Best Exercises for Psoriatic Arthritis

Why It’s Good for Psoriatic Arthritis

Tai chi is a centuries-old mind-body practice involving gentle movements and postures that can be modified to be done while walking, standing, or sitting. These slow and gentle movements are performed with a mindfulness toward mental focus, breathing, and relaxation. According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), research shows that practicing tai chi may help reduce stress and anxiety, improve balance, and ease back pain.

While research on tai chi and psoriatic arthritis is limited, a meta-analysis of seven tai chi trials found that a 12-week course of tai chi may be helpful in improving arthritis symptoms and physical function in people with osteoarthritis.

Another more recent review of 11 studies showed that tai chi, when used safely and in tandem with other treatment, can help improve posture control, balance, and walking ability in older adults who have knee osteoarthritis.

In short, tai chi potentially offers a myriad of benefits for individuals who have psoriatic arthritis with few downsides. “It promotes flexibility, strengthens and stretches muscles, and gives you mind-body benefits,” says Singh.

Tips for Doing Tai Chi With Psoriatic Arthritis

As you practice slow and controlled movements, be mindful of your breathing and relaxation. Follow a program developed for people with arthritis to avoid any moves that could hurt your joints, the Arthritis Foundation suggests.

Safety Tips

According to the NCCIH, tai chi is a relatively safe practice with little risk for serious injury. That said, tai chi instructors are not required to be licensed, and the practice isn’t regulated by state or federal authorities, so you may want to ask your healthcare provider or local hospital to recommend a tai chi teacher. And be sure to tell your doctor about this or any other exercise you incorporate into your psoriatic arthritis management.

Should You Exercise if You Have Flares?

The answer is yes, but carefully and while working with your doctor. Depending on what areas of your body are affected and how much pain and inflammation you’re experiencing, certain exercises may be better than others. Work with your doctor to manage your pain and come up with a plan to get you back to being physically active as much as possible.

Above all, it’s essential that you keep moving, and don’t stop once you feel better. “I have patients who say, ‘I was doing well, so I stopped exercising,’” says Singh. “But if you do that, you will lose the benefit you gained.” Bottom line: “It’s important to remember that exercise is preventive; it’s not treatment,” says Singh.