Tai Chi for Arthritis
Tai Chi Chuan appears to be ideal for people suffering from chronic arthritic conditions. Tai Chi is very low impact and therefore unlikely to aggravate arthritis symptoms. One study measured the effect of 10 weeks of Tai Chi practice by subjects with rheumatoid arthritis. No exacerbation of joint symptoms was found and subjects reported increases in mobility. Another investigator conducted a trial examining the effects of Tai Chi Chuan on osteoarthritis. A total of 33 participants with hip and knee osteo arthritis completed a 12 week training course. They found that compared to controls the Tai Chi group had significant improvement in arthritis.
It makes sense that Tai Chi would be effective in treating or preventing osteoarthritis of the legs, especially when a "knock-knee" pattern is present. This structural malalignment often cause degeneration by increasing compression and irritation of the outside of the knee joint. Tai Chi can reduce or eliminate "knock-knee" posture and flat foot by realigning the leg bones to maximize structural integrity.
Bill Gallagher has successfully used Tai Chi for arthritis for thousands of clients. He is a holistic physical therapist based in New York City (NYC).
Filed under: Tai Chi
Other Pages
Tai Chi for Osteoporosis
Tai Chi for Low Back Pain
Main Intervention (RX) Page
