Knee X-ray
Research done by Tufts University School of Medicine has determined that men and women that are at least 65 years of age or older who suffer from knee osteoarthritis (OA), and who practice Tai Chi, improved their physical function and experienced decreased pain. Osteoarthritis is a common form of arthritis that causes an erosion of joint cartilage. Chiropractors help a large number men and women who have developed OA in a number of regions of the body, including the knee joints. Knee pain and disability is one of the most prevalent dysfunctions of the musculoskeletal system, second only to spinal complaints. In fact, an astounding 4.3 million individuals in the U.S. over age 60 have been diagnosed with knee OA, according to the CDC, and it conjectures that half of American adults may suffer from symptoms of OA in at least one knee by age 85. The consequences of knee osteoarthritis are pain, mobility limitations, dysfunction and disability, and a decreased quality of life.
You may be questioning why so many adults develop OA. Inordinate stress over time is a major determinant in the majority of musculoskeletal dysfunctions that develop as we age. Therefore, as people age they are more susceptible to developing OA in their joints, including the knees. Incorrect mechanics of the knee, improper gait, compensatory foot mechanics as the result of foot pain, and repetitive use of the knee joint all produce undue stress on the knees. Eventually arthritic changes in the knee joint take place. The majority of chiropractors advise their patients to try such natural, drug-free practices as Tai Chi, in addition to 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 enhanced flexibility.
In otherwise good health, the 40 participants with confirmed OA that were chosen for the Tufts study were, on average, 65 years of age and overweight. Individuals were randomly picked 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 involves many of the contemporary exercise recommendations for OA, such as range of motion, flexibility, muscle conditioning, and aerobic workout. Furthermore, researchers noted that the “mental component” of Tai Chi stimulated a sense of well-being, life satisfaction, and personal concepts of health that assisted the participants in dealing differently with chronic pain. Significantly, the group practicing Tai Chi experienced a meaningful decrease in knee pain compared with those in the control group.
Full findings of the study are published in the November 2009 issue of Arthritis Care & Research, a journal of the American College of Rheumatology.
