Tai Chi: Effective Osteoarthritis Remedy According to Research

Osteoarthritis is a common joint disorder, more common in the elderly. Even younger people who overuse or misuse their joints are prone to having it. If you get knee pain, joint mobility problems, and clicking sounds in your joints, you just might be one of the millions of people who suffer from pain due to osteoarthritis. Luckily, research shows that Tai Chi provides natural pain relief for people with osteoarthritis.

People suffering from osteoarthritis are more prone to the side effects of drugs because of their age. They also have higher risks when subjected to surgery, further compounding the problem. Thankfully, unlike other pain remedies that claim to provide safe natural pain relief, Tai Chi was actually proven to safely and effectively alleviate osteoarthritis pain.

 

Tai Chi Fights Osteoarthritis Pain

Currently, research shows that Tai Chi also effectively relieves pain:

• Regular Tai Chi exercise lessens osteoarthritis pain significantly. According to a study from Tufts University School of Medicine, people over 65 years old suffering from osteoarthritis who engaged in regular Tai Chi.
• Half of adults aged 80 and above will suffer from knee pain, according to a report from the Center of Disease Control. Because of the frequency of osteoarthritis in the elderly, Tai Chi is an important pain remedy because, unlike drugs and surgery, it provides pain relief without putting someone’s health at risk.
• Tai Chi, aside from relieving pain, also promotes mental and physical health. Learning Tai Chi will help you relax and become better coordinated. It also improves your equilibrium, reducing the risk for falls and fractures.

Proper Tai Chi

• Sixty minutes of Tai Chi done in Yang style reduces joint pain. According to a study done by Wang and colleagues, one hour of Tai Chi done two times a week for three months effectively provides natural pain relief.
• One session of Tai Chi should include self-massage, movement, breathing, and relaxation. To become an effective means of providing natural pain relief, each Tai Chi session should include 10 minutes of self massage including a short review of the principles of Tai Chi, half an hour of Tai Chi movement, ten minutes involving breathing techniques, concluded by ten minutes worth of relaxation.

Source:

www.medscape.com

Tai Chi: Proven Natural Pain Relief for Osteoarthritis

In the U.S. alone, there are about 4.3 million adults aged 60 and above diagnosed with osteoarthritis. Because this condition manifests with joint pain, a lot of people suffering from osteoarthritis have  great disability. Osteoarthritis pain can greatly reduce the quality of your life. Thankfully, research shows that Tai Chi can help you overcome osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis involves gradual degeneration of the joints, with wearing and thinning of the cartilage. If you are suffering from osteoarthritis, you are bound to experience not only pain, but also limited joint movements. Both of these symptoms can greatly change the way you function everyday.

 

What is Tai Chi?

Tai Chi has gained popularity over the years. It is commonly used as an exercise regimen, not only in China but all over the world:

• Tai Chi, or Chuan, is a classic method of martial arts in China. It improves the body’s function and flexibility.
• It is an exercise that involves rhythmic, slow movements. Tai Chi improves strength, balance, and quality of life.
• The regularity and slow pace of Tai Chi provides mental relaxation.

How should Tai Chi be performed?

• Tai Chi should be performed for one hour, twice weekly. In order to reap the most benefits, Tai Chi should be continued for 3 months.
• First ten minutes should involve self massage and a brief review of the principles of Tai Chi. Massage promotes blood flow to the joints and increased endorphin levels. The Tai Chi review jogs your memory, helping you stay sharp and focused.
• The next half hour should be dedicated to exercise movements of Tai Chi. These slow and rhythmic movements help you become limber. They also promote flexibility, balance, and strength, all of which play a role in reducing the manifestations and pain of osteoarthritis.
• The next ten minutes will be devoted to breathing techniques. Breathing techniques are an effective way to relax your mind and body. They help promote mental well-being, helping increase your threshold for pain.
• The last ten minutes involve relaxation. This is another feature of Tai Chi that helps improve your general outlook in life. Mental relaxation helps you cope better with the chronic pain of osteoarthritis.

Read about the results of the research done on Tai Chi and osteoarthritis pain relief.

Has Tai Chi helped improve your life? Share your success story in the comments section below!

Sources:

Arthritis Care and Research

www.medscape.com