Dog with back leg issue

My dog has just recently started to have an issue with her back leg. This year she will be turning 9. She has been a fairly active dog most of her life and has just recently started to slow down quite a bit this past year. The part that concerns me is that just this month I have noticed her favoring one of her back legs.
   
When I get her to sit she tucks it underneath her and leans a little almost like she is very uncomfortable. She has also been having some trouble jumping up onto the furniture. She has her favourite couch which she is always on and I have found these past few weeks she tends to sleep more on the floor in front of the couch rather than on the couch itself.
   
My guess would be that this is most likely arthritis starting to set in. Is this normal for her age and what can I do to make her feel a bit better. From what I can tell it seems like she may be a little uncomfortable but not in pain. I am going to start her on some glucosimine and add a bit of wet food to her diet. Is there anything else I can do for her? I have also been massaging her legs for her at night. Is this okay or could I be causing her pain by doing this?
   
I am going to get her to the vet to be looked at but don't want to do anything drastic. I would rather try a more natural approach rather then drugs or surgery, at least at this point. Any suggestions?

I have taken my dogs for accupuncture when they developed joint pains. It takes 6-8 sessions to see results but they have been very good. Also my vet prescribes various kinds of herbs that are also beneficial. You would need to find a holistic or alternative medicine vet if you decide to try these type of treatments.