By DEBRA MYERS
Living with arthritis pain and similar achiness can be difficult. Research has found that there is a fairly enjoyable way to relieve the aches and pains of arthritis.
The Tai Chi for Arthritis program was created in 1997 by Dr. Paul Lam, a family physician and tai chi expert in Australia who suffers from arthritis. The movements are based on Sun style tai chi because of its healing component, its unique Qigong (an exercise that improves relaxation and vital energy), and its ability to improve mobility and balance.
Medical studies show that participating in the Tai Chi for Arthritis program can reduce pain significantly, prevent falls in the elderly, and improve many aspects of health. Arthritis foundations around the world support the program; in particular, the Arthritis Foundation of America promotes the program throughout the United States as the Arthritis Foundation Tai Chi Program.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, prevention of falls for the elderly is especially important. Millions of older adults are treated in emergency departments each year for fall injuries: Falls can cause broken bones, head injuries and a debilitating fear of falling. An elderly person’s likelihood of suffering loss of independence and a serious or fatal injury from a fall increases with age and with each subsequent fall.
At Lakeland Regional Health, we take falls prevention extremely seriously. Injuries are the fifth leading cause of death overall in the Florida, according to the Florida Vital Statistics Annual Report. As such, Injury Prevention is among our seven Priorities and Initiatives over the next three years, as outlined in our new Community Health Needs Assessment report. Evidence-based classes, such as Tai Chi for Arthritis, promote balance and improve strength to reduce the risk of falling in older adults.
The Tai Chi for Arthritis program consists of a carefully constructed set of warming-up and cooling-down exercises, Qigong breathing exercises, Basic Core six movements, Advanced Extension six movements, and adaptations of the movements for older adults. The low-impact, gentle, fluid, slow and graceful stretches and relaxing movements loosen and relax the joints and ligaments, strengthen muscles and coordination, focus and calm the mind, build confidence, and build awareness of body movements and posture.
To learn more about this program, to view sample lessons, or to purchase a DVD for at-home practice, visit http://taichiforhealthinstitute.org/what-is-the-tai-chi-for-arthritis-program/.
To locate a class near you, contact the Senior Connection Center at 813.676.5568.
About the Author
Debra Myers is a certified Tai Chi for Arthritis for Falls Prevention instructor. Ms. Myers is also a Nationally Certified Child Passenger Safety technician and a certified Infant Massage Instructor. She can be reached at debra.myers@myLRH.org or 863.284.1882.