Customer Reviews

Tai Chi for Back Pain

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I buy these DVDs for senior citizens (~75 years old) who are looking to exercise. One of my seniors has back pain, so this was a very intriguing DVD. Overall, Dr. Lam does a good job. But there is way too much talking interspersed throughout and this actually annoys the one senior citizen I got this DVD for. So at least from her, she did not like it. I personally liked his gentle techniques. Overall, I'd hope that someone else produces another DVD for people with back pain (so many of us are out there) that is a bit more movement centered rather than talking centered.

I've had periodic bouts with back spasms and back pain for the past 6 years. I'm very lazy when it comes to doing excercises. I'd rather play tennis instead. I've had this DVD for over a year but never really did the exercises. As soon as my back got better, I would forget about it or doing any excercise. This past episode of back pain made me watch this DVD again. The DVD is informative and has interviews with back Drs and physical therapists. They attribute back pain to muscle imbalances. The video shows a shortened version of Tai Chi designed to develop the core/stabilizing muscles of the body, along with improving the posture and increasing flexibility. The instructions were very patiently explained and easy to follow. The positions are easy to learn and did not strain my back.

I don't know how long I will keep doing these exercises. However, I do enjoy it. And I think it helps.

I had very tight muscles and pain in the buttocks and leg. The stretches that the chiropractor gave me reinjured the muscles. The gentle streches worked! There were times that I had some pain and after I did the exercises they pain was gone or nearly gone. It seemed a bit slow at first (talking between segments). However after the first few sections it goes a bit faster. There's also a front and back demo of the entire form for learning to put the segments together. I highly recommend this DVD.

Purchased from Amazon - all ways the best for delivery and ease of ordering.

Like all of Dr. Paul Lam's DVDs this one is excellent. It is eary to learn. Dr. Lam breaks every move down into smaller segments so anyone can learn. I have found all of his Tai Chi Production DVD to be great.

"The causes of back pain are complex. Studies have shown the deep stabilizing muscles of the spine play an important role. Strengthening these muscles improves back pain and reduces its occurrence." Dr. Paul Lam

An Alternative Therapy for a Common Ailment

Most of us can empathize with the discomfort and pain of back problems. Dr. Paul Lam of Tai Chi Productions has created a program that does not involve prescription drugs or visits to a chiropractor. It is a common-sense system that reinforces the human need for daily movement. As a side benefit, Tai Chi is fun and relaxing. You can also practice the techniques in this module from a sitting position if you have limited lower body mobility.

Detailed Introduction and Warm-Up Exercises

Medical experts and a physical therapist discuss back mechanics and the importance of strengthening the core muscles of the stomach and back regions. Dr. Lam introduces the need for proper sitting and standing posture, along with a lengthy series of breathing, stretching and warm-up exercises with students in a seated position. Dr. Lam also discusses the concept of "Qi Gong" which cultivates the movement of "Qi," or the life force, in the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perspective.

Eight Easy-To-Learn Lessons with 12 Movements

A few years ago, I began to study Dr. Lam's Tai Chi for Arthritis - 12 Lessons with Dr. Paul Lam. I was new to the art of Tai Chi; however, due to Dr. Lam's expertise and calm teaching method, my interest was piqued immediately. One of the reasons that I enjoyed the lessons was due to Dr. Lam's instructional style. He explains each movement in detail and then provides a unique glimpse into his own training sessions. You see students learning and then putting his lessons into practice. I liked this feature since you can model an expert, such as Dr. Lam, but also remotely view fellow students learning the movements. Both perspectives enable you to monitor your own mastery of the techniques.

The first three lessons (six movements) are taught from the sitting position. New students should find this feature to be helpful. You can watch and learn proper movement and bodily alignment more easily than with the usual flowing movements of Tai Chi seen in the standing positions. This process prepares you for the six advanced movements where Dr. Lam stresses and demonstrates the historical martial arts aspect of Tai Chi. These movements will take more time to master. What I liked was that you could re-run this section to focus on areas that might be difficult. Dr. Lam also makes a special effort to slowly demonstrate the proper application of the advanced movements in his usual friendly manner. He and his students also demonstrate the movements from the front and behind to provide a better vantage point.

Preventative Feature

One of the most important features of this system is prevention of future back problems by addressing the root causes. You will learn how to incorporate proper breathing techniques and posture throughout your daily activities. You will create a good core muscle group that will assist you in routine tasks such as lifting groceries and performing household chores.

Tai Chi is not a one day, week or month panacea similar to traditional pills or chiropractic procedures. It is a daily process of mind and body that requires a change in mentality. You may not experience immediate benefits; however, from my own personal experience, Tai Chi is a worthy practice to maintain good health at any age.

Please note:

I received a complementary review copy from Tai Chi Productions USA. This is an objective review and I am not obligated to provide a positive one.