Thanks Wild Coyote, I am sorry if this will be a ramble

with the topical cbd plus thc I find does help with sore muscles and joints, especially if I use it before I get too bad. It's soothing in a gentle way to me.
I found this, which mentions why cbd and thc together in lotions help . As thc is known for the psychoactive of getting high. Lotions do not have that effect.
Why THC and CBD are Better Together in Lotions and Topicals

before I had my spinal fusion and was in a great deal of pain the topical of anything (icy hot/biofreeze, arnica, cannabis lotion etc) didn't really help but that's because the herniated discs where putting so much pressure on my spine. I remember the holistic doc I saw during
that time told me, sometimes and some things we do need surgery for ((which I didn't want to here because it was my 2nd on the same two discs!)) But I'm glad I went through it, even though it was sincerely tough.

But during the time presurgery-for my knees that were being effected Indirectly from my back, those topicals would help (the arnica lotion I hadn't felt helped as much but a friend it does wonders for who had recommended it to me). Just like the tens machine, at that time didn't help my back but would help my pain in my knees.

I have an older friend that has issues in his knees- he didn't think the cannabis lotions worked ((but shortly had knee replacement))
but I have another older friend (his spouse actually) that swears by it and he asks me from time to time on my opinion as she loves the topical cannabis lotions.

I think we're all different even with topical things I think the rubbing and working the muscles is helpful with any oil or lotion.

I found also dry needling helped reset my leg muscles and acupuncture can help with tension in my upper back ((and stress)).. I also do float tanks from time to time, that's helped too I felt some times with my back.. I have slight scoliosis too, and l2 and l3 aren't in the best shape..
my friend's dad mentioned acupuncture did nothing for him, my "oldest friend " (who is almost 80) he finds benefits with acupuncture

Chiropractor I will never do again, but some people that really helps them.

I have no doubts that the herbal remedies in the three I mention here have their own powers too along with other things.

I too am always game to try something. I don't like chemical drugs, even in pain management but at times they do have their place ((ie post surgery I was glad to have the prescription drugs as they helped greatly even though I got severely depressed on them, but the first few months of getting back up and moving is crucial and there's so much pain with that with any post surgery))

I hope that makes sense.. hope not too much. And is help to weigh in some ideas.