A study from Tufts University in Boston has found that tai chi works just as well as physical therapy to ease pain and improve function for people with osteoarthritis of the knee.
Tai Chi Compared to Physical Therapy:
In the study, approximately 200 volunteers were randomly assigned to physical therapy or tai chi classes. Those in the tai chi group did two classes a week for 12 weeks to learn classical Yang style tai chi. Those in the physical therapy group had sessions twice a week for six weeks and practiced the exercises at home for an additional six weeks.
Evaluation Showed Both Approaches Help:
The scientists used WOMAC scores, a standardized arthritis symptom questionnaire, to assess progress and found that both groups had improved by the end of the 12 weeks. Both groups had also reduced the amount of pain medication they took.
The group practicing tai chi also reported lower depression scores, and the researchers recommend that tai chi be considered as a therapeutic option for treating knee osteoarthritis.
American College of Rheumatology meeting, San Francisco, Nov. 8, 2015
Tai chi is an ancient Chinese martial art that features slow movements and a concentration on balance. There are many different schools of tai chi (also referred to as taijiquan), and Yang is one of the traditional ones.
This is not the first study to show that tai chi can help soothe pain. There have also been studies showing that this practice can be useful for people with fibromyalgia, congestive heart failure or Parkinson’s disease.
7/27/17: Redirected to: hhttps://www.peoplespharmacy.com/articles/will-tai-chi-reduce-your-risk-of-falling/
