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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