The word arthritis means joint inflammation. Inflammation, a natural part of the body's response to injury and infection, is a complex process that produces swelling, pain, warmth and redness. But inflammation is not only a response to injury, it may perpetuate injury as well. Significant problems arise when inflammation is persistent, intense or recurrent or spreads to other areas of the body.

Arthritis is one of the leading causes of body pain today, and everyday the number of those affected increase. Since there is still not medical cure that can end arthritis, remedies and treatments are very much sought after by those who suffer from these problems. Knowing these treatment options can be the best way to prevent further harm and injury to the health and body.

Today, Tai Chi is practiced as a meditative exercise made up of a series of "forms," or choreographed motions, requiring slow, gentle movement of the arms, legs and torso. Tai Chi is practiced by young and old alike in city parks in the early morning hours. According to an Arthritis Foundation spokesperson, "Tai Chi is the basis for one of the Arthritis Foundation's most popular exercise programs, known as the ROM (range of motion) dance." Relaxing and concentrating their minds, participants put their bodies through a full range of motion that is easy on the joints. "The result is often a feeling of stimulated relaxation and pain relief," says the Foundation spokesperson.

Tai Chi is a great alternative to arthritis pain relief. Although there are many options for treatments, choosing a more natural way to relieving arthritis is the best route to follow, since it can also prevent future damage and keep your body stronger.