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News > Tai Chi Improves Fibromyalgia

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Study Shows Tai Chi Improves Fibromyalgia

By Brenda Goodman

8/18/10 A new study has found that tai chi, a mind-body practice that combines meditation with gentle, flowing poses, may significantly reduce the spectrum of physical and mental problems associated with fibromyalgia.

The study, published in the August 19, 2010 issue of The New England Journal of Medicine, randomly split 66 people with fibromyalgia into two equal groups. Both groups met twice weekly for 12 weeks. The first group practiced 60 minutes of tai chi with an experienced instructor, while the second group spent 40 minutes in a health education class followed by 20 minutes of stretching.

Researchers measured how well the participants were doing by using the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire, or FIQ, which measures pain, physical functioning, fatigue, morning tiredness, stiffness, depression, anxiety, difficulty at work and overall well-being.

Based on their answers, patients were given a score from 0 to 100, with higher numbers representing worse symptoms.

Though the study was small, the results were dramatic.

After 12 weeks of tai chi, participants’ average scores on the FIQ dropped from 63 to 35, a 28-point decrease. The control group, on the other hand, only saw an improvement of about 9 points, taking their average score from 68 to 59.

And 35 percent of the tai chi participants were able to stop taking their pain medications as compared to 15 percent of the control group.

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Chuck Malone

29 Jan 2011, 15:13

I have been certified to teach Tai Chi for Arthritis. Having some arthritis myself I know the benefits of tai chi to help the stiffness and pain. It has also improved my balance a great deal. I will be 70 next and look forward to helping people living with arthritis.

Pat

13 Jan 2011, 14:36

Just be aware there are many forms of tai chi. I believe the simplest form which is most aimed at relieving symptoms of aging is tai chi chih. I have not tried the other forms but I understand they have many more movements to learn, while the fewer movements of tai chi chih are repeated multiple times. I took a class in it about five years ago and in my early 50's, I was one of the youngest in the class. I enjoyed it but after a couple years, stopped practicing. The past year, I have developed neck pain due to arthritis and after trying various remedies, I finally remembered tai chi chih and started practicing again. It's only been a couple weeks, but so far so good. I believe it is good for my circulation, so it is bound to help.

Veronica

15 Dec 2010, 15:49

I'm on my third day of tai chi using the Tai Chi for Arthritis video. So far so good. I don't feel beat up and tired afterwards!!!!

will hutchins

13 Oct 2010, 17:47

Hi,
I offer a Sun style taiji class in Nashville. I currently have three classes in the Belle Meade and Baptist Hospital area.
Fees are reasonable.
For information, please call 327-4466, my direct line or e-mail me at willhutchins@comcast.net

Ann

07 Oct 2010, 19:01

I have a very good Tai Chi DVD. It is by Lee Holden at www.exercisetoheal.com He is very calming and the moves are slow and helpful. Give him a try you won't be sorry.

Eleonore Gross

29 Sep 2010, 12:41

I also would like to find a Tape, that starts from the beginning. Positionand such. Can you recommend one?

Pat Ellithorpe

21 Sep 2010, 17:18

Hi, I would love to do tai-chi but I don't know where to start. I live in Nashville Tn and I'v looked in the yellowpages and there isn't anywhere that offers classes. I get emails from al Simon but his stuff is rediculously expenseve. Can you help? Thanks Pat

terri

14 Sep 2010, 05:59

I have got a tape of some tai chi moves but I would like to find a tape of how to start and understand the moves from the beginning. Can you please tell me the name of a tape. There isn't an instructer in my area so I have to do this own my own. Thanks.

Karen Kansler

13 Sep 2010, 11:17

I trained, became certified and now teach various tai chi classes at Good Samaritan Hospital in Baltimore, Md. Not only has it helped with my arthritis, balance and a speedy recovery from left total hip replacement; but I have seen first hand dozens of people who thru my classes have less pain, better balance and coordination and overall better health and wellness. Try this wonderful moving meditation and please join my classes if you're anywhere near Baltimore!

Mary L

09 Sep 2010, 15:51

Warm water Ai Chi rocks. I started taking a class of half warm water cardio + ai chi a year ago and my fibromyalgia symptoms improved so much. I think the key is gentle movement as my pain flares up when I rest too much or do any kind of "core" or strengthening exercise. This is better than drug & no side effects.

Cleo

09 Sep 2010, 13:45

There are many different forms of Tai Chi, all based on Qi Gong movements. Some are more focused on martial arts while others are based on physical/mental balance. For more details about the latter and its 19 simple movements plus one pose, please visit: www.taichichih.org

The Tai Chi Chih site can also help you find instructors near you as well provide more background on the moving meditations.

Deanna

09 Sep 2010, 01:48

I too have dealt with FM going on 7 years now. My painmanagement Dr. Has got me on so many different meds, it's enough to make my head spin Cymbalta,Lyrica,norflex,Hydro and Darvon as needed,but I need it every day. Im also taking halcion to help me sleep. TaiChi is worth a shot. I do get some water arobics in periodically. My prayers are with all that suffer from this and other chronic pain. Best Regards, Deanna

Sept.9,2010

Sara

08 Sep 2010, 11:19

An easy way to find DVDs on Tai Chi is from your county library. You can try them out and see if you like them.

Teri

08 Sep 2010, 11:11

I have wanted to do tai chi for a long time but noone teaches it here. Is there a tape I can order?

Judi Lee

08 Sep 2010, 07:59

Thank you for this article on tai chi it was enlightening hope I can find a class in Tuscaloosa or near by. I had never heard of ai chi (mentioned in one of the comments) it sounds like it would be even better.

Boyd

08 Sep 2010, 04:02

Where can I buy a DVD instruction for tai-chi?

Dede

07 Sep 2010, 19:51

I have read about Tai Chi for some time and ordered an instruction tape about it. I did learn a few basic moves and it DOES help tremendously!
I am having a hard time working due to the pain and the fatigue is great at times that I have to come home from work and lie down.
Hopefully I can get into a small class at some point. I hate taking so much medicine. I have had rheumatoid arthritis since I was 27 and now I am 57....at times I wonder how all this happened...but I know there are people in worse condition than I.

Terry

07 Sep 2010, 16:43

I have not tried Tai Chi, but have done Ai Chi for many years. Ai Chi is based on Tai Chi, but is done in a pool--usually warm water. The pool where I go for the Arthritis Foundation Aquatic Exercise Program has scheduled Ai Chi just after the arthritis class which makes it convenient. I love the class and have found it helps range of motion, balance, strength and my mental well being. It would be great if the arthritis foundation could also do some research on the value of Ai Chi. It combines the benefits of warm water with the benefits of Tai Chi.

Art

07 Sep 2010, 14:25

The last thing I want to do is to improve my pain and fibromyalgia. My pain is doing just fine; I want to reduce or eliminate pain and fibromyalgia.

Janet

07 Sep 2010, 09:48

Thank you for printing this article. I have been procrastinating about joining a tai chi class because it would mean one more trip for my husband, who does all our driving. I am going to contact the instructor today! I will report back on my progress in a few weeks.

Karen

07 Sep 2010, 09:35

I am so happy to hear that there is something natural to relieve the symptoms and pain of fibromyalgia. The pain relievers they had come up with just was not going to enter my body. The side effects would definitely kill you and the medicine was not all that effective. Thank you for the article.

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Study Shows Tai Chi Improves Fibromyalgia

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