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Tai Chi for Stiff Joints & Arthritis

Tai chi is one of the internal martial arts, that is, those that are "non-aggressive and use principals of energy flow and softness vs. strength and hardness," according to embracethemoon.com. Its slow, focused style has made it beneficial to those struggling with arthritis.

  1. Dr. Paul Lam

    • After developing arthritis as a youth in China, Dr. Paul Lam became a practicing family physician in Australia.

      Dr. Paul Lam is a family physician in Sydney, Australia. After developing arthritis as a young person in China due to malnourishment, he grew to become one of the world's foremost authorities on tai chi for arthritis.

    Sun Style

    • Dr. Lam based his tai chi for arthritis on the Sun style of tai chi.

      Dr. Lam used the popular Sun style of tai chi to create his tai chi for arthritis. He says that he "took the part that was more effective for healing and put in modification so that anyone could do it," according to Arthritis Today.

    Arthritis Foundation

    • The Arthritis Foundation has created the Arthritis Foundation Tai Chi Program, based on Dr. Lam's work.

      The Arthritis Foundation, inspired by Dr. Lam's work, put together the Arthritis Foundation Tai Chi Program. There are 12 movements in the program, derived from Dr. Lam's handiwork, and no squats or deep bends that would make it difficult for those with arthritis.

    Other Benefits

    • Other positive outcomes from tai chi include decreased stress and increased mobility.

      Though the tai chi through the Arthritis Foundation as well as directly from Dr. Lam focuses on relieving arthritic pain, there are other benefits that come from practicing these movements. The most prevalent benefits are increased mobility and reduced stress.

    Importance of Tai Chi for Arthritis

    • Tai chi can increase muscle strength, decreasing stiffness and pain in the process.

      Not only can tai chi benefit those with arthritis, not doing it can allow lifestyle deterioration. Since arthritis makes it difficult to exercise in many ways, a vicious circle can arise where the muscles weaken from lack of exercise, which increases the pain. Tai chi can relieve the stiffness and the pain and build muscle strength.

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