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Tai Chi for Arthritis
-- A Specially Designed Program by Dr Paul Lam’s Team
-- NB you can view the picture on our web site
Introduction
Tai Chi has been helping people with arthritis in China for centuries, now there are scientific evidences proving its effectiveness. Tai Chi contains many styles that have significant differences between each other; a specially designed program has many advantages. This article will discuss what is Tai Chi, how does it work and this program.
All state Arthritis Foundations in Australia and many overseas ones have supported this program. Dr Paul Lam has travelled extensively to conduct 2-day instructors’ workshops training physiotherapists, exercise instructors, rehabilitation therapists and Tai Chi instructors to teach the program since 1998. As a result, the trained instructors have conducted hundred of classes with excellent results. Many people with arthritis have gained health benefits and relief from their participation in the program.
Picture one: Tai Chi for Arthritis -- Instructor’s Workshop in Florida USA November 99. The lady behind Dr Lam is 84 years old Winny who teaches Tai Chi in a Nursing Home.
What is Tai Chi?
Tai Chi originated in ancient China. Nowadays, it is practised as an effective exercise for health, arthritis and well-being. Tai Chi...
* is suitable for almost anyone
* integrates the body and mind
* uses gentle and circular movements
* has different levels of skill
* is easy to learn for health improvement
* is enjoyable
* can be practised almost anywhere
How Does Tai Chi Work for Arthritis?
Exercise is an essential part of the multi-disciplinary approaches for arthritis. Suitable exercises should include flexibility, muscle strengthening and fitness components. Tai Chi is proven to improve these three aspects.
Tai Chi gently exercises all joints, muscles and tendons throughout the body. It significantly increases flexibility as shown by many studies. ( For example: Atlanta FICSIT Group: Reducing frailty and falls in older persons: J-Am-Geriatr-Soc. 1996 May; 44(5): 489-97 and Lan-C; Lai-JS; Wong-MK; Yu-ML:Cardiorespiratory function, flexibility, and body composition among geriatric Tai Chi Chuan practitioners. Arch-Phys-Med-Rehabil. 1996 Jun; 77(6): 612-6.)
It contains both isometric and isotonic exercises and is effective in strengthening muscles by approximately 15 to 20 %. (Jacobson-BH; Chen-HC; Cashel-C; Guerrero-L: The effect of T'ai Chi Chuan training on balance, kinesthetic sense, and strength. Percept-Mot-Skills. 1997 Feb; 84(1): 27-33.)
The improvement of cardiorespiratory fitness is also well documented, please contact Dr Lam for more information or a list of published scientific papers.
Tai Chi also has other health benefits. It promotes correct body posture; integrating body, mind and spirit as a powerful body-mind exercise; improves Qi (a life energy which governs all function of the body); is easy and inexpensive to learn.
How to Learn Tai Chi?
Tai Chi can be easy to learn and quick to deliver health benefits. However, it continues as a lifetime journey, progressing to greater heights for both mind and body. The practice of Tai Chi generates a wonderful feeling of health and vitality.
Step 1 -- Introduction to Tai Chi
You can learn about Tai Chi through videos, books and articles. A well-produced video such as the 80-minute Tai Chi for Arthritis program designed for beginners is a good introduction to Tai Chi. You can obtain this video from your state Arthritis Foundation.
Step 2 -- Find a good teacher
A good teacher will help you develop your practice of Tai Chi. Choose your teacher carefully, one who understands your level of ability and interest. Your state Arthritis Foundation has list of Tai Chi instructors who teach this program and other styles of Tai Chi.
Step 3 -- Practise regularly
As with all skills, "Practice makes perfect!" Practice will develop the benefits and enjoyment of Tai Chi. What you learn about Tai Chi through your teacher and your own study will deepen by practice.
The Program
There are many forms of Tai Chi, a specially designed program will maximise the potential benefit of Tai Chi for arthritis. Dr Lam’s team have created a simple, safe and effective program for arthritis. Instructors of this program are trained to understand and take special care for people with arthritis.
The team consists of five Tai Chi experts headed by Dr Paul Lam who is a world-renowned Tai Chi teacher, and a panel of medical experts including Professor John Edmonds, Director of Rheumatology Department at St George Hospital, Dr Ian Portek, a prominent Rheumatologist and Guni Hinchey, Senior Rheumatology Physiotherapist.
The program is endorsed by the Arthritis Foundation of Australia, it also includes warm-up, wind-down and a Qigong exercise for relaxation.
The Instructors’ Workshops
Most of the state Arthritis Foundations have conducted the 2-day workshops in conjunction with Dr Paul Lam since 1998 with great success. Hundreds of graduates have found high demand for their classes, and learners have gained relief from their pain and stiffness of arthritis as well as other health benefits.
Participants have gained guidance from Dr. Lam, deeper understanding of Tai Chi, updated information and benefit of group interaction.
Pilot studies have shown 78% of people with arthritis who participated in the classes have gained significant relief and other health benefits after two months.
The Workshops are suitable for:
-- Exercise instructors
-- Physiotherapists
-- Rheumatology professionals
-- Tai Chi instructors and advanced Tai Chi students.
Picture two: Participants of the Instructors’ Workshop in Queensland Oct 99 checking their feet positions.
COMMENTS from Workshop Participants
"I enjoyed Paul's teaching, the way he builds up on ground knowledge and works through step by step." Carol Ryan, Physiotherapist, Melbourne, Australia
"I have found Tai Chi for Arthritis simple and powerful, positive feedback come from students after just two weeks! They enjoy practising as much as I enjoy teaching it." Alex Galvan, Tai Chi instructor, Sydney, Australia
"...Just to tell you again how much I really enjoyed the weekend--your instruction, your skill, course content, the participants----thoroughly enjoyable..." Gary Shapira New York USA, Tai Chhi teacher and physical therapist.
Picture three; Participants from New Jersey, USA, Instructors’ Workshop Nov. 99 practising outdoor.
COMMENTS from One of Many Classes (Melbourne) run by instructor graduated from the workshops.
"To me Tai Chi has meant being able to meet people in the same health condition as myself. To this, we are on the same learning level and are able to help one another in the moves. Sue is a wonderful teacher and a very understanding person, as at times, she needs to be.
I have improved my balance and breathing and this has been of benefit as I have had two knee replacements over the last three years. Friday morning is the best morning of the week because we do Tai Chi."
A.J.C. Phillips J.P.
"I enrolled in this class with the aim of avoiding sedentary stiffness and improving my general well being. I had done some basic Tai Chi in Sale in the late 80’s, and have continued to do some of the exercises fairly regularly, but the discipline of attending a regular class is a great help. It spurs me on to regular practice, which in turn improves my flexibility. Sue’s teaching methods are excellent, with a gradual increase in physical challenge, and the venue is airy and comfortable. I thoroughly recommend the course to all who enjoy gentle, regular exercise in a group situation."
Gwen Webb
"I have enjoyed my class of Tai Chi for Arthritis. They have helped me so much. I can do things I could not do before such as bending, walking, and getting out of bed. I feel so much better. It has given me peace of mind and a healthy body. My instructor, Sue, is kind, patient and understanding. The other people in our group are very sociable. We enjoy our sessions and help each other. It is a pleasant thing to do. I would like to thank the people responsible for bringing Tai Chi to our community."
Emily
The Future
An exciting research project led by Professor John Edmonds, Marlene Fransen and Dr Paul Lam will hopefully commence soon. This project will investigate the many benefits of the program comparing to hydro-therapy and a controlled group. The project will look into the quality of life, the improvement of aches and pain and the physical and mental health of people with arthritis.
This research will help to establish the benefits of Tai Chi for people with arthritis. However the team still needs more funding before it could start. If you would like to help, please send your donation to the Arthritis Foundation of NSW, Locked Bag 16, North Parramatta, NSW, 2151, and mark clearly “Tai Chi For Arthritis Research Project", your donation will be tax deductable.
If you can help in any other way, such as raising funds or doing clerical work please contact the Arthritis Foundation of NSW 02 9683 1622.
More Information
If you require further information regarding the next Tai Chi for Arthritis Instructors Workshop, the self-teaching Tai Chi for Arthritis video or local Tai Chi classes, please phone your state Arthritis Foundation. Or contact us (email service@taichiproductions.com).
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