Individuals over 65 years of age who’ve been diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis (OA), that practice Tai Chi, improve their physical function and experience less pain, according to a new Tufts University School of Medicine study. Osteoarthritis is a general form of arthritis that brings about a breakdown of joint cartilage. Chiropractors provide therapy for many men and women who suffer with OA in a number of areas of the body, including the knee joints. Second only to spinal problems, knee pain and disability is one of the most widespread abnormalities of the musculoskeletal system. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) there are an astounding 4.3 million adults in the US over 60 years of ag diagnosed with knee OA, and the CDC predicts that half of American adults may develop symptoms of OA in at least one knee by age 85. Knee osteoarthritis results in pain, mobility limitations, dysfunction and disability, and a diminished quality of life.

You may be asking why so many adults develop OA. Excessive stress over the years is a major element in the majority of musculoskeletal problems that develop as we get older. That is why as people age they are more likely to develop OA in their joints, including the knees. Incorrect mechanics of the knee, poor gait, compensatory foot mechanics as an offset of foot pain, and overload of the knee joint all create inordinate stress on the knees. Eventually arthritic changes in the knee joint occur. Most chiropractors advocate such natural, drug-free practices as Tai Chi, in combination with their chiropractic management. A traditional style of Chinese martial arts,Tai Chi features slow, rhythmic movements that generate mental relaxation, as well as improved balance, an augmentation of strength, and improved flexibility.

Though in good health otherwise, the 40 adults with confirmed OA that were selected for the Tufts study were on an average 65 years of age and overweight. Patients were selected at random to participate in 60-minute “Yang style” Tai Chi sessions twice weekly for 12 weeks. Each session included a 10-minute self-massage and a review of Tai Chi principles, 30 minutes of Tai Chi movement, 10 minutes of breathing technique, and 10 minutes of relaxation.

Tai Chi practice involves the variety of range of motion, flexibility, muscle conditioning, and aerobic workout that is consistent with current exercise protocols for osteoarthritis. Furthermore, researchers noted that the “mental aspect” of Tai Chi stimulated a sense of well-being, life enjoyments, and personal concepts of health that assisted the participants in dealing differently with chronic pain. Compared with the control group, the group practicing Tai Chi displayed a considerable decrease in knee pain.

Full findings of the study are published in the November 2009 issue of Arthritis Care & Research, a journal of the American College of Rheumatology.

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