A number of years back, as a result of an accident I had a badly torn rotator cuff. In hinde sight, I should've had it repaired but with most of my work responsibility at the time being behind a desk, I chose to gradually work my way through it.
After the shoulder was more or less 'better', the first larger caliber rifle I shot was my son in laws very nice custom 375 H&H based on a Sako action. I'm a right handed shooter and with the traditional stance, right elbow up, I took a shot off hand. F**king near killed me!! Over a period of time I found if instead I kept my right elbow down, no problem. By putting the elbow down it seems to put a bit more meat behind the recoil pad and adding some additional protection.
Using that form or stance when shooting some of the bigger and harder kicking stuff I have, such as my model 70 in 458 WM and 45-70 guide gun, no problem.