Hi @joannee, I'm a petite woman too and I need a shoulder replacement. I'm caregiver to my husband with Alzheimer's Disease so surgery is just not an option for me at this time.
There's a real loss of muscle in my (dominant) arm that needs the repair compared to the other one. Most of my pain is in the tendon running down my arm to the bicep. Putting my shoulder down and back (like putting my shoulder blades in my back pockets) and holding it for 15 seconds helps to alleviate the pain. I try to remember to do it frequently throughout the day.
The other thing that takes the edge off is a Red and Infrared Light Therapy Wrap. I can wrap the one I have around my arm. There are many options for these available at online marketplaces if you want to check them out.
Wishing you the best!