It has been three years since a rotator cuff injury, and sudden sharp pains occur when exercising. do i require surgery?

Rotator cuff tear: Not necessarily. First a repeat MRI has to done to determine if there is a tear and how extensive it is. The MRI should be done with a dye injection(gadolinium ) in the join since you have had prior surgey. A small tear may improve with just physical therapy.

Mri First: Mri arthrogram to see if you retore the repair no push ups no military press after rotatorcuff repairs they are not all fixable you might consider playing defense.