Tai Chi for Arthritis (TCA) is an effective and safe exercise program based on a form of Tai Chi specially designed by Dr. Paul Lam in conjunction with his Tai Chi associates and a team of medical experts.
Based on the Sun style of Tai Chi, Tai Chi for Arthritis is easy to learn, effective and safe. It improves flexibility, muscle strength, increases heart/lung activity, aligns posture, improves balance, and integrates the mind and body.
Many Arthritis Foundations have conducted the instructors' courses with great success. And hundreds of thousands of people with arthritis have gained relief from their condition.
This program has been proven by clinical studies to be safe and effective for people with arthritis.
TCA is a program where care and special attention to understanding the complex and varied forms of arthritis has been an essential part of training of the Tai Chi Leader / Instructor. TCA can be carried out almost anywhere and it can be a most suitable and safe form of exercise for most people where special care and an understanding of specific health and mobility conditions of the individual has been an integral feature of the training of the Tai Chi Leader / Instructor.
This program does not provide qualifications as a Tai Chi Instructor accredited with the Australian Sports Commission through the National Martial Arts Instructor Accreditation Scheme, which includes the Australian Kung-Fu (Wu-Shu) Federation (AKWF) but persons who successfully complete the TCA course will be accredited with Dr Paul Lam's Tai Chi for Health programs to teach the TCA program as a safe and effective form of exercise in the community.
At the completion of the workshop, you will learn:- The 12-movement Sun style Tai Chi
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How to teach this program effectively and safely
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How Tai Chi improve health and arthritis
- Dr Lam's stepwise progressive teaching method
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Qigong for Arthritis
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Essential knowledge about arthritis
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Understand the essential principles of Tai Chi
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To improve your level of Tai Chi
in a positive, enjoyable and interactive environment.
Arthritis in its many forms is one of the most common chronic conditions in western countries. There is no known cure for most forms of arthritis. Tai Chi has been known in China for centuries to be effective for arthritis management, and is being quickly adopted in western countries as an enjoyable therapeutic method to relieve arthritis pain and stiffness.
Clinical studies have shown the Tai Chi for Arthritis program effective and safe for arthritis. Click here for a recently published study at the Journal of Arthritis Care and Research of the program.
All persons wishing to attend the workshop may do so on the understanding that their physical condition is fit to safely participate in this workshop. Prior tai chi experience is not a prerequisite for attendance or for accreditation as a TCA Instructor/Leader. Persons who are not eligible to become a TCA Instructor/Leader may receive a certificate of attendance upon completion of the two-day course.
Persons who wish to qualify as a TCA Instructor accredited with Dr Paul Lam's TCA program, however, must be suitably qualified and agree to certain requirements necessary for accreditation.
Suitable Qualifications for instructor/leader are as follows:
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Tai Chi teacher
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Advanced Tai Chi Student
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Physiotherapist or Physical Therapist
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Occupational Therapist
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Health Professional (nurse, doctors, traditional therapist)
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Accredited/Certified Exercise Instructor
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Nurse
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Certified Allied Health Assistants
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Other similar qualification
To be eligible to receive an instructors/leaders certificate you are required to:
- Learn the Twelve Forms from the DVD to the best of your ability prior to attending the workshop
- Read the Tai Chi for Arthritis Handbook
- Complete an application form and questionnaire and return to the local organiser two weeks prior to the workshop
- Hold a current certificate of an accredited first aid course or similar qualification eg RN or MBBS
- Continue to practice and come back for update every two years
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Pass a written test
For Australian Instructor/Leader's certificate ONLY: If you are currently qualified as an Instructor (Level 1 Coach) through the National Martial Arts Instructor Accreditation Scheme on behalf of the Australian Sports Commission (this includes the AKWF), you will be issued with a TCA Instructor certificate upon successful completion of the program. All other persons will be issued with a TCA Leader certificate.
All participants who complete the program will receive either an instructor/leader or attendance certificate, which is embossed with the Chinese characters "Tai Chi" on the left hand side.
The Tai Chi for Arthritis DVD and handbook are included in your registration fees unless the co-ordinating organisations have special agreement with Dr Lam or his authorised Master Trainer. In the case the DVD is not included, Dr Lam strongly recommends you purchase it online by clicking the links below and learn the Twelve Forms prior to your workshop. This will increase your chance of gaining an instructor/leader's certificate significantly, more importantly you will learn a lot more and be more fullfilled at the completion of the workshop.
Also this book, 'Overcoming Arthritis', written by Dr Lam and Judith Horstman is a valuable resource for both you and your students. The book is published by DK and contains useful information on arthritis and 160 photos of all the movements of the program. There are Japanese and Dutch versions of these books available.
