have you ever tried arnica? some other homeopathic/naturopathic stuff has helped me a lot too...like triflora, which is marketed for arthritis but someone recommended it to me for tendon problems. i'd avoid that one if you're sensitive to poison ivy tho. but arnica...stuff is awesome. i was having real stiffness pain for a while after hikes and inflammation and it worked wonders...both the gel and the boiron "pellets". i know some people don't do homeopathic for lots of reasons, but i swear by arnica.