Restoring Balance with Tai Chi: Reducing the Risk of Falls and Improving Functional Activity

• • Analyze the history of Tai Chi and its relevancy in the rehab clinical setting
• • Articulate the link between chronic arthritis pain and fall risk
• • Define the international fall reduction statistics directly related to Tai Chi programs
• • Identify which types of patients and settings are the most appropriate for treatment with Therapeutic Tai Chi and modify exercises to fit their individual needs
• • Independently apply the basic styles of Chen, Yang, and Sun style of Tai Chi by the end of the course to strengthen clients' flexibility, core, and balance
• • Demonstrate the various Tai Chi movements into a seated position to be used for non–ambulatory patients
• • Discuss methods of documenting neuromuscular re–education, strength and balance training, weight shifting, and others utilizing Tai Chi in a therapeutic environment

Increase Safety and Functional Activity in the Elderly
Falls are the leading cause of injury–related death as well as nonfatal injuries in adults ages 65 and older. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, each year one in every three adults 65 and older fall, which can cause head trauma, hip fractures, etc. In conjunction with such alarming statistics is the rise of arthritis in the elderly population. Half of all adults 65 and older have some form of arthritis, which dramatically increases the risk of falls due to diminished proprioception, poor balance, decreased strength, and increased levels of pain. Due to the high risks of falls in the elderly, rehab professions must explore effective methods that have proven to increase the prevention of falls. The ancient art of Tai Chi is a powerful and effective rehabilitation tool that not only helps prevent future episodes of falls, but also strengthens older adults for functional activity in their day–to–day lives.

In this dynamic one–day seminar, Ralph Dehner, COTA, CPT, guides you through the research, the benefits, and the movements of Tai Chi. Using a combination of his clinical therapy skills, personal training experience, and expertise in Tai Chi, Dehner equips you with the relevant tools and techniques to incorporate into your patients' treatment plans. Such a plan reduces the fall risks in your clients, decreases arthritic pain, and leads to improved functional outcomes and goal achievement. Adding this reimbursable therapy to your toolbox will immediately enable you to provide an additional modality to enhance patients' stability, flexibility, core strength, posture, balance, and coordination.