Is Tai Chi Helpful for Muscle and Joint Symptom Relief?

Tai Chi is a form of martial arts, but not the type you would see Chuck Norris doing. It is actually a form of alternative medicine that promotes balance in the body. As someone with an array of musculoskeletal ailments, I am always looking for new alternative ways to alleviate my pain, stiffness, spasms and other associated symptoms. A good friend of mine who suffers from rheumatoid arthritis recommended I try Tai Chi, so I asked my doctor about it and he said that it was safe for me to do.

Is Tai Chi Easy to Learn?

I learned the basics using the Xbox Kinect. They have a fitness game that has Tai Chi on it and the game forces you to use proper form and technique. Once I had the basics down, I took a few beginner classes locally to increase my knowledge and comfort in this discipline. I am naturally rather clumsy and not very graceful at all, but I found Tai Chi to be pretty easy to learn - the basics at least. I am still very much a beginner.

How Do You Feel After Tai Chi?

Many forms of physical activity can aggravate many musculoskeletal disorders. For example, I have herniated discs in my back and neck and activities that require a lot of weight and fast movement will have me down for days in moderate to severe pain. Tai Chi is a flowing, meditative type of exercise. Following a session I feel very much relaxed and more limber. I actually feel as though my range of motion is increased and my spasms are reduced. I tend to feel the positive effects of Tai Chi for about two days.

How Often Do I Need to Do Tai Chi?

This is something that you need to discuss with your healthcare provider. Some people may need to limit physical activity for a variety of reasons, such as recovering from surgery or an acute injury.

I personally like to get in a 20 minute session every other day. I do notice if I skip a session, as I start to feel stiffer and my pain is increased. When I maintain my 20 minute sessions every other day, my body just seems to work better.

Make sure to not start Tai Chi without first talking to your healthcare provider to make sure it is safe for you. Also, make sure that you are performing this activity with proper form and technique to prevent injury.