Tai Chi for Arthritis

Thank you Anhaga and Eileen.  Eileen will probably remember me from nearly two years ago just before I got married. I am on Depo Injections rather than Pred. I was doing really well and down to the equivalent of 2 mg a day but in July I missed my footing going up some steep stairs and fell backwards down 14 stairs landing on the hard ground. I was in hospital for 3 weeks with a fractured pelvis in 3 places and fractured ribs. It was a long haul to recovery but resulted in having to up the dose of my depo medrone injections. I'm recovered now but my Physio suggested Tai Chi for balance. I went to my first class a week ago and when I came out my thigh muscles were shaking. During the evening an old injury to my knee (cruciate ligament) started aching which it continues to do. Although it has been no problem in 10 years. I think I was probably over zealous as the excessive seemed so gentle. Interesting about the position of the knees. Our teacher didn't mention anything about that. I am due to go again and as I have paid up front I will give it a go.

sorry that should read 'EXCERCISES'

Did wonder if it was you! Obviously you needed to keep reading more here!

When you have PMR and start ANYTHING that is going to involve muscles - it doesn't matter whether it is exercise even, massage for example is similar - especially after a long period without doing a lot, then you have to start mega-small and build up very slowly. The autoimmune part of the PMR is still active and leaves your muscles intolerant of acute exercise and they don't tell you wen to calm down at what you are doing and then take a while to recover. While tai chi LOOKS very innocuous, the tension required to keep those muscles working on slow movement is quite considerable. I imagine the bit about knees and toes is very important - for knee ligaments especially! It is in skiing...

There are some very good videos on YouTube and articles about it so have a good read - and I'm sure you will find similar comments about what is important. Obviously the instructor should be emphasising them - but then, that would be asking for perfection!

Do come by occasionally - since someone who has experienced the use of injections for managing PMR can provide some very useful input.

Thanks Eileen. I do follow most of the posts but don't comment much unless I have anything relevant to add. There are many more members of the group much more experienced than me. 

Im always happy to give my experiences of the injections.

EVERYONE has something to contribute - it's YOUR experience that matters...

I forgot to mention Eileen that I have recently discovered a PMR support group in Hastings which I have joined. I am currently involved in designing posters an leaflets about the group which we are distributing to local GP surgeries and hospitals within a 20 mile radius.

Great - if you had asked you might have found them earlier as I am also on the PMRGCAUK forum who support the groups  . I know people at the Worthing area groups, not sure I know anyone at Hastings. We crossed to Dover last summer and then drove down the coast road so came through Hastings - I'd never done that corner before, it was nice apart from the traffic!

How do your classes work?  We learned the short 24 form version, and only two or three moves in each one hour class.  This gave the instructor ample opportunity to alert us to anything we need to be careful about (like the position of the knee, or not overextending beyond your own comfort level) as well as a chance to observe each of us to correct any mistakes.  I suggest you look up the best four hours tai chi tutorial for beginners and use that to help you practice in your own time at your own pace at home.

Thank you. I have found it on YouTube and very interesting. I can see I was doing it all wrong and our teacher never corrected us. I'm in two minds wether to go this afternoon as my knee is still very painful. I will probably go and do what I can.