I am an orthopedic physical therapist, and work with a number of shoulder specialists. I have seen hundreds of RTC repairs. The supraspinatus tendon accounts for 90% of all RTC tears due to its location under the acromion (a bone coming off of the shoulder blade). When the biomechanics of the shoulder become suspect, which can occur for a number of reasons, the humeral head (the ball that goes into the shoulder socket) tends to rise up into the acromion, impinging the supraspinatus between the two bones when you try to raise your arm overhead. This is like rubbing a rock over a rope over and over again. Eventually it will fray and tear. It can of course also happen traumatically, but you said you just woke up with the pain.
Research suggests that tears of less than 50% thickness have a chance of improving with conservative treatment such as physical therapy. If you can gain enough strength from the other 3 RTC muscles, then they may be able to control the humeral head without the full strength of the supraspinatus. These chances diminish the larger the tear is, and the more overhead type activity you do. MRI's are certainly not completely accurate, so it can be difficult to fully tell how large of a tear you have. An MRI arthrogram is actually a more accurate test. If you actually are torn at 70%, you will probably require surgical intervention to regain pain free use of the arm. If it is a full thickness tear (torn all the way through the tendon), you will definately need surgery. Some docs will elect to try PT first if they think there is a chance that it will work, or if they want you to have improved range of motion or strength before the surgery, others will skip that and just do surgery if the tear size is at all significant.
Prognosis can vary with size of tear. Smaller tears can be pushed in rehab much faster than large ones. Assuming a medium to large tear, your prognosis would be as follows:
-6 weeks in a sling (Fairly standard, although some docs differ)
-Passive movement only of the shoulder for the most part during those first 6 wks.
-Around 8 wks you can begin to use the arm for regular daily activities that do not include any weight over 3 or so pounds.
-12 wks until you can raise your arm overhead without weight using normal shoulder biomechanics (this can vary either way by a few weeks depending on the case)
-16-20 wks before fairly strong recovery or physical use of the arm for job type activities.
-Discharge from PT between 12-20 wks depending on job activity, size of tear and a few other factors.
-The repair heals into the bone solidly at 6-8 wks. It is like concrete though, in that it will continue to heal by about 7% a month throughout the next year, with strength gains continuing throughout that time.
-Regarding pool. I would generally advise against any pool until at least 8-12 wks, and then sparingly. If it is your bridge arm, it may take longer as that position tends to impinge the shoulder. You really can not bare any weight on the arm until 9-10 wks also. When you start, it should be slowly.
-The worst thing I see people do that coming alon quickly is over do it. You will irritate the secondary stabilizers of the shoulder such as the bicep, so listen to what your PT tells you about activity modification.
-Normal concerns: Almost everyone has some biceps tendonitis with the surgery because it helps the RTC stabilize the shoulder. Until the RTC becomes strong enough, the biceps will shoulder the whole load. It is normal to have some, but important to keep in check. Most people feel pretty good after 2-3 wks. Be aware that after 6 wks when you start to use the arm actively again, it will get sore. Do not be woried, it is normal.
The best shoulder surgeon in the country is not tooo far away from you. A guy named Dr. James Andrews works out of (founded) The American Sports Medicine Institute in Birmingham, Al. I referenced some ex's for the shoulder from their web site (www. asmi.org) in a thread a while ago. There is a group of ex's called the "throwers ten". They are really for a healthy shoulder though, although some of the primary one you should do are on there (never over head ex in your current condition). If you would like to know swhich ones specifically, I can let youknow. I would advise though, that if you have a 70% tear, any ex should be monitored by an experienced professional at first, as doing them wrong can make it worse.
As stated by the above poster, neck problems can cause shoulder symptoms. However, if you have a positive MRI for a tear, it is most likely coming fro myour shoulder, especially if youdo not have a history of neck problems.
If you have any other questions or concerns that I did not address, feel free to PM me, or ask me here. Sorry sooo long.
. 2. I could visit him on twice a week and he would provide therapy and break the fibrotic muscles apart without anesthesia. He must have known I had an aversion toward anesthesia and known that I was a pool player (masochistic) so I chose his method and for multiple visits, the very short periods of time where he gradually broke the muscles apart by hand, I had some of the most excruciating pain, ever. No more recurring fibrotic muscles, no more pain, except a little aching when I shoot more than 40 hours a week. 
