Since I turned 40 a few years ago, I find myself getting into more and more fistfights late at night.

Or at least that's the way it feels many mornings getting up out of bed.

Some mornings, rather than feeling as if I've been in a barroom brawl, I feel like I spent the night drinking, despite having not had even a glass of wine with dinner.

In other words, growing old HURTS.

And as the golf season wears on -- right about the time my hooks returns to wreck havoc on my handicap and self-esteem -- my left elbow begins aching. Along with my left knee…and my back…and my wrist.

I was recently sent what appears to be a minor miracle, however, in the form of a very soft, flexible, light-weight, breathable, elbow brace with a hot/cold insert inside it.

The company that provides this miracle for such a nominal fee ($38) is Active Wrap, and according to the company Web site, they also make cushy supports for backs, knees, and wrists ($28-$53).

Basically, I could ice down seven or so of the removable inserts and encase my aching, 44-year-old joints and back before hitting the links. I'm not sure if I would play any better, but I'd feel like Iron Man.

Physiotherapy has come a long way since the days of Ace bandages and Tiger Balm. Of course back in those days, I never thought I'd need physiotherapy.

Heck, given how lousy I feel some mornings, maybe I should gird myself up before going to bed ...

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