Knee X-ray

A new study conducted by Tufts University School of Medicine has determined that patients that are at least 65 years of age or older who suffer from knee osteoarthritis (OA), and who practice Tai Chi, increased 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 individuals who suffer with OA in a number of areas of the body, including the joints of the knee. knee pain and disability is one of the most commonplace dysfunctions of the musculoskeletal system, second only to spinal abnormalities. In fact, an extraordinary 4.3 million US adults over age 60 have been diagnosed with knee OA, according to the CDC, and it conjectures that half of the people in America may suffer from symptoms of OA in at least one knee by age 85. The consequences of knee osteoarthritis are pain, immobility, functional disabilities, and a diminished quality of life.

Why do so many adults develop OA? As with nearly all of the musculoskeletal conditions that we develop as we age, inappropriate stress to a joint over time is a major element. That is why as people get older they are more at risk for developing OA in their joints, including the knees. Incorrect function of the knee, irregular gait, compensatory foot mechanics as the result of foot pain, and overload of the knee joint all cause undue stress on the knees. Consequently arthritic changes in the knee joint occur. Many chiropractors suggest such natural, drug-free practices as Tai Chi, in combination with their chiropractic management. Tai Chi (Chuan) is a traditional style of Chinese martial arts that features slow, rhythmic movements that generate peace of mind, as well as an enhancement of balance, an increase in strength, and more flexibility.

In otherwise good health, the 40 men and women with confirmed OA that were picked for the Tufts study were, on average, 65 years of age and overweight. Patients were chosen at random to engage 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 kind of range of motion, flexibility, muscle conditioning, and aerobic workout that is in harmony with with contemporary exercise advice for osteoarthritis. Furthermore, researchers found that the “mental aspect” of Tai Chi encouraged a sense of well-being, life satisfaction, and impressions of health that aided the participants in dealing differently with chronic pain. Compared with the control group, the group practicing Tai Chi experienced 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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