Knee X-ray

Individuals over 65 years of age with knee osteoarthritis (OA), that practice Tai Chi, improve their physical capability and encounter decreased pain, according to a new Tufts University School of Medicine study. Osteoarthritis is a common form of arthritis that brings about a breakdown of joint cartilage. Chiropractors treat many individuals who suffer with OA in a number of regions of the body, including the knee joints. Second only to spinal problems, knee pain and disability is one of the most widespread afflictions of the musculoskeletal system. In fact, an astounding 4.3 million individuals in the U.S. over age 60 have been diagnosed with knee OA, according to the CDC, and it anticipates that by age 85, half of the people in America may incur symptoms of OA. The consequences of knee osteoarthritis are pain, mobility limitations, functional disabilities, and a decreased quality of life.

Are you wondering why so many men and women develop OA? As with nearly all of the musculoskeletal conditions that we develop as we get older, undue stress to a joint over the years is a major element. That is why as people get older they are more susceptible to developing OA in their knees, as well as other joints. Improper mechanics of the knee, irregular gait, compensatory foot mechanics as the result of foot pain, and repetitive use of the knee joint all produce excessive stress on the knees. Eventually arthritic changes in the knee joint develop. As an adjunct to chiropractic therapies, chiropractors enthusiastically advocate natural, drug-free practices, such as Tai Chi (Chuan), that can mitigate knee pain. A traditional style of Chinese martial arts,Tai Chi features slow, rhythmic movements that create peace of mind, as well as an enhancement of balance, an increase in strength, and more flexibility.

The 40 participants in the Tufts study were, on average, 65 years of age, overweight, and with confirmed osteoarthritis of the knee. Otherwise they were healthy. Individuals were selected at random to participate in 60-minute “Yang style” Tai Chi sessions twice weekly for 12 weeks. Each session included a 10-minute self-massage and a review of Tai Chi principles, 30 minutes of Tai Chi movement, 10 minutes of breathing technique, and 10 minutes of relaxation.

Tai Chi incorporates many of the current exercise protocols for OA, such as range of motion, flexibility, muscle conditioning, and aerobic workout. Furthermore, researchers found that the “mental aspect” of Tai Chi stimulated a sense of well-being, life contentment, and perceptions of health that helped the participants to deal differently with chronic pain. Compared with the control group, the group practicing Tai Chi exhibited a substantial decrease in knee pain.

Full findings of the study are published in the November 2009 issue of Arthritis Care & Research, a journal of the American College of Rheumatology.

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Even though hip pain and related problems commonly point to age-related degenerative conditions, particularly osteoarthritis of the hip joint, osteoarthritis isn’t always the “bad guy”. In fact, rather than being the original cause of the problem, osteoarthritis of the hip joint can be the eventual result of damage to your hips earlier.

Gait changes as the result of biomechanical issues such as an ankle sprain or knee strain, can generate hip pain. Furthermore, your gait may reposition to counterbalance new body demands such as a job change, an alteration in the way you sit, a new sport or activity, or if you start driving for long periods of time on a regular basis..

In addition, gait asymmetries can be caused by carrying a baby or small child on your hip, leg length variances, or foot pronation challenges. The point is, anything that creates an asymmetry or imbalance when you are in motion can bring about painful hip problems.

As part of the chiropractic management of your hip problem, along with adjustments, your chiropractor may suggest that you wear orthotics. Your chiropractor will also offer suitable progressive rehabilitative exercises that include muscle stretching and strengthening.

Hip pain won’t disappear on its own. Hip pain means that something needs remedying. Your chiropractor can help to get you out of pain, get back into balance, and get your life back!

Technorati Tags: chiropractic, chiropractor, hip pain, osteoarthritis