Tai Chi For Arthritis:
A Modified Tai Chi
Program For Those With Limited Movement

	You can become board certified to teach Tai Chi for people with arthritis.

By Robin Malby

For those of us who deal with arthritic joints, injured backs, fibromyalgia or any other autoimmune illness or weakened condition, it is a challenge to find a form of exercise that we can handle.

So many times we sign up for an exercise class or embark on a home regimen of stretches and weight lifting with the greatest of intentions, only to end up dropping out or giving up because joints hurt, backs tweak and symptoms flare. And anyone who deals with an autoimmune illness, such as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, often finds exercise can create additional fatigue and muscle weakness.

I spent twelve years recovering from a serious back injury that included myofacial spasms and later developed into fibromyalgia. As I moved towards recovery, I tried numerous exercise classes in the hopes of building up weak muscles, only to end up dropping out because my pain level would increase or I couldn't keep the pace without fatiguing. In 1998 I stumbled upon an ad for a local Tai Chi for Arthritis class and knew after one eight week session that I had finally found an exercise program that worked for me. The movements were gentle enough that my body didn't flare into pain, and they seemed to give me more energy.

The Tai Chi for Arthritis Program was developed by Dr. Paul Lam, a family physician and Tai Chi master who himself has arthritis and, along with a team of rheumatologists and physical therapists, worked to create a simpler and shorter form of Tai Chi for people with physical limitations. It is based on Sun Style Tai Chi, which has a higher stance and follow-steps in the footwork that beginners find easier to master. The slow paced movements improve flexibility, muscle strength, balance and range of motion. It can relieve stress, and has a calming effect on the nervous system, so muscles and ligaments can be exercised without creating too much tension.

The students in that first class I took were not limited to only those with arthritis. I noticed people with back problems, migraine headaches, autoimmune illnesses, and other injuries participating, and finding relief from pain and improvement in balance and strength. Their successes encouraged me to keep attending classes and to practice daily at home. After a few years, my health had improved so much I decided to train and become a Tai Chi for Arthritis instructor.

I had been a Kindergarten teacher prior to my back injury and really missed the classroom environment. Thus began a new career in helping others find ways to strengthen and improve their health through Tai Chi. This has been a joyful and rewarding experience, I get to teach what I believe in, and continually improve my health at the same time.