I have to admit that I, too, have had a torn rotator cuff. I didn't have the surgery either. It hurt like h... for a long time. It took about a year for it to heal. My nephew had the same thing and had the surgery. He did the PT as long as the insurance would pay for it. It took him about a year to heal and another year before he could use his fingers on his right hand to play his banjo again. I know each person is different, so I guess this would be a decision that each one has to make for themselves. Good luck with whatever your decision turns out to be. I know how bad you're hurting right now. (((((((Hugs)))))))