Ouch - I feel for you! I can't address the rotator cuff issue, but since I'm the "queen of grace" I can talk about shoulder dislocations (which many times lead to the tear) - since I've had four (yep, count em) since 1989...oh, and I've had them on both sides, but never at the same time, thank goodness.

We suspect this last one left rotator cuff damage, but the doc didn't really want to proceed with MRI, etc. He felt that PT and at-home exercise would be good for this time. He warned me, though, that "next time" I would need surgery. His problem with the surgery was that he felt it was like patching a tire - you can fix it, but it will still never be as strong.

When I dislocated my left shoulder (this one was in 1996) I remember getting a very painful frozen shoulder, and I was given a cortisone injection to help...it WORKED. If that option is given to you, you may want to consider it! Of course, now I'm left with this annoying "pop" in my shoulder...but I was able to rehab both arms to the point of being able to do pull-ups again.

Best of luck to you - there are MANY here who feel your pain!

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.