Ancient Chinese martial art Tai Chi could be a powerful tool in tackling crippling knee pain caused by osteoarthritis, according to new research.
Osteoarthritis, a condition where protective cartilage on the ends of bones gradually wears down, affects an estimated 10 million people in the UK. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and reduced joint mobility, with the knee being the most commonly affected joint. Conventional approaches like exercise, weight management, and physiotherapy often provide limited relief.
Now, a study by Australian researchers tracking nearly 200 patients with knee osteoarthritis suggests that Tai Chi could offer almost twice the pain relief compared to patients who did not practice the exercise. Participants in the study, published in JAMA Internal Medicine, were split into two groups: one followed a 12-week unsupervised online Tai Chi program combined with educational resources on osteoarthritis, while the control group only had access to the online materials.
After three months, 73% of the Tai Chi group reported a clinically significant reduction in pain, compared to just 47% in the control group. Improvements in knee function were also higher in the Tai Chi group, with 72% noting benefits versus 52% in the control group. The researchers highlighted that the intervention was safe and showed meaningful improvements without any serious adverse events.
“This provides an effective, accessible, and scalable option to improve patient access to exercise,” said the study authors. They added that online Tai Chi could also reduce pressure on healthcare providers and optimize resource use.
While promising, the study had limitations, including its short 12-week duration and requirement for participants to have internet access, which may limit generalizability. Long-term effects of Tai Chi for osteoarthritis remain to be seen.
Experts note that lifestyle measures, such as weight management, omega-3-rich diets, and Mediterranean-style eating, can further support joint health. For patients with advanced osteoarthritis, joint replacement remains a long-term solution, though NHS waiting lists often leave people in pain for extended periods.
With growing evidence for the benefits of gentle, structured movement, Tai Chi may provide patients with an accessible, low-risk way to manage knee pain and improve mobility while complementing conventional treatments.
