First of all, SUPER good job!!! I noticed that when I was on the pain meds, I had more pain, and even heavily taking them I knew that ibuprofen or anti-inflammatory meds worked better for me. But that didn't matter, I still took them. I don't know much about the joints though. I also think the jacuzzi works wonders, but what has worked the best for me is deep tissue massage. I swear by it. I go every Saturday and want to die during it, but I literally have not had once bad day since then!!