY EASY on yourself until you stop being in pain all the time. You need someone to work on massaging and realigning you-helping you move in ways that aren't hurting you, getting your ribs moving again, helping you get your shoulders back if possible.