Tai Chi Helps Chronic Pain Conditions  

If you want to exercise but have limited mobility due to your pain condition, this could be the answer.

Jumping around at an aerobics class may not be an option if you have back pain, arthritis, or another condition that hurts when you move. Tai Chi is one exercise that is suitable, particularly for those with joint, neck or back pain and also for the elderly.

It seems an ideal exercise for those with back pain as the movements are so gentle yet develop a strong core muscle group.

Research confirms what the Chinese have known for centuries, that regular practice of Tai Chi has many health benefits. Those who practice it say it makes them feel wonderful.

Why Practice Tai Chi?

A good reason to practice tai chi is because its fun and makes you feel good. More to the point for pain sufferers is that Tai Chi has been found by many practitioners to provide pain relief, and research backs this up. 

• Increased flexibility - particularly in the often forgotten spine. Maintenance of flexibility in spinal joints is very important.
• Full range of motion in some joints
• Increased strength, particularly of the leg muscles
• Many people have reduced pain - particularly noticed in shoulders, back, legs and knees
• Increased vitality, energy and life
• Enhanced coordination, and improved fine motor skills.

 Further Benefits of Practicing Tai Chi. 

Improves Balance

According to a review in The Harvard Health Letter - July, 1997, tai chi... reduces stress hormones, reduces risk of falling (the leading cause of death by injury in older folks), and improves balance.

An Atlanta study of 200 people in their 70's found that 15 weeks of tai chi training cut their risk of falling nearly in half, and reduced their blood pressure as well.

Our balance naturally declines as we get older. Did you know that for the over 70s it is falling due to deteriorating balance that is the prime cause of loss of independence? So its really vital to do all you can to maintain your balance before you lose it, and Tai Chi can help with that.

Slows Ageing

Other studies on Tai Chi have shown it to have a role in slowing the aging process. ie it may keep you young for longer.

Safe Exercise For  Arthritis Sufferers

Tai Chi is a safe alternative exercise for people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis (Kirstens et al. in The American Journal of Physical Medical Rehabilitation 1991)

Improves Cardio Vascular Health

A 1992 Australian study of 96 practitioners found that tai chi had the same effects on heart rate, blood pressure, and stress hormones as brisk walking.

Improves Breathing Problems

A John Hopkins publication (1999) "Deep breathing may improve fitness levels in people with chronic heart failure. Yoga-derived breathing training (as practiced in tai chi) may increase oxygen levels and ease breathing difficulties."

Stress Relief

Consumer Report Feb. 2000. "A routine that combines moderate exercise with meditation techniques, such as a concentration on breathing, may give a two for one reward for stress relief. Tai Chi and yoga are gentle, slow exercises that promote balance, flexibility, stretching and mental calm."

May Protect Against Shingles

a study published in October 2003 researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles reported that integrative exercise programs such as tai chi can have a direct, positive effect on the immune system in older adults and could help ward off outbreaks of shingles. 

So How about getting a Tai Chi DVD or finding a Tai Chi class and starting your tai chi exercise as soon as possible? Its fun too!

Resources For Tai Chi

	Book: T'ai Chi for Seniors: How to Gain Flexibility, Strength, and Inner Peace 'Tai Chi For Seniors' gives you all the information you need to undertake a safe, health-improving exercise regimen. These ancient Chinese exercises are fun and low impact and help to alleviate the pains of arthritis, fibromyalgia, carpal tunnel syndrome, and many other "senior" diseases.  Methods outlined in this guide can be performed standing or seated with no previous experience necessary, and taking into consideration limited range of movement. Whether you are just beginning t'ai chi or simply looking for a supplemental text to use out of class, this your guide.
	Tai Chi For Arthritis DVD This tai chi DVD is perfect for people with arthritis but also for those with other chronic pain conditions such as fibromyalgia or back pain.
	Learn tai chi exercises from the Sunrise Tai Chi  DVD  Customer feedback on this dvd is full of praise "A fantastic four-hour DVD full of exercises, Qigong, meditation, and a short Yang style Tai Chi sequence done to the left and the right. It has simple to follow along to 20 minute, 40 minute or 60 minute Workouts, and a long, brilliant Instructional section with very detailed guidance through every movement, from basic to advanced. I followed along to the 20 minute version sitting down at first, and have worked up to the 40 minute standing. This program helps you to regain strength and overall health." and another one " Amazing DVD - Amazing animation! I agree with the other reviews that this is an amazing DVD, and want to mention that it has incredible animations of the Qi energy in the body, as well as easy to understand diagrams of the the brain, glands, and internal organs while the instructor explains how these internal exercises work. Also, many of the exercises are taught in three stages, beginner, intermediate, and advanced, and each stretch is held for three minutes, so I doubt many of us will work our way up to the advanced version of the three minute exercise very quickly. Its a DVD that you can really grow with!" Sunrise T'ai Chi DVD

Related

More on exercise in pain management

Yoga For Back Pain 

Yoga For Fibromyalgia