Has anyone found Tai Chi beneficial for Lupus joint and muscle pains?

[Joanna098]

I am thinking about trying a Tai Chi course but would love to hear if it has helped anyone else's aches and pains first. I am based near Bury St Edmunds (Suffolk) or Amersham (Bucks) in case anyone is able to recommend teachers! x

[jayfer]

I did a course but brain fog stopped me remembering the moves. It was good but not sure it helped me

[happytulip]

Yes, but I do a home DVD. Its available on amazon and is made by a rheumatologist for people with arthritis/Lupus.

Search for tai chi by Dr Lam. Its worked for me and others that I have recommended it to. Its a bit long winded to start with but once you get the moves its a good routine. It also toned my tummy and arms.

[cathie in reply to happytulip]

It helped me a lot. It’s good for balance thus making it less likely to fall. I think the dvd is the one I have to supplement the classes I’ve attended in Edinburgh.

[Joanna098 in reply to cathie]

So good to know, thank you x

[Joanna098 in reply to happytulip]

So helpful thank you! Will definitely look up Dr Lam x

[Melba1]

I haven’t tried it but when I was complaining about the severe fatigue to the lupus consultant she said I’m prescribing you t’ai chi for the fatigue so she obviously supports it (and she’s one of the top lupus drs in the country). I’m so dizzy and rubbish at following moves though - not convinced!

X

[Joanna098 in reply to Melba1]

So interesting she recommended it. I have always been terrible at following moves so I think I might teach myself a bit online first (at my slow pace!) before attempting any classes! Thanks so much x

[nwfrugalista]

I am in the US so I can’t recommend any Tai Chi Masters in the U.K., but I am a beginner enjoying learning the Tai Chi forms. I find that it is helping me with energy/stamina, gently stretching/strengthening muscles, and with balance issues (in addition to my AI issues, I am also recovering from brain surgery last year to remove a tumour). Tai Chi was recommended to me as a gentle form of exercise that is accessible to people with physical challenges. When I first took it up (before my surgery), I did the forms in standing position, but as I recover from surgery I have been doing the seated forms. I am home bound for the most part (unable to work/drive) so I follow along with videos available online. I really like the ones from Dr. Paul Lam, as he provides explanation of the movements/technique. You have to purchase the videos (or streaming access) for his lessons, but I feel they are worth it. There are also others that are available for free on sites (such as YouTube), if you wish to try it out first before committing by searching ‘seated Tai Chi’ or ‘Tai Chi’.

I hope you find Tai Chi an enjoyable form of exercise and wish you the best of health! 🎋

[Joanna098 in reply to nwfrugalista]

This is all so helpful and I will definitely look up Dr Lam. Thank you very much and I wish you all the best too as you recover from your surgery. x

[Kevin53]

From my travels around the UK, many Lupus folk speak highly of the benefits gained from Tai Chi. Best wishes Kevin

[Neriah]

Go for it. I find it helps my balance, focus and memory and generally centres and calms me. The most beneficial activity I have found.

[Joanna098 in reply to Neriah]

Great to know, thank you! x