My right rotator cuff has a frayed edge on it and there is tendonitis in the left rotator cuff. I've been going to Curves for about 5 years. the problem started before that with my job, and Rotator cuff is a common problem there. So far I've been able to avoid surgery. I had a second round of physical therapy, 2 years after the first time. It focused more on flexibility this time, which motivates me more to do the home exercises. Cortisone is a wonderful thing too!
I would be VERY careful doing any exercise that makes me push my elbows past the plane of my torso. On one machine at curves one of the ladies keeps trying to get me to go too far. I know my own limitations. It's easier to do that now that I'm closer to 50 than 40.