@starchy Yes, "We have been conditioned to believe that there is a magic "pill" for everything." That's our instant gratification culture!

My PT & I had this discussion last week. My pain doc asked at our recent (virtual) appointment whether I attribute my improvement to the new med or the PT sessions - I told her honestly, it's 50/50 PT & exercise, maybe 10% the meds. The meds just took the edge off the pain so I could move enough to get started. The PT got me on the right track with correct exercises & proper form, and he has magic fingers when dealing with specific pain issues, but without 2-3 times daily exercises at home & walking, I wouldn't be seeing nearly as much progress.
I repeat the PT + exercise mantra endlessly to the hip replacement group too - they are probably tired of hearing it! I have now rehabbed successfully from 11 ortho surgeries for injuries and/or arthritis damage, and every single one required at least 2 months of at-home daily exercise - my knee took 6 months twice a day & 6 months once a day to get back to full function after an ACL replacement and MCL repair from an bad sports injury - and I was 25 years younger then.

The same is true for diet. I have avoided all the fads - to the point where I was reluctant to go wheat-free about 10 years ago, but listened to my daughters and tried it (I have a wheat allergy, not celiac.) As for the rest of our eating, we eat what I call a "plant rich" diet, but are not vegetarian. Cookies and the like are a very occasional treat - our big indulgence is 2 dark chocolate sea salt caramels after dinner, or a small Dove sorbet bar.

Meat is on our plates about 4 times a week, fish or shellfish once, no meat at all twice. A single chicken serves the 2 of us for 3 meals - first time roasted, then the rest is diced, frozen & served in wild rice salad or stir-fry. Chili made with 2 pounds of meat & 2 pound of beans also makes 4 dinners for 2 - 2 to eat, and 2 for the freezer.

We do most of our shopping at a locally owned produce/meat/bakery shop. On our counter today are tomatoes, cucumber & peppers from the garden, avocado, green beans, peaches and grapes. Any bread is 100% whole grain (not my husband's favorite, but I do the shopping) or gluten-free breads made with a variety of grains as well as veggies.

Our kids have gone through a number of "phases" but now eat much like we do - except both have a much higher tolerance for making a big batch of something and eating it for 4 days in a row than their Dad.
Sue