1. < Neuropathy
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Anyone try Tai Chi to help with neuropathy and balance?

Posted by Berk @gba, Apr 15, 2023

I have severe Neuropathy, two years. Anyone try joining a Tai Chi group? Supposed to improve balance.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Neuropathy Support Group.

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neuropathy, blood disorders, Judy | @neuropathy | Aug 21, 2023
In reply to @kim2 "I have had PN for 22 years and swore that exercise helped me to tolerate it...." + (show)
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I have had PN for 22 years and swore that exercise helped me to tolerate it. However, almost three years ago I was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma and about the same time noticed my balance becoming a problem. I started Tai Chi about four months ago and find this helps my balance.
It is worth a try.

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This is interesting. My hematologist thought I had MGUS leading to multiple myeloma for 3 years. Blood tests and bone marrow studies were conducted to rule out cancer. It was ruled out. So PN is left. I have balance problems: can't walk straight. I have a physical therapist working with me on walking. I could not do tai chi well but I believe it helps others. I just could not maintain postures of tai chi. Tolerate or manage is a good description. I have low hemoglobin and had 2 pints of blood infused. Helped. I do balance exercised. Thanks for the note and helpful descriptions.

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pattycake1 | @pattycake1 | Aug 21, 2023
In reply to @karleenhubley "Yes, I do Tai Chi twice a week and am supposed to practice at home. I..." + (show)
Profile picture for karleenhubley @karleenhubley

Yes, I do Tai Chi twice a week and am supposed to practice at home. I am sure this is why I have not fallen. Tai Chi forces you to use both sides of the body. It is a challenge to the brain and body and is a continuing journey as the forms get harder and harder. I enjoy taking a Tai Chi class as we are all dealing with idividual aches and pains but still keep laughing. We have a very skilled instructor that explains the chinese history and language which is applied. I encourage everyone to find a class. This should be a prescription from all neurologists who have PN patients.

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I am 86 and find Tai Chi very helpful, Many local Senior Centers have free classes. You can also check YOUTUBE. I also recommend
Qigong. I do 3 days a week with Lee Holden at $39.00 a month. Look him up on Youtube as well. I am very flexible and believe both are beneficial.

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pacer3702 | @pacer3702 | Aug 22, 2023
In reply to @karleenhubley "Yes, I do Tai Chi twice a week and am supposed to practice at home. I..." + (show)
Profile picture for karleenhubley @karleenhubley

Yes, I do Tai Chi twice a week and am supposed to practice at home. I am sure this is why I have not fallen. Tai Chi forces you to use both sides of the body. It is a challenge to the brain and body and is a continuing journey as the forms get harder and harder. I enjoy taking a Tai Chi class as we are all dealing with idividual aches and pains but still keep laughing. We have a very skilled instructor that explains the chinese history and language which is applied. I encourage everyone to find a class. This should be a prescription from all neurologists who have PN patients.

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Does the pressure on the bottom of your feet from standing during Tai Chi aggravate the nerve pain?

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rca | @rca | Aug 23, 2023
In reply to @pacer3702 "Does the pressure on the bottom of your feet from standing during Tai Chi aggravate the..." + (show)
Profile picture for pacer3702 @pacer3702

Does the pressure on the bottom of your feet from standing during Tai Chi aggravate the nerve pain?

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I've been doing tai chi for over thirty years. Now I can't balance on one foot for certain postures and I do the ones that work for me.

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maggie76 | @maggie76 | Aug 24, 2023

I started TaiChi about a few mnths ago and I find my balance is so much better.

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rainie | @rainie | Aug 24, 2023
In reply to @rca "I've been doing tai chi for over thirty years. Now I can't balance on one foot..." + (show)
Profile picture for rca @rca

I've been doing tai chi for over thirty years. Now I can't balance on one foot for certain postures and I do the ones that work for me.

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I recovered my balance with Physical Therapy specifically for balance. I can walk just fine now and I was starting to go everywhere in a wheelchair because I could not balance.

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kim2 | @kim2 | Aug 26, 2023
In reply to @neuropathy "This is interesting. My hematologist thought I had MGUS leading to multiple myeloma for 3 years...." + (show)
Profile picture for neuropathy, blood disorders, Judy @neuropathy

This is interesting. My hematologist thought I had MGUS leading to multiple myeloma for 3 years. Blood tests and bone marrow studies were conducted to rule out cancer. It was ruled out. So PN is left. I have balance problems: can't walk straight. I have a physical therapist working with me on walking. I could not do tai chi well but I believe it helps others. I just could not maintain postures of tai chi. Tolerate or manage is a good description. I have low hemoglobin and had 2 pints of blood infused. Helped. I do balance exercised. Thanks for the note and helpful descriptions.

Jump to this post

I believe there are many kinds of tai chi. I do tai chi chih. The instructor is laid back, so there is no pressure to perform. With this particular tai chi there is no standing on one foot.

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windyshores | @windyshores | Aug 26, 2023

Yes, for 15 years. It really helps. I have done both medium and small frame forms, mostly Yang, short and long forms.

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pattycake1 | @pattycake1 | Aug 26, 2023
In reply to @pacer3702 "Does the pressure on the bottom of your feet from standing during Tai Chi aggravate the..." + (show)
Profile picture for pacer3702 @pacer3702

Does the pressure on the bottom of your feet from standing during Tai Chi aggravate the nerve pain?

Jump to this post

I know that there are seated forms of both Tai Chi and Qigong where you can generate the Qi that is healing while sitting in a chair. I prefer a chair without arms and one where you can put your feet flat on the ground or floor. Also check Youtube for both seated examples. Again I would look for Lee Holden for Qigong. Very helpful! As you heal, you can try standing and see how it goes.

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Debbie | @dbeshears1 | Aug 27, 2023
In reply to @kim2 "I believe there are many kinds of tai chi. I do tai chi chih. The instructor..." + (show)
Profile picture for kim2 @kim2

I believe there are many kinds of tai chi. I do tai chi chih. The instructor is laid back, so there is no pressure to perform. With this particular tai chi there is no standing on one foot.

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I’m finally going to check it out in person next week. Our community is offering a demonstration and information session. I always avoided Tai Chi because though I never even googled it, I “assumed” it was too advanced - that you would need to have a lot of balance and be a little more capable to participate. I’m embarrassed to say I thought it was advanced like karate or kick boxing. Thanks for explaining and offering encouragement for those of us more handicapped and making us realize there are benefits and methods for us!

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