Short answerIn one good trial, tai chi eased knee arthritis pain about as well as a standard course of physiotherapy.
Probably helps a little
What it is
Tai chi is a gentle exercise that links slow, flowing movements with deep breathing and relaxation. It is usually taught in groups. It is low impact, so it is often chosen by people with sore joints.
What the research shows
enrolled 204 people with knee arthritis. Their average age was 60. About half were assigned to tai chi twice a week for 12 weeks. The rest had physiotherapy twice a week for 6 weeks, then 6 weeks of home exercise that was checked by the research team.
Pain and physical function improved in both groups at 12 weeks, by similar amounts, and the benefit was kept up to 52 weeks. The tai chi group also improved more on depression and on the physical side of quality of life. No serious side effects occurred.
This is a single trial, and the two programs were quite different. The tai chi classes were in a group and the physiotherapy was one to one, so the result is best read as tai chi being a reasonable option. gives tai chi a strong recommendation for knee arthritis, and lists it as a reasonable choice. In , no single type of exercise, including tai chi, stood out as best.
Risks and effort
Serious problems did not occur in the trial. The effort is regular attendance at a class, and some practice at home.
What usually works instead
Strength and aerobic exercise have the strongest evidence. See Does exercise work for knee arthritis? and Osteoarthritis of the Knee.
Questions people ask
Is tai chi better than physiotherapy?
Pain relief was similar. Tai chi did better on mood and quality of life in this trial.
Which style should I choose?
The trial used a set program taught by experienced instructors. Results were consistent across the instructors.
Do I need to be fit to start?
The people in the trial were typical of people with knee arthritis. Many were overweight, and many were older, and they could take part.
Sources
Select a source to read what the study or guideline found, in plain words, with a link to the original.
Last reviewed 24 October 2026. Next review due October 2027.
