Seniors who suffer from stiff joints and/or arthritis may find that taking certain medications result in undesirable side effects such as headaches and stomach issues. This introduces an additional worry on top of the aches they suffer from every day. When that is the case, you may be looking for some natural remedies for pain management. Needless to say, a sedentary lifestyle is not conducive for relieving pain. If you are looking for a natural way to combat the aches and pains you feel in your joints, read on to find out the reasons you should try out tai chi for pain management.
Improved Mobility and Flexibility
Any movement that involves the joints can be painful when someone suffers from arthritis. Unfortunately, remaining as sedentary as possible is not a solution and can even worsen the condition. When you perform tai chi, the movements allow your muscles to stretch and your joints to loosen, improving your flexibility and mobility.
Better Muscle Strength
When you experience aches and pains in your joints, the problem also lies with the surrounding muscles. Weak muscles do not do much to relive pressure, but by building up your muscle strength, you can reduce the swelling and pain you experience in affected areas.
Promote Overall Wellness
Do not be fooled by the slow, seemingly gentle movements of tai chi. Once you have tried it, you will realize that it is actually a demanding form of exercise that can go a long way in improving your strength and stamina. Even seniors who do not suffer from joint pain can benefit from the stress reliving effects and general wellness benefits of tai chi.
Proven through Research
Patients of arthritis may undergo physical therapy as part of pain management and treatment. Have you ever wondered if tai chi is an effective alternative for physical therapy? Studies have been carried out with a group of 200 adults who suffer from osteoarthritis for a period of 12 weeks. The first group attended physical therapy sessions in the first 6 weeks and tai chi classes in the second half, whereas the second group attended tai chi classes throughout.
The results? While both groups reported improvement in the level of pain they experienced, the second group reported a high level of improvement in their physical and mental health. Tai chi has benefits that go beyond pain management, making it an increasingly popular form of exercise amongst seniors.
Experience Independent Senior Living at Conservatory At Alden Bridge
When making the decision to move to a senior living community, one common concern seniors have is whether they will have opportunities to keep fit and active. At Conservatory At Alden Bridge, our Dimensions Health & Fitness programs focus on all aspects of wellness, from physical to social and emotional. On top of that, all residents have access to health screenings for hearing, vision, blood pressure and more. If you would like more information, please feel free to contact us.
