Although Tai Chi originally originated as a martial art, the movements are mainly followed to create harmony between body and mind. Meanwhile, Tai Chi is also found to have a positive effect on people with knee osteoarthritis. In this blog, we take a closer look at knee osteoarthritis and how Tai Chi and physiotherapy play a role in relieving the pain.
What is knee osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis, a common form of rheumatic disease, is characterised by the thinning of cartilage in the knee. This leads to friction between the bones, which often causes inflammation in the surrounding tissue of the knee. This inflammation results in pain and stiffness. In response to this friction, extra bone tissue often grows at the edges of the knee, which can widen the joint and cause the knee to look different.
The exact causes of osteoarthritis remain largely unclear. However, it is notable that the majority of people with knee osteoarthritis are over 50 years old and female. It is increasingly recognised that osteoarthritis is often the result of several factors coming together. These are some of the factors:
- Hereditary predisposition may play a role, with osteoarthritis often manifesting itself at a younger age (under 40) and in multiple joints.
- Previous injuries or damage to or around the knee joint can lead to reduced stability and increased sensitivity.
- Being overweight places extra stress on the knee joint, which can lead to damage.
- Prolonged and heavy loading of the knee joint.
- Performing heavy physical work.
- Excessive and intense exercise.
- Presence of other joint disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis, gout and pseudo gout.
The role of Tai Chi in knee osteoarthritis
From Research by rheumatologist Chenchen Wang has shown that Tai Chi can have an effect on reducing pain and mobility in knee osteoarthritis. This is because Tai Chi involves flowing, harmonious movements that are circular and continuous. By following these movements closely and intensively, you develop an awareness of both your body and mind. The physical aspects of Tai Chi help to increase flexibility, strength and suppleness, which reduces stress on joints and can reduce pain. In addition, the mental aspect of Tai Chi suggests that it can help manage chronic pain, as the sport appears to reduce pain, depression and anxiety in several patient groups with chronic conditions.
How can physiotherapy help with knee osteoarthritis?
Unfortunately, there is no cure available for osteoarthritis, but it is possible to learn to live with it. Physiotherapy can provide valuable support in this regard. Through various exercises, you can learn to cope with the pain and stiffness associated with osteoarthritis. This therapy helps you to use your knee joint in as normal a way as possible, restoring your confidence in your ability to move. You may also be advised to take up light exercise sports, such as Tai Chi.
Do you have knee osteoarthritis and want to learn to cope with it?
Then contact us. Through a personalised treatment plan, we will work with you to alleviate your such so that you can pick up your daily activities properly. You can contact with us by calling 085-5000333, send an e-mail to info@friskfysio.nl or fill in the form on our contact page.
