Common Questions About Arthritis

What is Tai Chi?

Question: Is it true that doing Tai Chi can help lessen the pain of osteoarthritis and improve flexibility? What is Tai Chi, anyway? (The Arthritis Foundation endorses it as a therapeutic exercise for osteoarthritis, but I need to know what it is.)

Answer: Absolutely. Tai Chi, which means the "great energy," is a 5,000 year-old Chinese exercise. It is a smooth, non-joint-pounding, relaxing form of exercise that includes gentle, flowing movements.

You may have seen pictures or film of people doing it in groups in a park. Tai Chi not only helps joint pain and mood in osteoarthritis, but studies have also shown it helps enhance your mental function as well.

Tai Chi is something best experienced, so call your local Arthritis Foundation for a class recommendation, inquire at a local health food store, or peruse an alternative newspaper. As Tai Chi has been around for so many years and so many people love it, I'm sure you will find it enjoyable as well.

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