I had a full width rotator cuff tear, and a bunch of ligament tearing and bone spurs, arthritis etc, and had a surgery in February. My surgeon called it a very complete destruction of the joint. I figured my compound bow hunting days were over, or at the very least were going to be shelved for a few years. I gave my almost brand new Bear bow to a friend of mine who was in need of a good bow and purchased a x-bow. I went with him to the local bow shop where they adjusted it to fit him and turned it down from 70lbs to 59lbs so he could draw it comfortably. I was afraid to attempt to draw it because I was a few months out of surgery, and still dealing with some pain, but I had a couple of beers and gave it a go. I drew it easily. Then I drew one at 70lb easily. I found that my fears were unfounded. It actually didn't put any noticeable pressure on my tender shoulder. I think a proper draw uses almost every muscle in the torso, and may not be as bad on your shoulder as your mind tells you. I am obviously not a medical professional, and this is just anecdotal, but I'll be buying a new bow now, and I expect to be shooting it comfortably at 70lbs draw well within a year of my surgery.