I had a shoulder replacement about four or five years ago.  I had bone on bone and the ball was ground flat so that it caught, particularly when trying to do overhead work, like using a wrench when under a tractor.  Six weeks in a sling, twelve weeks of physical therapy about a year to feel somewhat normal, almost two years until I had regained full strength.  I have almost complete range of motion now, but I know the limitations.  Throwing is something I just don't do.  ( I could throw with either hand before, so it isn't that big a deal).  I always did some things left handed, so that made it easier to get along when the arm was still weak.  As for choosing a doctor, my general practitioner referred me to a specialist in the Kaiser system.  He really didn't hold out much hope for anything helping except the replacement, as the joint was too far gone.  The first two or three months are the worst, after that improvement is fairly steady, if not real fast.