“All of tai chi has many benefits in terms of health,” said Gurney Bolster of Mt. Lebanon, who is teaching “Tai Chi for Arthritis” at the West Penn Allegheny Health System Outpatient Care Center in Peters Township.
Free introductory classes were offered earlier this month, with paid classes beginning Jan. 11. Participants learned basic warm-up exercises and background information about the benefits of tai chi.
Bolster said practicing tai chi for arthritis became popular when Dr. Paul Lam, who was diagnosed with arthritis in his teens, developed a series of tai chi DVDs.
“Tai chi is a balanced exercise that does not stress joints,” said Dr. Fotios Koumpouras, associate chief for the Division of Rheumatology and medical director of the Lupus Center of Excellence for the West Penn Allegheny Health Care System.
“It relies on the natural flexibility of the joint in order to perform subtle and fluid motions,” he said, adding that people with stiff joints find that fluid motion to be comfortable since it does not force the joints to extend beyond their natural range of motion.
He said patients who have taken the class sponsored by the West Penn Allegheny Health System and the Arthritis Foundation “have reported to me improved range of motion of their joints, reduced pain, increased strength and less stress overall. … Indeed, a number of these patients require less medicine for arthritis pain.”
In addition to the ease of motion, tai chi also improves breathing techniques, enhances concentration and meditation and is easy to do.
Tai chi is usually done while standing, but Bolster said there are versions adapted to those who need to sit.
Betty Roseborough of Upper St. Clair attended one of the free introductory sessions. She said she’s taken classes before and has experienced the benefits of tai chi, including improved balance and digestion. “It’s definitely worth doing,” Roseborough said, adding, however, that “you’ve got to do it in the long term.”
Bolster said she’s had participants in her classes say they “feel more steady on their legs.” She said the little things, like being able to put on pants standing up instead of sitting down, are huge benefits to people who have had mobility issues.
The winter session of Tai Chi for Arthritis began Jan. 11, and participants can register until the third week of class. Classes are held from 11 a.m. to noon or 12:15 to 1:15 p.m. Wednesdays, or 1 to 2 p.m. or 2:15 to 3:15 p.m. Fridays. The spring session starts March 14 and runs through May 4. To register and price information, call either 412-362-8677 or 412- 480-4492.
