Evidence-Based Rehabilitation Using Tai Chi

The CDC reports that, "each year, 3 million older people are treated in emergency departments and over 800,000 patients are hospitalized because of falling, resulting in about $50 billion in medical costs related to non-fatal fall injuries and $754 million spent related to fatal falls." In older adults, falls are the leading cause of traumatic brain injuries and fractures. While physical injuries associated with unintentional falls are well documented, the psychological costs are less obvious and more persistent. Studies reveal that up to 50% of peoplewith a fear of falling restrict or eliminate social and physical activity because of that fear. Presently, the combination of an aging population, shrinking third party reimbursements, and Medicare non-payment for hospital related falls and traumas guarantees that cost effective and high return on investmentservices will become of increasing value.

Tai Chi is a traditional Chinese exercise method, requiring no special equipment and shown to improve cognitive skills, memory, psychological wellness, strength, flexibility, immune function, and balance; and is now being advocated by the CDC and Harvard Medical School for fall prevention and functional improvement programs. This interactive 6-hour course offers participants the opportunity to experience thepractice and principles of Tai Chi as they apply to balance and functional rehabilitation. Upon completion, attendees will have new, effective, evidence-based, and insurancereimbursable treatment tools that can be immediately employed with clients resulting in improved functional outcomes, higher program compliance, and greater patient satisfaction.

Highlights

• Immediately implement holistic, rehabilitative Tai Chi principles into a wide variety of client treatments
• Practice 13 rehabilitative Tai Chi movements in sitting, standing, and walking that can be applied the very next day
• Leave with an easy-to-use home exercise plan framework that improves patient compliance and outcomes
• Enjoy extensive labs for experiencing theenergizing benefits of Tai Chi firsthand
• Effectively validate the benefits of Tai Chi in rehabilitation to even the most resistant patients and colleagues

Target Audience: Physical Therapists, Physical Therapist Assistants, Occupational Therapists, Occupational Therapy Assistants, Athletic Trainers