I’m working on a similar thing. I’ve packs are definitely your friend. Keep it up and just engage those muscles! You’ve got this!

PT is awesome. I'm in pretty good shape now, but still go every 2 weeks.

I did strength training in a pool and it is so good for hsd, I really recommend it because it doesn’t inflame the joints. But yes, growing your muscles can significantly improve pain! I also recommend MSM and if you have any hormone imbalances that may be part of it too (for me it was an excess of estrogen, taking some testosterone improving pills radically improved my joint pain)