Event Details

Join Susan Welsh, PT, PhD, for an introductory course exploring Tai Chi and Qigong and their applications in wellness, physical therapy, and occupational therapy settings.

During this course, participants will explore the principles and benefits of Tai Chi and Qigong while learning proper alignment, structure, and footwork. Participants will practice selected movements, observe and critique Tai Chi techniques, and learn how movements can be applied and modified for patients with different physical abilities and occupational performance needs.

Register for the course

Course Objectives

At the conclusion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Describe Tai Chi and Qigong and list five benefits cited in current medical literature
• Describe correct alignment, structure, and footwork for Tai Chi and Qigong practice
• Perform selected Tai Chi and Qigong movements that incorporate Tai Chi principle
• Observe, critique, and practice Dr. Yang’s seven-part short form
• Observe a partner performing basic Tai Chi and Qigong movements and provide helpful corrections for alignment and structure
• Apply specific Tai Chi and Qigong movements to clients in wellness and
  clinical physical therapy and occupational therapy practice settings and modify as indicated for different physical abilities and occupational performance abilities

Continuing Education

This course is approved for 6 continuing education credits by the Louisiana Physical Therapy Board.

Occupational Therapy continuing education approval is currently in process.

Registration

• Touro employees: $25
• LCMC Health employees: $50
• Community/Non-LCMC Health employees: $75

Lunch and refreshments will be provided.

Register for the course

About Susan Welsh, PT, PhD

Susan Welsh, PT, PhD, a licensed physical therapist in Louisiana and a 1974 graduate of the LSU Physical Therapy School. She has served as director of the Physical Therapist Assistant Program at Delgado Community College in New Orleans since 1991 and was a faculty member at LSUMC School of Allied Health Professions Physical Therapy Program from 1982-1985. Susan has studied Tai Chi and Qigong for 34 years. She became a student of Dr.Yang Yang, PhD, in 1997, and she is a certified instructor in Dr. Yang’s Evidence-
Based Traditional Taiji (EBT) Program. Susan continues her study of Tai Chi through annual five-day retreats and weekly Zoom classes with Dr. Yang.

Dr. Welsh incorporates Tai Chi into the Delgado PTA curriculum to teach body mechanics, balance strategies, posture, stress reduction, therapeutic exercise, balance and fall prevention, functional movements, and senior exercise programs. She has also used Tai Chi with patients and clients in rehabilitation, wellness, and community settings to improve mobility, strength, balance, coordination, gait, sleep quality, and overall fitness, as well as to reduce stress and prevent falls.

Dr. Welsh currently teaches a weekly Tai Chi class in the Mid-City area of New
Orleans that is open to the community.