Mike,
It's kind of funny that you mentioned that story about your dad telling you to "wear your knee pads". I started off in the "field" way back when as a cement finisher...needless to say, my knees, hip, and shoulders are junk. You can best your a** it makes things feel a bit better..especially with a good therapy tub that has higher flow jets and the pump power behind them. It helps me to sleep a bit better...but doesn't make the underlying issues go away. Surgery at some point will still be needed. I've been using my neighbor across the street, every Friday and Sat night...and my new tub comes on Oct 15th.
Anyway, good luck with everything.
Sincerely,
Nick B
Middleton, Ma