Tai Chi and Arthritis
Pain
By David N. Freeman
The pain of
arthritis is caused by the inflammation of the joints, and in
some cases by the drying of synovial fluids which cause the
joint to literally rub bone on bone with minimal fluid to
lubricate it. There is considerable pain involved in the more
advanced cases, and often in the beginning stages as well.
Additionally the joints will become stiffened and the range of
motion is significantly reduced. There is a significant myth
regarding arthritis, which is that it is a disease of the
elderly; however many very youthful people have the disease as
well. The Juvenile Arthritis Foundation estimates that nearly
300, 000 children have arthritis in the United States.
Tai Chi originated in China where groups of people practice
this martial art every morning in parks. It is known to require
internal power and strength. Its name was derived from the
mandarin term "tai chi chuan" which means "supreme ultimate
boxing." It was established as a branch of Neijia which is a
form of traditional Chinese martial arts. its techniques and
movements have been comprehensively described by its masters in
the Tai Chi Classics which is a set of writings. The Chinese
believe that if one gets aware of the ways in which Tai Chi can
be used as self-defense, it indicates that the individual is
well-learned in this martial art.
In the late 1990s a family practitioner who was also a Tai Chi
master, Dr Lam, using a team of health care practitioners as
well as Tai Chi specialists developed a program of modified Tai
Chi for use in the treatment and management of arthritis pain
and stiffness.
Studies showed that it reduced pain and improved many other
health aspects of the people who were in the test group.
Some physicians of the American Medical community disclaimed
the effects of the routine and refused to consider the
techniques. CNN reported that Tai Chi did have benefits
according to the study but it was still too early to establish
concretely that Tai Chi is a healing technique. The reason for
this was the claim of Dr. ChenChen Wang that the study design
was flawed.
Recently, additional testing has been done
by health researchers from the Sydney's Institute for
International Health, who concluded that Tai Chi, as well as
another tested method hydrotherapy can in fact aid in reducing,
if not eliminating the pain and sometimes the stiffness of
arthritis. It was also seen to improve the range of motion of
the test subjects. This study examined 150 men and women above
the age of 60 suffering who suffered from chronic arthritis. It
was led by Marlene Fransen and was posted in the mid 2007
Journal of Arthritis and Rheumatism. The members of the group
were assigned by random choice to a waiting group, a Tai Chi
class or hydrotherapy, which they were to attend two days per
week for one hour at a time. Twelve weeks later, a major
improvement was shown when measurements of pain and joint
function were done. Another twelve weeks later, after twenty
four weeks, the increased joint function and pain alleviation
had continued, with no member worsening in their symptoms.
Tai Chi has been practiced in one form or another in China for
many centuries. There are several different varieties, or
styles, with each being found suitable for use with those who
have arthritis. Its five essential forms are:
o Chen Style
o Yang Style
o Wu or Wu/Hao style of Wu Yu-hsiang (Wu Yuxiang)
o Wu style of Wu Ch'uan-yü (Wu Quanyuo) and Wu Chien-ch'uan
(Wu Jianquan)
o Sun style
The benefits of Tai Chi and the reason for its usefulness in
arthritis seem to be the use of more gentle circular motions,
rather than those which are jerky in orientation. Tai Chi
utilizes twelve primary movements that are repeated innumerable
times and can be done within three minutes. Several sources
like books, videos and websites are available that explain the
Tai Chi techniques.
Tai Chi seems to offer mild to moderate
exercise which is beneficial to arthritis sufferers, while the
circular motion assists in promoting increased range of motion.
While it is not useful for everyone and is in fact a strenuous
workout, it does seem to be effective in about 78% of cases in
which it was used for decreasing the pain of arthritis.
Additional benefits are cardio-vascular as well as weight
reduction, which is very important for pain control in
arthritic patients. Control of stress by the use of exercise
technique can also help to control the pain. The health
benefits from Tai Chi, in fact, seem to go far beyond simple
pain reduction to many other aspects of overall health. Tai Chi
is relatively easy to learn, and helps to promote good posture,
a holistic total body and mind integration and improve the
quality of life of those who suffer from arthritis.
There are multiple forms of Tai Chi. Most of these are
acceptable for use in arthritis pain reduction, however, it is
imperative to find an instructor who has been trained in
working with people with special needs such as arthritis. As
with any other exercise regimen it is important to discuss the
planned exercise classes with a physician or other health care
provider prior to beginning the regimen to assure that it is
suitable for total body condition and to decide whether or not
Tai Chi will be effective and is suitable for a particular form
of arthritis.
http://www.help-with-arthritis-pain.com
David Freeman, the author of this and many other articles on
Arthritis Pain suffers from joint disease. Over the years, Mr.
Freeman has learned much about Arthritis from a Patient point
of view. Share your experiences with him at http://www.help-with-arthritis-pain.com
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