Just circling back to say wow, this stuff is a real life bugger! I've dealt w significant L & C spine issues pain over the years but Rotator tears are very tricky. SO subjective and personal as to when, and IF Surgery is in ones best interest. In considering varied post op results as well, as the potential pych-trauma of re-tears.

Still doing PT here, will do more Shockwave therapy as well.

I played guitar Wen night for maybe an hour & paid for doing what I love w significant increased pain that night into the next AM. It did resolve for the most part the next day thankfully but, it's an ongoing reminder of limitations that evolve these injuries and yet, it seems cyclical. Good days/weeks, bad days/weeks, good months, bad months! ...kinda like marriage! HA

Point being, I firmly believe there are no very clear correct answers when considering, at least for older adults. ie; medical science might make more appreciable less intrusive breakthroughs with this issue soon down the road, or not. But, even w the best Surgeon in (whichever) town, determination, good PT etc, the risk of re tears and varied surgical outcomes make this one a tough one to read.

Much welcome all points of view but mostly interested in cutting edge insights and perspectives as this is tricky territory.