Enhancing Client Outcomes: Integrating Tai Chi into Occupational Therapy practice
26 Nov 2025
Theatre 3
Explore how evidence-based Tai Chi and Qigong movements can be effectively integrated into occupational therapy interventions across diverse client populations.
This session will demystify Tai Chi's "active ingredients" and demonstrate practical applications for clients with musculoskeletal conditions, neurological disorders, cardiovascular disease and mental health conditions.
Participants will gain insights into:
● The origins and evolution of Tai Chi and Qigong
● The scientific evidence supporting Tai Chi's inclusion in a range of guidelines
● Practical adaptations for different client populations and clinical settings
● Key principles for incorporating Tai Chi elements into existing OT treatment plans
- Clinical reasoning is the core skill - OTs don't need to be tai chi masters; they need to understand the evidence for it's use with a range of conditions.
- Connection to OT's craft heritage - There's a meaningful parallel between traditional OT craft modalities and tai chi—both represent forms of "gong fu" (skills developed through dedicated practice) that can be therapeutically adapted.
- Alignment with OT's holistic approach - Tai chi naturally integrates physical, cognitive, emotional, and social elements, resonating with OT's whole-person perspective on health and function.
- Occupation-based integration - Tai Chi principles can be woven into everyday occupations rather than existing solely as standalone exercises, supporting functional outcomes.
