Tai Chi  for Therapy Course Content

CT Physical Therapy Association Approved Provider: 8 CEH’s

Agenda

8:00 AM to 5:00PM

8:00-8:15 Students sign in and pick up tai chi for therapy course materials.

8:15-9:05 Welcome and Introduction to the Workshop: review of relevant literature supporting Tai Chi for therapy as PT adjunct or treatment option in a continuum of care.  Review Tai Chi assessment model “Model”(disability and intervention), and Tai Chi’s therapeutic elements. Introduction and practice of tai chi movements.

9:05-9:20 Snack  Break and Stretch.

9:20-12:00 Instructor led laboratory: discussion, demonstration and practice of tai chi movements (1-4) .  7 postural deficits, 7 tai chi for therapy elements  (Model), and 3 tai chi principles (proprioception).

12:00-1:00 Lunch.

1:00-2:15 Instructor led laboratory: discussion, demonstration and practice of tai chi movements (5-10). 7 postural deficits, 7 tai chi for  therapy elements (Model), and 3 tai chi principles (proprioception).

2:15-2:30 Snack  Break and Stretch.

2:30-3:45 Instructor led laboratory: linking tai chi exercise movements to challenge advancing students, practice linked movements.   Review other modification options (sitting and transitional).

3:45-4:45 Tai Chi intervention model: assessing client needs (physical and psychosocial) and ability, developing tai chi for therapy adjunct or complement treatment plan, andassessing community resources for referral.

Practice linked movements.

4:45-5:00 Tai Chi  for Therapy Course Evaluation

This tai chi for therapy course is appropriate for medical and allied health providers who are interested in referring reliable tai chi resources to patients.  Tai Chi  for therapy adjunct or complement is suitable at any place on the continuum of care.  Sufficient information and hands on experience (tai chi for therapy laboratory) provided to begin to use elements of tai chi for therapy. Use tai chi for therapy in one on one intervention within the plan of care. The licensed professional will be equipped to oversee staff in delivery of tai chi programs within the institution or facility.   Tools provided will enable the therapist to assess community tai chi for therapy adjunct or complement to over-all therapy programs.

Take away reference material include tai chi “how to” manual and instruction dvd, and disk copy of  tai chi therapy program model,  checklists, etc.

Health benefits other than falls reduction/balance training (the risk for multiple falls in the Tai Chi group was 55% lower than that of the stretching control group) are substantial including psycho-social benefits for seniors and the elderly.  See this study at NCBI Pub Med for the  other benefits Value Added potential for patients engaged in tai chi therapy.  Tai Chi has shown promise for patients with chronic heart failure