The James J. Eagen Civic Center in Florissant, Mo. recently started a three-month series of Tai Chi classes for locals with arthritis.
“Exercise, and more generally, activity, is beneficial to people with arthritis,” shared Joe Brand, a doctor of physical therapy who works as director of rehab services at Life Care Center of Florissant.
Brand and several other therapists from the rehab and skilled nursing facility are leading the free classes. They are open to registrants and meet Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.
“The movement can help alleviate pain and maintain and improve joint mobility,” Brand added. “It can also help to increase strength to provide better support for painful joints.”
Furthermore, improved strength and motion helps build confidence and decrease the risk of falling, especially for seniors.
“The participants love that there is an option that allows them to participate in exercise,” Brand said. “Many of them say it is challenging and relaxing and that they have been able to notice improvements in balance and arthritis pain.”
For more information about the classes, please call Brand at (314) 831-3752.