On regular basis, by practicing tai chi it may significantly improve the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. There were some studies that show the good effect of tai chi for the symptoms of osteoarthritis that includes joint pain, stiffness and weakness. On the new medical study, it shows that the benefits of tai chi extend beyond simply reducing the symptoms.
“Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease characterized by significant joint pain, fatigue and weakness. Over time the destruction of the joints can becom severe as to cause significant deformity. Although most patients with rheumatoid arthritis experience primarily joint pain, other organs in the body can be affected. Rheumatoid arthritis is most common in people between the ages of 40 and 50 years old and affects about 1 percent of the population.” http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20110822/entlife/708229987/
Women are usually affected more often than men and the most common destruction is on the joints and tendons. There are figures of medical therapies that can measure the development of rheumatoid arthritis. These comprise anti-inflammatory medications, steroids, powerful disease modifying medications like methotrexate and biologic agents specially marking the immune system.
On the other hand, the side effects may limit their use. Luckily, physical therapies are helpful for rheumatoid arthritis and decrease the need for medication. There is healthy data to point to that maintaining physical activity can get better the long-term results of patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Long-term observance with exercise programs is a dilemma, but with tai chi exercises compliance is better.
“A recent medical study published in the medical journal BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders re-examined the use of tai chi exercises in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The study was different because not only did they look at the physical benefits of tai chi, but also they explored why with rheumatoid arthritis people practiced Tai chi. This is important because compliance with any physical therapy program, over time, is essential with rheumatoid arthritis patients.” http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20110822/entlife/708229987/
They found out that there was the usual development in physical function, but that patients furthermore felt better, mentally, following practicing tai chi. Stress levels were lesser, energy levels were higher and overall mental outlook was brighter. Patients sustained to practice tai chi because they purely felt better.
According to Patrick B. Massey, M.D., Ph.D, medical director for complementary and alternative medicine for the Alexian Brothers Hospital Network, he strongly agree with the result of the study. In his experience, martial art based exercises not only advance the physical condition, but in his cases have constructive impact on the mental and emotional state that merely feels good.