I have been diagnoised with a torn tendon over my rotator cuff(shoulder) what can be done rather than surgery to relieve the pain/strengthen the area.

 

I think it depends on how bad the tear is.
I've got dodgy rotator cuff muscles in my right shoulder - dislocated about 30+ times. Yet I've done intensive physio on it and been told (after tests) that it's very nearly 100% fine. It's not popped out for two years now.

I'd see a physio - the exercises involve a Therband (like a giant flat elastic band - about a tenner) and some simple exercises.

 

I had Tendonitis in my shoulder which sounds like the same sort of thing. The tendon get a bit rough and tha causes the sickening pain at certain angles. I had an injection of Cortisone which helped a lot, it is a bit pricey since it is associated in some way with gold so Mrs Leslie says!

I just had to be patient until it all wore off.

Les

 

Depending on the severity of the tear surgery may be the only option. I had a slight tear after going too heavy on the bench press at the gym without warming up properly.
Planty of rest and steroid injections seem to be the preffered options before surgery.