Diane Martin PT
Tai Chi Instructor

Diane Martin has been a physical therapist for 30 years treating clients with orthopedic, neurological and cardiac conditions along with many others. She graduated from University of Wisconsin with a degree in Physical Therapy and is currently completing her Doctorate in Physical Therapy through Boston University. Her family includes her wonderful husband (Doug), two children (Dan & Melissa) and their dog (Titus – though don’t tell him he is a dog!) For over 15 years, Diane has held a personal goal to work in a Mind Body clinic, treating individuals who struggle with chronic illnesses in a holistic approach.

About 12 years ago, Diane experienced an illness with a virus that eventually lead to problems with chronic fatigue, multiple joint arthralgias, lower extremity weakness and back problems. She found that traditional forms of exercise were not effective in helping her with these problems and began to explore many treatment options. Through this journey, she discovered Tai Chi Fundamentals, a program that uses a modified Tai Chi that was easier to learn than conventional forms. The “movement patterns” taught in this program are very similar to body mechanics and movement dynamics that she uses in her physical therapy practice. Diane received her certification as a Tai Chi Fundamentals Instructor by Tricia Yu in 2002 (www.taichihealth.com) and has taught group classes as well as use it in individual patient treatments. Diane has found the techniques used in Tai Chi--centering, mindfulness, posture and breathing have helped to control stress and tension as well as provide increased strength in the legs and trunk. Diane has personally experienced that Tai Chi, as well as other mind, body and spiritual work have helped her fight back to continue to improve her health and well-being.

In addition to this training, Diane has also attended numerous continuing education programs in other forms of complementary medicine such as: myofascial release, craniosacral therapy, Feldenkrais, muscle energy techniques, breathing and relaxation. She is an instructor at the University of Saint Francis in the Physical Therapist Assistant Program as well as a prn therapist with Mallers & Swoverland Orthopedic Physical Therapy.

“Fort Wayne is blessed to have the Kachmann Mind Body Institute to assist the medical community and individuals in the treatment of many stress-related disorders and illnesses that threaten quality of life.”