Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention at Care Connection

Many people are familiar with karate, judo and other kinds of marital arts. But did you know that there is another martial art that features slow, flowing movements called Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention?

Tai Chi is a low-impact exercise that is thousands of years old. It is recommended by the Arthritis Foundation and the Centers for Disease Control and practiced by people across the globe, including a dedicated group of people right here in West Central Missouri!

You don’t need to be physically fit or athletic to perform the mind-body movements of Tai Chi. In fact, you can even do Tai Chi while seated.

What is Tai Chi?

Dr. Paul Lam created Tai Chi for Arthritis as a gentle workout to help restore mobility. Dr. Lam was trying to ease the pain from his own arthritis!

This evidence-based program is proven to reduce stress and increase muscle strength, flexibility, and fitness. Easy to learn and safe, Tai Chi for Arthritis forms are suitable for anyone with physical conditions, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia.

Shifting movements that transfer your weight from one foot to the other improves balance. Blood flow increases in all muscles and joints of the body as you focus on performing a series of peaceful and calming exercises.

Dr. Paul Lam’s Tai Chi for Arthritis list of movements has been modified to include 12 specially designed movements. It is based on the Sun-style of Tai Chi, which uses slow movements and steps to increase energy through the body.

How does Tai Chi help with Arthritis pain?

Tai Chi for Arthritis has been studied extensively by scientists in over 30 controlled trials with impressive results for strength, flexibility and postural balance. According to the National Library of Medicine, Tai Chi has positive effects on a variety of chronic diseases and health-related issues, such as falls for older adults.

A clinical trial conducted in 2022 proved that older adults with stiff, painful knee osteoarthritis showed improved physical function and quality of life. The participants reported these improvements after a 12-week series of Tai Chi classes.

The Tai Chi for Arthritis program is a “must-try” for older Missourians in Bates, Benton, Carroll, Cedar, Chariton, Clair, Henry, Hickory, Johnson, Lafayette, Pettis, Saline, St. Clair and Vernon counties.

Visit our events page to see a complete list of falls prevention offerings.

Care Connection Makes It Easy to Learn Tai Chi for Arthritis

Care Connection hosts regularly scheduled Beginner’s Training. Join us for an eight-week series of free classes and give this incredible exercise a chance to improve your fitness levels over time!

In fact, a study by North Carolina University shows that doing Tai Chi for Arthritis for 8 weeks reduced pain and improved balance. Participants were able to complete daily tasks with more confidence.

Register today for the free online Tai Chi for Arthritis training classes from fully accredited Care Connection instructors who understand the needs of older adults with arthritis. You’ll be so glad you joined in!

Regular Tai Chi practice has shown to improve both balance and posture. After training, Care Connection offers two 30-minute online Tai Chi for Arthritis classes a week.