She saw only negligible improvement from anti-inflammatory drugs and exercises prescribed by her doctor. "I had done all the exercises, and I took all the medicines," she says. "My range of motion was very poor. I didn't know what to do."

Then she read about a new class in a flier from her corporate fitness center: Tai Chi for Arthritis.

"I'd done everything else," she says. "It wasn't working. That's what led me to try it."

Nearly two years later, Henry, 52, attends tai chi class twice a week. She's pain-free and more active than she's been in years.

Tai Chi for Arthritis classes

Tai Chi for Arthritis is recommended by the Arthritis Foundation. The series of slow, gentle movements offers pain-reducing benefits to those with joint sensitivities, says Jeff Savage, director of programs for the Arthritis Foundation of Texas.

Exercise is essential to healthy living and a key component of managing arthritis, Savage says. Yet many sufferers complain they cannot find an exercise program that doesn't cause more pain.

"We spent a lot of time researching the problem," Savage says. "What are the programs that are easy on your joints but still give you physical benefits?" Subsequently, the Arthritis Foundation teamed up with instructors to offer classes at area senior centers and elsewhere.

"It's a unique program. It's taking off at just about every senior center," says Margaret Gillett, senior center supervisor for the city of Allen, Texas.

Australian physician Paul Lam, a tai chi master, developed Tai Chi for Arthritis to help his own osteoarthritis.

"Without regular exercise, the joints become stiffer and more painful, muscles lose strength, bones weaken, stamina diminishes, blood circulation slows and the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes increases," Lam wrote in a 2005 article published on his Web site. "The answer is to develop an exercise program that is safe and effective for your own condition and capabilities."

Tai chi originated in ancient medical texts in early 700 B.C. and became more formalized as a system of personal health and combat exercises in late 900 A.D., says Chris Bouguyon, a senior instructor of Tai Chi for Arthritis.

There are five primary styles of tai chi: Chen, Yang, Wu, Hao and Sun, all of which are based in martial arts, he says. Each involves a series of movements that engage the body's joints, muscles and tendons, says Bouguyon, who teaches classes around the area.

Tai Chi for Arthritis is based on the Sun style, featuring fluid, gentle movements. Anyone who can stand can do this. No special clothing or equipment is needed.

Bouguyon, a 28-year veteran of martial arts, emphasizes posture, breathing and body awareness, and teaches students how to release tension. For Henry and many others, the benefits have been far-reaching. In her first six weeks, she noticed greater range of motion. "I also strengthened my knees and ankles and improved my balance."

After only six months, she was able to halve her pain medications; after eight months, she quit taking anti-inflammatory drugs. Her self-confidence soared. "I've gone from not being able to do the everyday things because it's so painful to: 'Let's try this. Let's do that!' "

Henry believes so strongly in the benefits that she became certified as an instructor. "I don't want to ever go back to that pain again," she says.

She's not alone. Consider Debbie Brost of Allen, Texas.

Brost, 58, had nagging back pain. She figured it was something she had to live with at her age. Getting in and out of bed was the worst. After three one-hour Tai Chi for Arthritis classes, the pain was gone.

"You don't have to take a pill and wait for it to work or not work," she says. "Now, when I see anyone creaking around, I say they need to do tai chi." Brost says focusing on posture has played a major role. Now she can alleviate a twinge of pain simply by sitting up straighter. She credits the deep breathing with having a healing effect by delivering more oxygen.

The benefits have extended beyond her back. The experience did wonders for her outlook on life. She described herself as a "totally uncoordinated couch potato" before taking up tai chi in January. Now she has newfound energy and is taking painting and pottery. "I don't think I've been so excited and felt so good about anything. It's got to be the tai chi."

Seven benefits of Tai Chi

According to Chris Bouguyon:

1. Stronger knees and ankles
2. Better balance and flexibility
3. Improved immune system
4. More confidence
5. Better coordination, fewer falls
6. Reduced pain; reduced medication
7. Increased range of motion