Tai Chi for Arthritis
July 13th, 2009
A new analysis has produced evidence indicating that Tai Chi can be beneficial for the treatment of arthritis. The study shows Tai Chi can decrease arthritic pain, reduce tension and improve overall physical health.
Tai Chi Chuan, or Tai Chi, is a Chinese martial art derived from Taoism that dates back to the 13th century. Tai Chi is the most prominent Chinese martial art of the internal style, which emphasizes breathing and the mental component of training. Tai Chi exercises consist of fluid, gentle, graceful movements that are slow in motion, making it appropriate for any age group.
People with arthritis frequently experience musculoskeletal pain, which places a severe burden on the individual and the community and is recognized as an international health priority. Tai Chi and other exercise therapies such as strengthening, stretching and aerobics have been shown to be effective in reducing arthritic pain.
Tai Chi is regularly practiced in China to improve well-being. It is usually preformed in a group but is also practiced individually, which differs from traditional exercise therapy approaches used in the clinic.
Tai Chi strengthens and mobilizes joints and muscles and improves blood circulation, which significantly improves physical fitness. Tai Chi participants are more alert, flexible and physically active, all positive factors that can improve health.
The new review and meta-analysis examined the effectiveness of Tai Chi in decreasing pain and disability and improving physical function and quality of life for people with chronic musculoskeletal pain. Led by Amanda Hall of The George Institute in Sydney, Australia, the study appears in the June issue of Arthritis Care & Research.
The researchers analyzed seven randomized controlled trials that used Tai Chi as the main intervention for patients with musculoskeletal pain. The results demonstrate that Tai Chi improves pain and disability in patients suffering from arthritis.
“The fact that Tai Chi is inexpensive, convenient, enjoyable, and conveys other psychological and social benefits supports the use of this type of intervention for pain conditions such as arthritis,” the authors state.
“It is of importance to note that the results reported in this systematic review are indicative of the effect of Tai Chi versus minimal, standard intervention, such as usual health care or health education,” the authors note.
For information about acupuncture for the treatment of arthritis call Dr. Richard Browne, Acupuncture Physician, at (305) 595-9500.
4 Responses to “Tai Chi for Arthritis”
1kander
July 4th, 2011 @ 3:08 am
Greate…
It’s such a great site! http://harveygnhunter.blogdrive.com/archive/19.html Great post, I just bookmarked it on Digg….
2Richelle
July 4th, 2011 @ 3:42 am
Greate…
It’s such a great site! http://www.kamusta.ph/topic/anastasiatjwebb/104475 Great post, I just bookmarked it on Digg….
3Khantelle
August 6th, 2011 @ 1:16 pm
really good article…
I have spent a bit of time going through your posts, more than I should have but I must say, http://demetra.allmyblog.com/27-today-i-went-with-1-of-my-own-amazing-brides-to-be-to-attack-on-her-bells-gown.html, many Thanks….
4Hehmer
August 6th, 2011 @ 1:48 pm
really good article…
I have spent a bit of time going through your posts, more than I should have but I must say, http://fotolode.com/blogs/Britta/2011/07/19/every-woman-has-this-dream-and-admiration-should-acquiesce-it-to-be-arise-true/, many Thanks….
Leave a Reply