Join the club, Pete! I, and just about everyone else I know in their late 50s, 60s and into their 70s, who takes the game seriously, are all fighting the same battle. Ice is part of my everyday routine. So is a TENS unit when certain things get really irritated. I do golf related stretches and golf specific yoga before I play or practice each day. I have been living with pain in my shoulders (though thorasic back too) for at least the last 10 years, while playing golf an average of 4 days a week all year long, with additional range and practice sessions on non-play days. It is a fact of aging, unfortunately, and I complain about it every day. A good chiropractor can be really helpful. I can't afford a massage therapist on a regular basis, but you can be sure, if I could, I'd be visiting him/her regularly too. It looks like you are doing all the right things. Don't stop. But rest when it gets too bad or you'll make it worse and take yourself out for weeks or months and you don't want that. I hate to rest, but sometimes, you just gotta take a break from swinging. Not from stretching daily.

I find it is worse here in colder climates. When I am in Florida, usually a few weeks each winter, my body doesn't seem to hurt quite as badly. I even leave my TENS unit home! I tend to think playing winter golf in the northern latitudes with all the excess clothing, while trying to make up for all the loss of distance due to the cold---often on soft or mushy fairways---doesn't help the issues.

So look at the bright side Pete, at least you are in a warm place for the winter. It would be worse if you were playing in NH 3-4 days a week right now! ;-)

After 40 years as an Ironworker, I retired 10 years ago with more broken parts than a Yugo. I also play 3 times a week and have the need for constant stretching and physical therapy for the times when the various parts start to act up. You gotta do what you gotta do to keep playing. As a fellow retiree who was 10 older than me once told me, "You gotta be tough to be old".

Sounds like maybe you need a hot tub to soak your old bones and get some blood flow to your back. I wish I had one just because it always sounds good after a round.

The back is always the hardest to keep strong. Gary Player seems to be doing well with his 1000 sit-ups/push-ups a day.

At 68 I have issues from thoracic and lumbar spine that are aggravated by the golf swing, especially in colder temperatures. It has been there for over 20 years now and rotation of the upper body causes me the most pain. I've used Salonpas patches on the areas that cause me the greatest discomfort whenever I play. It helps me get through 18 most days without muscle spasms. I also stretch and maintain a weight routine, but golf is just tough on the back. I've resigned myself to expect discomfort and pain if I play golf and no longer play multiple days in a row. I hope you find a recipe for relief.