Researchers Find that Tai Chi Relieves Knee Osteoarthritis
Knee X-ray
Research done by Tufts University School of Medicine has determined that patients that are at least 65 years of age or older who suffer from knee osteoarthritis (OA), and who practice Tai Chi, improved their physical function and encountered a decrease in pain. Osteoarthritis is a common form of arthritis that brings about a breakdown of joint cartilage. Chiropractors treat a large number men and women who have developed OA in a number of areas of the body, including the joints of the knee. Second only to spinal problems, knee pain and disability is one of the most prevalent afflictions of the musculoskeletal system. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) there are a surprising 4.3 million people in this country over 60 years of ag diagnosed with knee OA, and the CDC predicts that half of the men and women in America may develop symptoms of OA in at least one knee by age 85. Knee osteoarthritis results in pain, mobility limitations, dysfunction and disability, and a reduced quality of life.
You may be asking why so many men and women develop OA. As with the majority of the musculoskeletal conditions that we develop as we get older, abnormal stress to a joint day after day is a major determinant. Therefore, as people get older they are more likely to develop OA in their joints, including the knees. Incorrect mechanics of the knee, improper gait, compensatory foot mechanics as an offset of foot pain, and overuse of the knee joint all produce excessive stress on the knees. Over time arthritic changes in the knee joint develop. The majority of chiropractors advise their patients to try such natural, drug-free practices as Tai Chi, in addition to their chiropractic management. Tai Chi (Chuan) is a traditional style of Chinese martial arts that features slow, rhythmic movements that produce peace of mind, as well as improved balance, an increase in strength, and improved flexibility.
The 40 adults chosen for the Tufts study were on an average 65 years of age, overweight, and with confirmed OA, but in otherwise good health. Participants were selected at random to take part in 60-minute “Yang style” Tai Chi sessions twice weekly for 12 weeks. Each session included a 10-minute self-massage and a review of Tai Chi principles, 30 minutes of Tai Chi movement, 10 minutes of breathing technique, and 10 minutes of relaxation.
Tai Chi incorporates many of the current exercise protocols for OA, such as range of motion, flexibility, muscle conditioning, and aerobic workout. As an added benefit, researchers found that the “mental feature” of Tai Chi encouraged a sense of well-being, life enjoyments, and personal concepts of health that helped the participants to deal differently with chronic pain. Compared with the control group, the group practicing Tai Chi experienced a considerable decrease in knee pain.
Full findings of the study are published in the November 2009 issue of Arthritis Care & Research, a journal of the American College of Rheumatology.
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