So glad I found this site. Only been here a few hours and already found many helpful things. I was just diagnosed with a SLAP tear today but, because of my business, can't schedule surgery till November. I'm a 'gym rat' and am looking for any guidelines on working out and exercising without causing further damage. So far, the best I've gotten is the standard "If it hurts, don't so it". I'd love to hear how one can keep upper body tone and development while protecting the injury

Hey nic, sorry about the bad news. I can just say that i am also as much as a gym rat anyone can ever be, or better said, "i was a gym rat". If you want, have a look at my posts, but the best and fastest advice i can give u is not to press it too far. I stopped training for almost a year, then hit the gym again starting last summer, very very very light, and i've had to quit weightlifting again 1 month ago cause my shoulder has degenerated so much...
Anyway, at least i'm glad to find another gymrat around this forum... makes me feel understood and empathyzed with
Take care,
KRaM from across the puddle

Hey Nic,

Seems like you already know .. "if it hurts then don't do it"

Like you I being a gym rat fought the same question but ultimately succumbed to the inevitable complete breakdown.

My advice work around the injured shoulder, beef up legs and core. You will see some atrophy but after surgery and when healthy strength and size will come back in no time !

Thanks Woody! BTW - I just wanted to say, your posts have been some of the most informative and illustrative I've found here. You've really inspired me to document my road to recovery in that yours has help me

Glad to hear my posts had value, really wanted a positive outcome as not many on this site. Msg me anytime