fran all I can suggest is taking an anti-inflammatory - ibuprofen, Aleve - about an hour before stretching. If it's really bad, there are prescription anti-inflammatories like Celebrex that work a little better.

Other than that, you're doing the best thing you can - stretching and stretching and stretching. after each session, ice and elevate - and then do that throughout the day, ice and elevate.

Sorry I don't have a silver bullet for you.........

Joe