@emo, @ch47, @ch47 and all...I have a small suggestion to add to your great conversation here about various pain issues from bones, bursitis, muscles and tendons, soft tissue issues, fibromyalgia, stress and tension, Sarcoidosis pain, and whatever. I use the creams as discussed. But, one of the most helpful in whole-body pain and discomfort for me is an hour 2X weekly in the therapy pool at my local PT rehab facility. It's a 95-degree water pool with a trained aquatic physical therapist overseeing and assisting as needed.

I love this time of pure joy, peace, quiet, relaxation, and freedom from my body's discomfort.
The minute my foot steps on the first step into the pool, I have a lovely reaction of joy...my body begins the process of letting go, the muscles begin to relax, and the pain lessens almost immediately. I use some of the time moving and walking, at times I do steps and march in place holding on to the sides. Most recently, since I've been far less active in my life, I use the time for relaxation inside and out, in my body and my head.

I go to the deeper end, dangling holding onto a bar so my feet drop straight down, usually with 4-pound ankle weights. I do this for as long as is comfortable. It seems to pull down my legs, straighten my body and spine, giving my spine relief. I have multiple herniated discs and vertebrae issues, so this is very helpful. I was 5' 11" as a young woman. I developed severe osteoporosis at age 35, had a broken vertebrae and other issues, and am currently measuring 5'6" in height. I stand fairly straight for a 76-year-old woman, with no hump or much curve to reduce height. Obviously, this had created pain and discomfort for years, my poor body is finding new places for organs to land I presume which may create some issues as well. It's a lousy issue affecting my entire body, but the pool helps tremendously.

It's a referral from your PCP or whomever, but it's well worth the effort if you have the pool available. Water therapy of all kinds is a great help to most of us in my opinion.

I hope this helps you in this search for relief. Blessings. Elizabeth

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