Knee X-ray
A new study conducted by Tufts University School of Medicine had concluded that men and women 65 years and older who’ve been diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis (OA), and who practice Tai Chi, improved their physical capability and encountered less pain. Osteoarthritis is a prevalent form of arthritis that causes an erosion of joint cartilage. Chiropractors help many individuals who suffer with OA in a number of regions of the body, including the joints of the knee. Knee pain and disability is one of the most prevalent problems of the musculoskeletal system, second only to spinal dysfunctions. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) there are an astounding 4.3 million people in this country over 60 years of ag diagnosed with knee OA, and the CDC predicts that by age 85, half of American adults may incur symptoms of OA. Knee osteoarthritis results in pain, immobility, functional disabilities, and a reduced quality of life.
Why do so many men and women develop OA? As with nearly all of the musculoskeletal dysfunctions that we develop as we get older, undue stress to a joint over the years is a major element. That is why as people get older they are more at risk for developing OA in their knees, as well as other joints. Improper function of the knee, irregular gait, compensatory foot mechanics as an offset of foot pain, and overuse of the knee joint all cause inordinate stress on the knees. Consequently arthritic changes in the knee joint develop. In combination with chiropractic therapies, chiropractors enthusiastically endorse natural, drug-free practices, such as Tai Chi (Chuan), that can mitigate knee pain. A traditional style of Chinese martial arts,Tai Chi features slow, rhythmic movements that create peace of mind, as well as an enhancement of balance, an increase in strength, and more flexibility.
The 40 men and women selected for the Tufts study were on an average 65 years of age, overweight, and with confirmed osteoarthritis of the knee. Otherwise they were healthy. Individuals were randomly picked to take part 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 incorporates many of the prevailing exercise recommendations for OA, such as range of motion, flexibility, muscle conditioning, and aerobic workout. Furthermore, researchers observed that the “mental aspect” of Tai Chi encouraged a sense of well-being, life contentment, and perceptions of health that assisted the participants in dealing differently with chronic pain. Compared with the control group, the group practicing Tai Chi experienced a significant 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.