Thanks ddsack, and you are correct! I believe the subscapularis is released at the tendon so the surgeon has access to the shoulder joint. When he closes, he must use sutures to reattach the subscapularis to the tendon. That takes time to heal, and I will be in a sling for all of it.

My PT doesn't start until 4 weeks after surgery! During that 4 weeks I will use a continuous passive motion machine to keep my shoulder moving, gently!

I expect to be "functionally mobile" after the PT, so about two months. It will take another 4 months to rebuild arm, deltoid, and upper back strength. I'm working with my trainer now to go into the surgery as strong and fit as possible.

And you're correct about a rTSR. The reverse method is necessary because the RC is damaged. After the replacement, the deltoids take the place of the RC to hold the shoulder in place. I don't know why people seem afraid of the procedure. There is a greater probability of dislocation, but as you note, an easier initial recovery.

Out of all my replacements, knees and hip, this is the one I don't look forward to, and mainly because of the 4 weeks of doing nothing, and sleeping propped up on my back. But the daily pain now is too much, and I'm severely limited with upper body work in the gym. It's just time to get it done.

Thanks so much for your kind words and for thinking about me!

Joe