Alternatives for limps, lumps and bumps

I am eagerly awaiting the arrival of my new dog. It is not just a new dog it is my first ever dog!
I am very keen on human alternative therapies and was wondering if the doggie world is sympathetic to them, too?
For example, are there any vets in my part of the world that use homeopathy as well as conventional therapies? Do you need to go a separate practitioner if so? Where are they listed? Can you get some things online?
Are there any good handbooks/websites etc that would guide a novice like me around the alternative doggie world?
My new dog is actually a very old dog. I've taken on an elderly and quite arthritic and lumpy Retriever cross and I was wondering if there are any gentle remedies I can use to make her life a little easier?
She's had a stressful few months as her previous owner was very ill before she passed away, is there anything I can do to de-stress her generally? I'd love to do some sort of massage but I'm afraid with all her lumps and stiffness I may do more harm than good.
Helen Hays, St Ives