I also have tears in my shoulders from basic degeneration. I am only 66. I had a cortisone shot for Pain which lasted two weeks. Physical medicine and rehab doc at Mayo is prescribing a physical therapy trial because I have difficulty moving also. She is optimistic that with therapy and exercise to get and keep moving that these tears might heal. Advised about not over doing anything when feeling better after this PT. Said it was extremely important to get moving the shoulder or that could lead to further problems. Starting PT next week. She said heat is better than ice so suggested using a heating pad; but, also said could use ice with heat if I thought it felt good. Can I ask you what you did to now have no pain in your shoulders?
I have also started learning Tai chi exercise, specifically for arthritis, to help with movement.

Hi I'd like to jump in her several years ago I had a car wreck where I bent the steering wheel a bit ended up with frozen shoulders Dr sent me to P.T went for quite awhile. It helped I could move They told me to do stretching everyday ,use heat of ice which ever felt better If shoulders felt swollen from overdoing use ice 15 min.then heat which brings blood to shoulder then for healing this is the way she explained it to me.Now arthritis has set in,Im75 and use lidocaine rubbing it in and let rest But stretching does as much good for muscles heavy weights will hurt.hope my experience helps

Gemmax. That sounds horrible. How did the pain stop?

@bonnieh218 Very concerned about your shoulder. I fell down a mountain and did a number on my shoulder at about your age. First surgery was to attempt a repair. Did not work. Tried cadaver graft. Same problem.....too big a tear. Finally got insurance approval for a reverse or Delta replacement. Never have pain anymore. However it is kind of funky. All of the rotator cuff had dissipated, so had to beef up the deltoid with PT and exercise. Basically learned to use the left arm for eating and most everything else. Then, fell down a flight of stairs and trashed the left shoulder. Surgical repair did work on that one. Feel gratitude for the pain free solutions. Am trying very hard not to fall. Even installed an elevator so I can avoid the stairs. Take good care.

That's horrible bless you ,keep moving shoulders as best as you can

Tai Chi is supposed to be so good for us!!!  Congratulations!!! You are being proactive in your own recovery.  I have a bad rotator cuff myself.  PT helped as long as I was doing it.  My daughter is a PT Assistant and guaranteed me that I would have less pain and greater range of motion I'd I would stick with it.  Peace and light.

@oregongirl girI practice gentle stretching and and I walk when I can, moving my arms, only in a “slow walk”.I stopped all attempts to ilft more than 2-3 pounds. I am able to do some light gardening, but if they hurt at all, I stop immediately. I need help with getting dressed at times and always with things like coats and sweaters and sweatshirts and my socks and shoes as well. I’m 69. This has been going on for a long time now. I also support my upper back and shoulders when I sit to do anything, as I am doing now.

@artscaping falling is a real risk for those of us who have these problems, you are not only brave having the surgeries you have had, but wise to consider your limitations. No moe falls for you!!!

@bonnieh218, @gemmax and others at risk of falling. My friend Debra Rose heads the Fall Prevention organization you can find at stopfalls.org. Lots of good information. Wish I had known about her before I started falling. My friends even locked themselves in the car with me for an intervention to try and talk some sense into my adventuresome albeit careless head. Wish I had known about Debra before I started falling. Hope some of you can avoid the perils of falling by becoming more aware of the risks of falling. Please take good care.

@gemmax hi gemmax and others. Gem did you have shoulder surgery?
I like your comments on what you are able to do. Dragging heavy groceries up our mobile home stairs with a rolling cart was my own fault and your personal routine sounds encouraging, if only I could kneel to garden. I will try walking and swinging arms gently.
prob is we are suppoosed to be cleaning out our mobile of accumulated 20 years of poor housekeeping due to double hip replacements, spinal and cervical stenosis. Somehow your post encouraged me.
PT thot that I have shoulder tendonitis. My PC has ordered an MRI for me which I,m debating on.I,m wearing a shoulder sling to help restrict me from using my left arm
for lifting and carrying things.but pain is 24|7 and use advil and Norco. was given two simple excercises which I forget to do as I have so many other pain issues and can no longer afford my PT who was great with ultra sound and massage.
victorius 69