I don't know how to answer your question, but I do commend you for allowing it to make you more empathetic and understanding. Few things have the power to strengthen character quite like pain.
Edit: Actually, what about massage? That's probably what the physio does, but that's always helped my lower back pain.
Heh. Ain't that the truth. Pain has some formative power, that's for sure.
Edit Reply: Yeah, Corinne has helped with that some based on what I've been learning from the PT.