Tai Chi is an ancient Chinese practice that is considered to be beneficial for people with arthritis. Tai Chi involves a series of slow, graceful movements that can be done standing or sitting. Tai Chi classes are designed to improve balance and flexibility and can be modified to accommodate various levels of ability.
In recent years, Tai Chi has become popular as an alternative therapy for many health conditions. If you’re suffering from arthritis pain, you may wonder if Tai Chi is right for you.
Read on as the instructors at Just Breathe Tai Chi share more about Tai Chi’s benefits for people with arthritis.
1. Tai Chi Reduces Pain and Inflammation
If you’re living with arthritis, you know that pain and inflammation are constant companions. Pain medications can help, but they often have undesirable side effects like nausea, dizziness, and drowsiness. Tai Chi has been shown to reduce pain and inflammation thanks to its slow, gentle movements. Some arthritis patients who practiced Tai Chi three times per week for 12 weeks had significantly lower levels of pain and inflammation.
2. Tai Chi Improves Joint Function
Arthritis can lead to stiffness and loss of range of motion in the joints. Tai Chi can help improve joint function by increasing flexibility and range of motion. It’s been reported that arthritis patients who practiced Tai Chi had better scores on tests of joint function and had less pain and swelling in their joints.
3. Tai Chi Boosts Energy and Helps You Sleep Better
If you’re living with chronic pain, it’s not uncommon to always feel tired. This fatigue can make it hard to get through your day-to-day activities. Fortunately, Tai Chi can help boost energy levels and improve sleep quality. One study1 found that people with chronic pain who practiced Tai Chi slept better and had more energy during the day than those who didn’t practice Tai Chi.
Tips for Getting Started with Tai Chi
If you’re interested in trying Tai Chi, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, it’s crucial to find an in-person or online Tai Chi class taught by a qualified instructor familiar with the needs of people with arthritis.
Take It Slow
It’s also important to start slowly and build up gradually. Begin with a few minutes of Tai Chi each day, and progressively increase the time as you become more comfortable with the movements. Remember to listen to your body and stop if you feel pain or discomfort. If you have questions or concerns about starting Tai Chi, talk to your doctor before you begin.
If you’re living with arthritis, Tai Chi is a complementary treatment option. Tai Chi can reduce pain and inflammation, improve joint function, boost energy levels, and improve sleep. Plus, it’s low-impact and can be done anywhere—especially with online Tai Chi classes from Just Breathe Tai Chi!
If you have a Tai Chi-related arthritis pain management story, we’d love to hear from you.
Contact Just Breathe Tai Chi today to learn more about in-person and virtual Tai Chi classes.