Tai Chi for Arthritis & Fall Prevention
Evidence-based movement training designed to improve balance, mobility, and confidence in daily life.
Developed by Dr. Paul Lam and medical specialists through the Tai Chi for Health Institute, this program uses safe and accessible Tai Chi movements to support joint health, stability, and fall prevention.
Evidence-Based Health Program
Tai Chi for Arthritis & Fall Prevention is recognized internationally as an evidence-based health program.
The program was developed by Dr. Paul Lam in collaboration with medical professionals and Tai Chi experts to make the health benefits of Tai Chi accessible and safe for people with arthritis and balance concerns.
Health organizations that recognize or support this program include:
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• National Council on Aging (NCOA)
• Arthritis Foundation
• Tai Chi for Health Institute
These organizations support Tai Chi programs because scientific research has demonstrated improvements in balance, mobility, and fall prevention.
Numerous clinical studies have demonstrated that Tai Chi training can significantly improve balance and reduce fall risk in older adults.
Research has shown that Tai Chi practice can:
• improve balance and stability
• reduce the risk of falls
• increase joint mobility and flexibility
• reduce arthritis pain and stiffness
• strengthen muscles and improve posture
• improve confidence in daily movement
Tai Chi programs are widely used in fall-prevention initiatives and healthy aging programs around the world.
Scientific Research
Tai Chi for Arthritis & Fall Prevention
Tai Chi for Arthritis & Fall Prevention is a structured program designed to help improve balance, coordination, joint mobility, and confidence in daily movement.
The program was developed by Dr. Paul Lam in collaboration with Tai Chi experts and medical professionals through the Tai Chi for Health Institute. It adapts traditional Tai Chi movements into a format that is easy to learn, safe for beginners, and appropriate for adults and older participants.
The movements are slow, controlled, and low-impact, allowing participants to strengthen muscles, improve posture, and develop better body awareness while minimizing stress on the joints.
The program is based primarily on Sun-style Tai Chi, which is known for its upright posture, smooth weight transitions, and gentle stepping patterns. These characteristics make it especially suitable for individuals with arthritis or those concerned about balance and fall risk.
Regular practice of the program can help participants:
• improve balance and stability
• increase joint mobility and flexibility
• strengthen muscles that support safe movement
• reduce stiffness and discomfort associated with arthritis
• build confidence in everyday activities such as walking and climbing stairs
Classes focus on gradual learning, repetition, and safe movement practice so participants can progress comfortably at their own pace.
Participants often experience improvements in several areas of physical health and mobility.
Balance and Stability
Slow weight-shifting movements help improve coordination and postural control.
Joint Mobility
Gentle movements can help reduce stiffness and improve range of motion.
Strength and Endurance
Regular practice strengthens leg muscles and improves physical stability.
Confidence in Movement
Participants often report increased confidence when walking, climbing stairs, and performing daily activities.
Mental Relaxation
The program combines gentle movement with mindful breathing and relaxation.
Benefits of the Program
A Seated Tai Chi for Arthritis version of the program is also available.
This adaptation allows individuals with limited mobility or balance concerns to participate safely while seated.
Seated Tai Chi focuses on:
• upper-body coordination
• posture and breathing
• gentle range-of-motion exercises
• relaxation and mental focus
This version makes the program accessible to participants who may not feel comfortable standing for extended periods.
Seated Tai Chi for Arthritis
This program is appropriate for:
• Adults and seniors
• Individuals with arthritis or joint stiffness
• People concerned about balance or fall risk
• Participants looking for gentle, low-impact exercise
• Individuals with no previous Tai Chi or martial arts experience
All movements can be adapted to different levels of mobility.