Paul - sorry you're here, but we're glad to have you! Your story sounds similar to mine. I was a "meat head" in college. Over-develped pecs, tore my labrum. I waited 6yrs before having surgery to repair the Labrum. I had started to notice TOS-like symptoms about 6-8 months before surgery, and they got worse after it. Best of luck with the brace.

You'll find the people here to be nice and helpful. Its also a good place to blow off steam when you have one of "those" days. The posting has slowed down lately, but I think that just happens.

like Anne said... heavy lifting is baaaaaaaad. I've found streches and (per PT) light lifting to be helpful. I had to check my ego at the door....I wasn't used to using 10lb dumbbells to work out.