Dr Paul Lam - Tai Chi for Arthritis

Last Updated on 2nd Jan 2023

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Clients' Testimonials

I really liked the Taichi session! I thought it was even better than yoga.
If time permits, I would like to sign up for a proper course. It was good exercise :)

Ms Yvonne Yoong, Teacher
- Beatty Sec

Very interesting & though Taichi is a slow impact exercise, it very strenuous.

Ms Jeerah, Teacher
- Beatty Sec

Very enlightening and attractive. Coaches gave clear instruction and well prepared.

Mr Sin Lai Keong, Teacher
- Beatty Sec

Thank you! Great Taichi session, I enjoy so much!

Monica Loh
- ICA

I had fun during the wushu program, and it was good exercise :)

Joy Fu, Student
- CHIJ St Nicholas Girls School

I had a lot of fun. You know I have never experienced something so picturetaking
There were so many moves of self-defense. Coaches are very nice. This rocks!

Harviran Singh, Student
- Northland Primary

Very interesting and a rare opportunity for me to take part. Thumbs up :)

Crystal, Student
- CHIJ St Nicholas Girls School

The main reason I keep coming for Taichi lesson is that I want to be healthy & fit.
Coach make us feel “Taichi"

Qing Wen, Student
- Hong Wen School

It is very good for beginners & the Coaches are very friendly & patient.
I want to learn more advanced Taichi.

Brian, Student
- Hong Wen School

I actually hated wushu but Coach Yip made me like wushu.

Brandon Oh, Student
- Princess Elizabeth Primary

I like learning new movements because it helps my body.
The coach is very good in Wushu, I would like to continue learning.

Jonathan, Student
- Princess Elizabeth Primary

I wish that Coach Yip will come here again to teach us and he is very friendly.

Muliati, Student
- Princess Elizabeth Primary

Tai Chi for Arthritis

Arthritis is defined as inflammation of a joint, but it often affects more than just the joint, sometimes compromising the tissues that surround a joint & affecting other bodily systems

Arthritis affects more than 43 million people, majority of them over the age of 45.

The Tai Chi for Arthritis program is created by Dr Paul Lam, a family physician in Sydney, Australia with a team of medical & Tai Chi experts.

Living With Arthritis

If you or your family are suffering from arthritis, you can do more than just cope with the disease & that you are in control.

The problems associated with arthritis do not simply disappear when you start exercising, but you no longer have to give up your life because of your arthritis. A good Tai Chi exercise program helps to diminish the pain & disability associated with arthritis & allows you to enjoy some favourite activities.

How does Taichi Work For Arthritis?

Most of us need a combination of both muscular strength in the trunk, legs & arms for lifting & muscular endurance for posture muscles.

Many people start losing strength as they age or become inactive, although the loss is irreversible (Rogers & Evans 1993). In addition, women lose more strength than men do, especially from the upper body.

Muscular strength allows you to perform many daily tasks at home & at work which more importantly helps to reduce the stress on the joints. Hurley & Hagberg (1998) stated, “...muscular strength is a major determinant of an older adult's ability to maintain an active, high-quality lifestyle...”

In Tai Chi you are required to move slowly, to be aware of your body and use your mind to control your movements. As such, Tai Chi integrates both mind & body, where the mental training enhances the clarity of the mind, which relax oneself from stress.

The slow & controlled movements of Tai Chi helps to build up muscular strength & endurance which helps to support joints & decrease pain & deformity. The nature of Tai Chi is most suitable with senior population as a choice of safe exercise especially for individual with arthritis.

Who Can Learn Taichi For Arthritis

Almost anyone with or without arthritis, and with almost any physical condition, can learn this program to improve health and quality of life.

Learning the program makes most people feel good about themselves. Since every individual is unique, you should consult your health professionals before you start.

The program is designed to be adapted safely by people with any type of arthritis in conjunction with health professional's advice.

Recent Studies On Taichi's Effects on Arthritis

A recent study published in Arthritis and Rheumatism found that both hydrotherapy and Tai chi for Arthritis classes can provide large and sustained improvements in physical function for older, sedentary people with chronic osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee or hip.

The researchers carried out a randomised controlled trial among 152 older people with chronic OA of the hip or knee. Participants attended either Tai Chi for Arthritis classes or hydrotherapy twice per week for 12 weeks.

At 12 weeks, compared with controls, the exercise group participants demonstrated significant improvements for pain and physical function scores. These improvements were maintained at 24 weeks.

"This study shows the health benefits of the Tai Chi for Arthritis program, these benefits don't necesarily translate to other forms of Tai Chi" -- Dr Marlene Fransen, chief investigator of this study.

Movement Names

起式 – Qi Shi
开合手 – Kai He Shou
单鞭 – Dan Bian
云手 – Yun Shou
开合手 - Kai He Shou
搂膝拗步 - Lou Xi Ao Bu
手挥琵琶 - Shou Hui Pi Pa
进步搬拦捶 - Jin Bu Ban Lan Chui
如封似闭 - Ru Feng Si Bi
抱虎推山 - Bao Hui Tui Shan
开合手 - Kai He Shou
收势 – Shou Shi

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