TCC for Chronic Pain

Marty Wilkes, R.N., Maple Plain, MN

T’ai Chi Chih is now an established component of the Chronic Pain Program at Sister Kenny Institute, Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis. The classes are taught by Mark Louris. In my new position as a nurse at the clinic I am able to see how much the patients enjoy TCC and encourage them to continue with their practice when they leave the three week program.

At Sister Kenny, the patients receive holistic treatment including physical exam, exercise training, nutrition counseling, biofeedback, acupressure, psychological and spiritual counseling and group support. It is a wonderful and highly successful program, paid for by insurance. I have been asked to give an inservice for the staff which I am sure will make them more likely to promote TCC to their patients. Chronic pain clinics are a growing industry throughout the county and present a great opportunity to share the benefits of TCC.