CC - I had only the one major injury to recover from, and I know that I started exercising with weights on the rest of my body one week after surgery. For the 4 weeks while the pins were in I faithfully did weights, slowly and carefully every day - but what would have been a 30-45 workout would take hours. When I started physio it was 3 times per week. I talked a lot with my PT, and discussed every little sensation, all the ways I was feeling when I did this or did that - probably nearly drove her mad - but it really helped. She helped me determine when I was pushing too hard (sharp shooting pain - bad; muscles soreness - probably not bad); and showed me the things I must include to help strengthen the shoulder while working on increasing mobility.

So, really, I think it's all about listening - to your body, to your phsyiotherapist, to your acupuncturist (if you keep going), to your doctor, but mostly listen to your body.

You know you'll get your strength and fitness back. Who knows? You might even come back better than before after all of your attention to detail!

Hugs and butterflies,
~T~