Went through torn rotator cuff / putting off surgery when I was with my ex. Stubborn, stubborn, stubborn! They sell a thing that is a sort of gel-filled strap on shoulder compressing thing you freeze. If you can get your hands on one somewhere and he will wear it, you'll both be happier. I got to the point of offering to stick the ex in the freezer with his just from how much I disliked hearing him grunt and groan in pain. I'm a sucker for anything injured and in pain and it just tore my heart out to hear it. They are not cheap by any means, but maybe you can swing a coupon or discount. I thought they might not be so expensive now, but I had looked at them when I thought i was having surgery. I recall paying around $85-100 for the one the ex used, and they were $85 on amazon.

My shoulder was so much better yesterday after physical therapy, but I was nervous things would freeze back up overnight. Doesn't seem to have been the case, thankfully. I believe I begin to get actually excited for what is going to happen!