I get chronic tendonitis in my shoulders every year or so. (got some right now, but it's the most mild it's ever been) and the pain from the tendonitis in previous years has been enough to make me cry, and it's not ever been torn (as far as I know)

I did tear an achilles tendon once in 2001. That was so much more painful than a broken bone.

I hope your shoulder heals quickly!

Shoulder pain is not fun, especially if you're using a cane. (I'm on crutches right now, and it's not helping the tendonitis in my shoulder much. At least my sore shoulder is on the opposite side from my damaged knee)

They thought Jim had one but after a MRI it showed nothing wrong. He went through six weeks of therapy and was good as new. Apparently he stressed it pulling up in the bed.

Over a yr ago I had an impidgent (tendonitis of the rotary cuff) left shoulder, also had a slight tear. I received a cortisone shot and had therapy for 3 months.

They never did anything for the slight tear, guess if their not to bad they heal on their own.

I avoided surgery, but it still gives me problems...pain, stiffness, and cracking.

I never got a reason for why it occured...maybe MS or I dislocated it when I was about 13...one of those factors were involved.

Thanks for all your good wishes and for sharing your experiences. It always helps to know others have experienced what you're going through.

Thanks everyone!

I too had a small tear in my right rotator cuff. Mine was last March and all I did was reach up to close a curtain (drape). Several weeks of physio got it usable again, and it gradually improved over time. I'm sorry to say the pain on lifting that arm has never gone away though. I sincerely hope your's feels better soon.