1) Did you follow the PT regimen? 2) Did your doc/PT clear you to start swimming again?
I had mine done (with a bonus subac. decompression....) in December 2008 and was racing again in 2009. It was indeed a slow and sometimes painful comeback though.
Although I am now a great forecaster of weather changes based on shoulder "aches" and it does get tight after a long (2500+) swim workout, I'm pretty much back to normal.
I had my surgery at the end of April 2010. I wasn't cleared to swim until September and it still hurt then. I can't imagine swimming three months after surgery. I focused on my PT for 6 months solid. Shoulder is doing well. Does get tight after prolonged activity. But I am happy with where it is for as badly as it was torn. Good luck!
I had mine looked at while the doctor was doing my rotator cuff surgery. He said the tear was not enough to warrant repair, but it sure did hurt. I am still in PT for my surgery (12/21/10) the tendon does not hurt as much compared to the rotator cuff tear. I havent asked when I can swim because putting on a jacket still hurts ha.
Had surgery on mine in 2006. 3 months will get you "cleared" to resume swimming. But realistically expect 6 months before you're really pain free. And a full year to feel 100% normal again.