Qigong Practice within Physiotherapy Rehabilitation

Luke McManus   BScPT
Registered Physiotherapist
updated Mar 31, 2025

Qigong is an ancient mind-body practice estimated to have originated in China 3000-5000 years ago. Qigong exercises usually involve gentle physical movements of the arms, legs and trunk coordinated with slow and relaxed breathing.

There are many different types and styles of qigong practice around the world but a common theme among authentic practices is that they have long been used to improve physical health as well as encourage more peace and calm in one’s daily life. Qigong is also a common practice amongst traditional martial arts practitioners.

Tai chi is a form of qigong practice that many people have seen before, and this often looks like slow, smooth and rhythmic movements performed in group classes and often outdoors in nature.

Qigong has been a personal passion of mine for many years and I have discovered specific cases in my physiotherapy practice where qigong exercises can successfully complement more traditional physiotherapy exercises such as strength training and cardiovascular exercise.

Who would benefit from qigong exercises?

Many people stand to benefit from qigong practice as part of their rehabilitation plan. At Cornerstone Physiotherapy, the types of injuries and presentations that I find qigong to be a good option as part of their rehabilitation include:

• Persistent pain, e.g., chronic low back pain and neck pain
• Pain that includes central nervous system sensitization. This is where aspects of the central nervous system are more sensitized and on high alert. This can be measured with a questionnaire called the Central Sensitization Inventory (CSI), with a score of over 40 indicating central sensitization.
• Conditions with a lot of fear associated with movements that are often still safe to perform with supervision

What does Qigong look like?

Qigong exercises within a physiotherapy context are usually performed in a standing position and involve different types of slow, relaxed movements of the arms, trunk and legs. All movements are coordinated with slow breathing patterns and practiced to help progressively relax muscle tension.

Can any physiotherapist prescribe Qigong exercises?

In the context of physiotherapy, qigong exercises should only be prescribed by clinicians who are knowledgeable and experienced in prescribing these exercises alongside regular physiotherapy treatment and physical exercise. Practitioners should have specific training in qigong in a physiotherapy setting to help prevent complications from the exercises and to ensure that the most effective exercises are prescribed.

What are the goals of Qigong exercises?

The goals of qigong are always in line with the goals of more traditional physiotherapy exercises, with a particular focus on:

• Managing pain
• Reducing muscle tension
• Improving attention towards safe, comfortable movements to improve function
• Developing self-guided strategies for situations of stress that correlate with higher pain levels

Qigong exercises usually take between 5 minutes and 15 minutes to practice at home once or twice per day.

If you are wondering whether qigong exercises may be helpful in your physiotherapy management, please ask your physiotherapist at Cornerstone Physiotherapy.

About the author

Luke McManus

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