Orthopedic News for Patients

MONDAY, May 23, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- Legions of arthritis sufferers try physical therapy and anti-inflammatory drugs to no avail. Now, a new study looks East for relief -- to the martial art tai chi.

Researchers concluded that tai chi offers an alternative to physical therapy for common knee osteoarthritis -- and it might also boost well-being.

This ancient Chinese exercise may particularly benefit overweight older adults, the researchers said. Heavier people are more likely to develop osteoarthritis than people with a healthy weight, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.