Tai Chi for Arthritis (Title III-D Program)

Developed by Dr. Paul Lam at the Tai Chi for Health Institute (TCHI), the program utilizes Tai Chi’s Sun style for its ability to improve relaxation, balance and its ease of use for older adults. The movements are taught to both left and right sides and with turns to move forward and backward to improve mobility and offer a variety of combinations.

Tai Chi for Arthritis is led by a TCHI Board certified instructor, with each session including the following: a) Warm-up and cool-down exercises b) One or two movements per lesson, progressively leading to completing the six basic core movements and six advanced extension movements c) Breathing techniques d) Tai Chi principles including those relating to improving physical and mental balance

Movements are performed at a higher stance to make it easier for older participants and those with arthritis. Movements can be modified to accommodate mobility issues for any participant and can be done seated as a starting exercise.

  • Program Goals:
  • -Improve movement, balance, strength, flexibility, and relaxation
  • -Decrease pain and falls

 

  • Target Audience:
  • -Adults with or without arthritis, rheumatic diseases or related musculoskeletal conditions. The program is appropriate for people with mild, moderate and severe joint involvement and back pain. It is especially appropriate for adults who have a higher risk of falling.

 

  • Program Description:
  • -Attend a minimum of 16 hours of Tai Chi per week. This can be accomplished by attending one hour per week for 16 weeks or two hours per week for eight weeks.
  • -Program must be led by a certified Tai Chi for Health Institute instructor.
  • -Instructors should strongly encourage participants to practice the Tai Chi program at home for half an hour daily, at least four days per week. This can be done in one half hour session or two fifteen minute sessions.
  • -Participants must attend at least one in-person class per week.

 

  • Program Delivery:
  • -Tai Chi for Health certified instructors

 

Contact information

Reference Material

  • Song, Lee E, Lam P, Bae S. Effects of Tai Chi exercise on pain, balance, muscle strength, and physical functioning in older women with osteoarthritis: A randomized clinical trial. Journal of Rheumatology. Sept 2003. 30:9 page 2039-2044.