In this podcast we interview Carole Edin, an Occupational Therapist based in Leeds. Carole implements tai chi and qigong movements into her clinical practice with patients in a local chronic pain service.

1. Chronic Pain Management Approach: - Focus on self-management and self-compassion - Emphasize pacing activities and avoiding "boom and bust" cycles - Incorporate sleep hygiene, diet, and nutrition advice - Address emotional well-being and stress management

2. Introduction of Tai Chi in Pain Management: - Present Tai Chi as "enjoyable movement" rather than exercise to reduce fear-avoidance - Start with seated movements, progressing slowly to standing - Emphasize gentle, slow motions and individual adaptation - Incorporate relaxation and tension-spotting techniques before and after practice

3. Benefits of Tai Chi for Chronic Pain Patients: - Improves relaxation and stress reduction - Enhances mobility and function - Potential for medication reduction - Particularly beneficial for conditions like fibromyalgia

4. Implementation Strategies: - Tailor approaches to individual patients and their specific conditions - Use visualization techniques for patients unable to perform physical movements - Introduce Tai Chi gradually, emphasizing regular practice over duration - Combine Tai Chi with other pain management strategies (described as a "jigsaw puzzle" approach)

5. Group vs. Individual Sessions: - Adapt instructions for group settings, encouraging individual modifications - Emphasize non-competition and personal progress

6. Practitioner Benefits: - Potential for personal health improvements, including coordination - Use as a self-care tool for healthcare professionals

7. Evidence-Based Practice: - Incorporate research on Tai Chi's benefits, particularly for conditions like fibromyalgia - Consider Tai Chi as part of a multidisciplinary approach to pain management

8. Patient-Centered Outcomes: - Focus on improving quality of life and expanding activities despite pain - Encourage reintroduction of enjoyable activities and socialization

9. Professional Development: - Chronic pain management offers diverse and rewarding career opportunities - Continuous learning due to varied patient presentations and conditions

Health professionals should consider integrating Tai Chi as a complementary approach in chronic pain management, focusing on gradual introduction, individualisation, and combining it with other evidence-based strategies for optimal patient outcomes.

Bonus downloads kindly provided by Carole.

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Would you like to find out more about our class leading CPD course for health professionals: Tai Chi for Therapists.

We created this course for all registered allied health professionals, clinicians, and other rehabilitation professionals who would like to learn how to implement evidence-based tai chi and qigong movements into their clinical practice.

If you’re a physiotherapist, physical therapist, occupational therapist, occupational or physiotherapy assistant, or other allied health professional visit our course page to find out more.

We look forward to seeing you,

Phil & Helen

Website: www.taichifortherapists.com

In this podcast we interview Charlotte Rondel, an Occupational Therapist based in Jersey. Charlotte implements tai chi and qigong movements into her clinical practice with patients in a primary care mental health service.

Charlotte Rondel qualified as an Occupational Therapist in 2006 from Southampton University. Also a qualified fitness instructor, she finds meaningful ways to support people to be more physically active and confident in how they move in everyday activity. Charlotte has worked in a range of settings including reablement, general medical and orthopaedic inpatients, community mental health and primary care mental health.

Charlotte, an occupational therapist, incorporates Tai Chi into her practice in a primary care mental health team in Jersey. She uses Tai Chi across various settings, including primary care, secondary mental health services, and inpatient wards.

Tai Chi is used to address anxiety, mood difficulties, and depression. Patients report improved mood, increased body awareness, and better relaxation. It's particularly beneficial for older adults, potentially helping with fall prevention.

Tai Chi's holistic approach aligns well with occupational therapy principles. It emphasizes prevention and considers the interconnection of mind and body.

Charlotte introduced Tai Chi gradually, starting with staff wellbeing sessions. She incorporates it into one-on-one sessions and home visits. Group sessions are conducted in various settings, including day centers and inpatient wards.

A simple 1-10 mood scale is used before and after sessions to track improvements. There's flexibility in choosing appropriate outcome measures.

Charlotte references the "Eight Active Ingredients" model from Peter Wayne's book, The Harvard Medical School Guide to Tai Chi. She focuses on elements like embodied spirituality, active relaxation, and intention in her sessions.

Dealing with varying patient speeds and interpretations of instructions. Adapting language to be trauma-informed and accessible to different patient groups.

Importance of regular personal practice to improve confidence and skill in teaching. Continuous learning through ongoing engagement with training resources.

Recognizing that patients may benefit even if they don't perform movements "perfectly". Adapting to individual needs and interpretations of instructions.

Can be used as both a rehabilitation tool and a wellness practice. Applicable across different age groups and mental health conditions.

Tai Chi can be effectively integrated into mental health services, offering a holistic approach that aligns well with occupational therapy and other health professions. It emphasizes the practical aspects of implementation, potential benefits for patients, and the importance of adaptability in clinical practice.

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Are you a rehabilitation professional? Then you may like to join our class leading CPD course, Tai Chi for Therapists.

Created for all registered allied health professionals, clinicians, and other rehabilitation professionals who would like to learn how to implement evidence-based tai chi and qigong movements into their clinical practice.

If you’re a physiotherapist, physical therapist, occupational therapist, occupational or physiotherapy assistant, or other allied health professional do get in touch, we’re here to help.

Visit our course page to find out more: https://www.discovertaichi.uk/courses

Thank you for visiting, all the best,

Phil & Helen

Website: https://www.discovertaichi.uk/