Tai Chi is an ancient Chinese martial art with uncertain origins, but is gaining popularity much like yoga. Mary Nell Jackson, a tai chi practitioner in Iowa City, IA, descirbes the art as organic. She says: “My original thought about it was that it was just so beautiful to watch because it looks like flowing water, or plants in a breeze, and it’s like being that, too. There is something about the movement patterns, something about doing it that makes you feel at one with many other things you see in the natural world.”
Principles of Tai Chi are becoming used in different types of physical therapy. According to Lori Enloe, former physical therapist and owner of Breath and Balance Tai Chi, the core principles of tai chi translate easily into physical therapy. The core principles are:
• Relaxation: Let go of tension, inside and out. Breathe.
• Verticality: Stand up straight and lean from your core, rather than your spine.
• Balance: Like yin and yang, maintain balance in your limbs and core.
• Slowness: Move slowly with intention, purpose and minimal effort.
• Mindfulness: Be in the moment. Forget your to-do list.
Would you counsider using Tai Chi as a part of your physical therapy program? Share with us here or on Facebook!
I am very interested in Tai Chi for ,my own self and to use in my therapy sessions, I also have fellow therapists who would be interested in taking a class. Please let me know of any up coming classes in the Tennessee or North Carolina areas. Thank You, Jacquie
Hi Jacquie,
Thanks for your interest. We currently do not have any Tai Chi courses scheduled in your area. Click here to check for other related courses in your area.
I would be very interested in attending a class on Tai Chi in Phoenix, AZ. Please let me know of upcoming seminars! I have heard great things about using it for the fall risk prevention with my home care physical therapy clients.
Yes, I would be very interested in a Tai Chi class especially if one was offered in Tucson AZ . I believe Tai Chi is a great teaching system for people especially seniors who need the balance work and core strengthening along with the joint mobility; just to name a few of the benefits.!
Do it!
I am an occupational therapist and I have been using Qigong with adults with developmental disabilities for many years. The benefits are numerous: improved posture, balance, upper extremity motion and strength, relaxation. I taught the Five Treasures Qigong to a woman with Down Syndrome and after a few months, she began leading the forms with her peers on a weekly, scheduled basis.
I have been using Tai Chi and Qigong in my OT practice and also teaching Tai Chi at the local Senior Center for the past several years. I use the forms from Dr. Paul Lam in Australia and am a certified instructor through his Tai Chi for Health Institute. It would be interesting to learn new forms and a different style from others, too.
Would be quite interested in a Tai Chi course for PT’s to use with patients. I’ve been hearing the benefit in balance in patients with fall risks.
Karen I live in NH but could travel in New England
Exploring Hand Therapy is a group that has offered a class in the past as related to UE needs. But, the benefit is more of a holistic one for sure. You might want to check out their website for an online class.
I done one CEU 2 days not enough, would like
More courses about this and I chi. I like it is
A great tool
Yes, do this. It’s another great tool! Please come to Long Island!!!
I was just in Long Island last weekend doing a “Functional Fitness for Older Adults” seminar which included a segment on Tai Chi. I am sorry you mised it.
There is a hospital in Staten Island that wants to bring me back to do a two day training on Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention. Let me know if you would like info.