@windwalker Thanks for the encouragement - it's hot, humid, allergy time here, so some days are a little like wading in molasses, but I'm just stubborn I guess.
My new FAVORITE massaging gadget is called the "Muscle Hook" - I had to watch it carefully when my kids came for a patio dinner last night. Both daughters and my son-in-law were "fighting" over it - I was afraid it would disappear when they left! It is different from other "back cane" gadgets because it is very stiff, quite heavy and has a few more "knobs" for exerting pressure - I can even use it on the stiffest spot on my mid-back without help. To be effective, it needs to be used in conjunction with stretching exercises - the accupressure releases the stiff spot, the stretch works the surrounding muscle that has tightened up.

I also do some simple but crazy-looking exercises to work specific muscles. This guy shows me not only the stiff muscle, but it's insertion points at each end and what other muscles or tendons are connected. Hurray for iPads and the excellent apps now available. This has helped me understand how to get the best results, and the progress keeps me going.

Wow on your improved O2 sats - isn't it a wonderful feeling to be able to actually do what you want/need?
Sue