There are hundreds of pieces of evidence on the physical health benefits of exercise. That is why some activities involving the movement of muscles and joint tissues serve as complementary therapies in medicine. the practice of Tai Chi for arthritis patients it is one such treatment.
Magazine Endocrinology and nutrition he claims that exercise has a favorable impact on the development of chronic diseases. A condition like arthritis increases the risk of complications if the patient adds other problems, such as obesity.
The text notes that healthy eating and sport prevent excessive weight gain. In the case of arthritis, these excesses would lead to disability or incapacity, especially in older people.
What is Arthritis?
Arthritis is inflammation of one or more joints. This condition can be produced when the immune system attacks healthy body tissue. Other times it is the product of wear of the articular surfaces.
The disease manifests symptoms in the joints:
- Heat.
- redness.
- Deformation.
- Inflammation.
- Rigidity.
- Ache.
There is no definitive cure for arthritis. but there are treatments that help to cope with the diagnosis. According to National Arthritis CoordinatorWithout adequate treatment, the disease triggers significant physical injuries and a marked deterioration in quality of life.
Osteoarthritis or osteoarthritis is the most frequent form. Its cause is the wear of the articular cartilage.
However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicate that arthritis in general includes multiple types:
- Drip.
- Lupus.
- fibromyalgia.
- Rheumatoid arthritis.
Some of the variations of the disorder tend to impair organ function. Magazine Medicinal delimits that the pattern of joint involvement is usually symmetrical and erosive.
What is “tai chi”?
The National Cancer Institute to define to the Tai Chi AS a traditional Chinese form of meditation and exercise for the mind and body, which uses slow series of body movements and controlled breathing. The goal is to improve balance, flexibility, strength and health.
The practice benefits those suffering from rheumatic diseases. This is because the Tai Chi It is low impact and your muscles are not subjected to extreme strain.
The movements are intended as a gymnastics or martial art, ideal for pumping blood and fluids through tendons, muscles and joints. Discipline is also known as tai chi, Tai Chi and tai chi chuan.
He Tai Chi Chuan He maintains in his philosophy that health comes from vital energy and that as long as it circulates freely in the body, diseases are blocked. A study published by International journal of environmental research and public health suggest It is effective in attenuating bone mineral density loss in the lumbar spine and femoral neck regions, primarily in people with osteoarthritis.
Benefits of “tai chi” for patients with arthritis
Due to the slow movements, These types of exercises improve balance and mobility. joints, decrease tension, reduce stiffness and relieve pain. How else does it help? Tai Chi to patients with arthritis? Now we reveal it.
work the mind
In patients with joint degeneration, positive thinking is essential. To this end, tai chi promotes the power of the mind and integration with the body, to find and harness the inner force that directs the sequences.
Increase knee strength
A work developed by Research in Sports Medicine checked That He Tai Chi for 24 weeks improves ankle and knee proprioception of patients with knee osteoarthritis.
For its part, the International journal of exercise science clarify that the efficacy on arthritic knees raises some contradictions. However, the trend towards pain control and improved function is positive.
Promotes physical condition
He Tai Chi It is cardiorespiratory exercise. therefore it cooperates by strengthening the heart and lungs, as well as favoring the production of histamine.
In the case of arthritic joints and tissues, sufficient blood, fluids, and oxygen are needed to restore their health. Through traditional martial art it is possible to obtain these elements.
In the same order, the publication Clinical rheumatology alludes regular moderate physical activity as one of the measures that reduces the risk of cardiovascular mortality in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. They argue that the danger of such people is about twice as much as for people without this pathology.
strengthens muscles
THE American Retiree Association highlights that muscles are very important in maintaining balance and tai chi is beneficial in this mission. The poses and movements train the body to prevent falls.
Regular sitting intensifies muscle strength and, therefore, the joints will be protected and more stable. In this sense the Tai Chi minimizes the risk of fractures.
Contributes to flexibility
These Chinese exercises are related to the reduction of joint stiffness and flexibility, 2 fundamental points for relieving painful crises of arthritis. How do you get it? When the joints begin to move smoothly, tendons and muscles increase elasticity.
correct postures
Body posture is impaired in patients with osteoarthritis. With exercises like Tai Chi correct the pose.
Besides “tai chi” for arthritis patients, what other therapies help?
Second Spanish Journal of RheumatologyTHE alternative therapies that may aid in rheumatic processes have to do with mind/body interventions and the consumption of glucosamine and ginger extracts. Specialists believe that copper bracelets and magnetic therapy are not helpful.
Among the complementary treatments of conventional medicine and showing acceptable results, an edition of Arthritis and rheumatology stands out the following:
- Cold and hot: Warm water compresses relax muscles and help blood circulate better, while cold water wipes reduce inflammation by narrowing blood vessels and replacing pain sensations.
- Acupuncture: is the insertion of microneedles into the skin, following the energy meridians, with the intention of correcting the flow whoequivalent in Chinese to Life force.
- Hydrotherapy: they are baths in tubs or tubs for therapeutic purposes.
- Chiropractic medicine: By applying rapid, controlled force, it amplifies the range and quality of motion in injured regions.
Are there any risks in practicing “tai chi” for patients with arthritis?
Understand the physical limitations presented by people with rheumatoid diseases, it is advisable to select tai chi sequences that do not increase the chances of injury. While more research into the effects of Chinese exercise is needed, practicing it does not aggravate symptoms and increases range of motion.
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