Yes MEL, I use ginger, turmeric and garlic in cooking almost daily. I have also recently began taking a supplement made from turmeric called Curcumin. It seems to have improved the pain I had in my hands. My GP said there was no harm in taking it for me but seemed sceptical that it would do any good. However my osteopath was all for it and said there is a lot of research to show it can help with joint pain which is what I get. I think it is helping so will keep taking it I think. Sounds like your exercise physiologist is going to be a big help to you. Good luck with it :)