Tai Chi For Pain
Tai Chi Practice
This month I presented at our staff meeting about Tai Chi for chronic pain - what the research says and how we can integrate it into our practice at Root to Rise. Read on to learn about the highlights!
First, exercise falls under one of the five branches of Traditional Chinese medicine so tai chi is a valued part of my healthcare toolbox alongside acupuncture, herbs, nutrition, and massage/tui na. As a provider I wanted to increase my understanding and capability to both practice and offer tai chi to my patients for better outcomes. This was my main motivation for joining the Tree of Life Tai Chi Center’s teacher training program which included 87.5 hours of training over two years.
During the program it really stuck out how much studies have already been done supporting tai chi for pain management. A 2016 systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials on tai chi for chronic pain conditions saw “positive evidence regarding the effects of Tai Chi on chronic OA pain, and some beneficial evidence of Tai Chi for LBP and osteoporosis.” That means any patient dealing with osteoarthritis and low back pain should really think about integrating tai chi into their routines.
Tai chi is something that can be done at home or in a class setting. There are five major styles, the most commonly practiced in the Western hemisphere being the Yang style 24 Form. This is a routine of tai chi movements that takes 4-6 minutes to complete. That said, the research doesn’t support one style over another so finding what resonates with you is great. The training I did focused on movements in the Chen Man Ching style, though in acupuncture school I was taught the 24 form and refreshed my knowledge of it in the past year.
Tai Chi is a mind-body practice so the benefits can be broad. For example in a 2010 randomized control trial in The New England Journal of Medicine 66 people with fibromyalgia were randomized into two groups. The treatment group did two 60 minute classes of tai chi per week. At the end of 12 weeks those doing the tai chi classes reported less pain, lowered depression symptoms, and better sleep. I don’t know anyone who wouldn’t benefit from better sleep and mental health.
The past two years have really showed me how great tai chi is for myself personally and for our community. To support spreading access further w are going to start offering classes at Root to Rise in Scarborough on Thursdays at 4pm starting July 11th! Hope you will join me!
~Carole Wyche, Lic. Ac., MAOM
At Root to Rise Physical Therapy & Pelvic Health, we believe in a holistic approach to physical therapy. Our Doctors of Physical Therapists are specialized in treating both orthopedic and pelvic health conditions. Our practice also integrates acupuncture and yoga and we are always excited to be a resource for the community we practice in. We are located in Scarborough, Saco, and Bath, and are here to support you!
~Dr. Jenn & The Root To Rise Team