Question
I am 64 and have been reasonably fit in the past - always 'on the go'- able to do my own DIY, walk the dog, etc, but now find movement really difficult.  The muscles down the outside of my thighs running down from my buttocks are always stiff - some days almost impossible.  They are often extremely tender to touch.  I have tried several different forms of prescribed pain management - none of which seem to help much, acupuncture - which didn't help at all.  I go for a deep tissue massage once a week, which does help but the effect only lasts for a day or so.  I have tried limiting my diet and have completely eliminated coffee and sugar which I believe do make things worse.  My life has become so limited and I am desperate,  Does anyone know anything about Chi machines?  I have been told this might help.

Answer
Dear Sue,

You already know that your muscles are tight and tender. The tenderness is the soreness of muscle fatigue, which explains why what you have tried didn't work and why pain management misses the point.  You need to learn to relax those muscles.

Please see the articles on massage (somatics.com/massage.htm) -- to explain your experience) and on stretching (somatics.com/page4.htm) for more understanding and resources to help.

with regard,
Lawrence Gold