Bassetlaw: Hospital now using Tai Chi to help arthritis sufferers

Patients attending physiotherapy sessions at Doncaster and Bassetlaw Hospitals can now experience the power of Tai Chi to ease their arthritis symptoms as part of a special programme called Tai Chi for Arthritis.
Physiotherapist Helen Sparks and Tai Chi trainer Ken CampbellPhysiotherapist Helen Sparks and Tai Chi trainer Ken Campbell
Physiotherapist Helen Sparks and Tai Chi trainer Ken Campbell

A team of 25 physiotherapists have been studying the principles and practice of Tai Chi to promote good health and the management of arthritis and falls prevention to their physiotherapy patients.

Tai Chi is well known for its health benefits as a way to relieve pain, improve health and the ability to do things.

There are many types of Tai Chi and the Tai Chi for Arthritis programme has been developed by teams of medical and Tai Chi experts from around the world.

Ruth Bruce, physiotherapist at Doncaster and Bassetlaw Hospitals, said: “Many of our patients who attend the hospital for physiotherapy have arthritic conditions which are characterised by joint stiffness and impaired movement.”

“We know that Tai Chi gently frees up stiff joints and muscles and patients benefit from increased muscular strength, flexibility and fitness. “

“This is why we have incorporated the Tai Chi principles and techniques into our physiotherapy sessions.”

The Trust’s physiotherapists decided to embark on the Tai Chi for Arthritis programme and enlisted the help of local Tai Chi for Arthritis instructor Ken Campbell to teach them the principles so that they can pass on the techniques to their patients, who are likely to feel more relaxed and so sleep better and have better wellbeing overall.