Tai Chi Can Reduce Osteoarthritis Pain in the Elderly

From Geriatric Pharmacy Intern, Wendy Fisher, PharmD (c)
Nova Southeastern University College of Pharmacy

Tai Chi (pronounced “tie chee”) is an old Chinese practice of martial arts designed to exercise the mind and body. It combines mental concentration with slow, rhythmic movements to challenge the body and focus the mind. Tai Chi helps to stimulate mental relaxation and improves balance, strength and flexibility. Almost anyone can do Tai Chi, even people with conditions that may exclude them from other forms of exercise.
Knee Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common form of arthritis that causes deterioration of joint cartilage. This results in pain, limitations of function and reduced quality of life. The elderly population is at the greatest risk for developing this type of arthritis.
According to researchers, patients over the age of 65 with knee osteoarthritis who engage in Tai Chi exercise improve physical function and experience less pain. "Tai Chi is a mind-body approach that appears to be an applicable treatment for older adults with knee OA," said Dr. Chenchen Wang, M.D., M.Sc. of Tufts University School of Medicine. Researchers have observed an improvement in physical function, depression, health status and a decrease in pain in knee osteoarthritis patients after doing Tai Chi for 12 weeks.
The current exercise recommendations for OA are identical to the physical components of Tai Chi. This seems like a feasible therapy to help ease the horrible pain from OA and it is fun and relaxing. I actually did Tai Chi in China and it felt amazing. J As always, please speak with your Doctor before starting any new exercise programs.