I had my surgery this Spring. I had a bone spur that caused the initial tear, but the straw that broke the camel's back came on Easter Sunday when I fell on it while surfing a Radio Flyer down a grass hill. I was out of work for a few days following the surgery(desk job). They had me out of a sling and stretching it the day after surgery. I did eight weeks of physical therapy, three times per week. It felt like a very slow recovery, but I'm not very patient. I was instructed not to lift anything heavier than a drink until I finished therapy. My arm was very sensitive to weight, which made it easy not to overdo things. It's amazing how quickly you lose muscle mass and conditioning when you can't lift things. I'm a side-sleeper and had to sleep in a recliner for a few weeks. Once I could finally sleep in bed, I couldn't sleep on my right side(injured). It was at least two to three months before I had a good nights sleep and could sleep on my right and left side comfortably. My range of motion is fantastic. My strength and conditioning is getting better. As of last week I am able to do push-ups again. I have been playing volleyball for the past two months, but I took it very easy when I returned. It is still very apparent when I have over-exerted my shoulder. It's still sensitive in certain positions, but that will get better with toning.
In short, take plenty of vitamin Vicodin(especially to sleep). Follow your doctor's instructions for therapy. Don't try to speed your recovery. If you do push things along too quickly the surrounding muscles will over-compensate for the weak r/c and cause you random pain(intense).
Good luck.
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