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Tai Chi could reduce arthritis pain, says charity

Friday 5th June 2009

Light exercise such as Tai Chi could be "really important" in reducing the pain of arthritis for suffers, a charity has said.

Christina Nicolaidou of Arthritis Care commented that appropriate exercise can help control pain, boost energy and keep sufferers mobile. It can also help to keep joints strong.

She added that strengthening muscles before and after joint replacement surgery can be "crucial" to recovery and that good exercise programmes should include three types of activity - range of movement, strengthening and aerobic.

Ms Nicolaidou noted that consultation with a doctor or physiotherapist is essential to help patients develop the right individual programme.

According to Arthritis Care statistics, one in five adults in the UK suffers from arthritis and around 12,000 children have juvenile idiopathic arthritis.

Furthermore, one in four GP consultations related to a musculoskeletal problem.

The rate of arthritis in women is over twice that of men at 227 cases per 1,000 women compared to 113 cases per 1,000 men.

Written by Mathew Horton