Amber Tahir – Physiotherapist | Toronto, ON

Amber Tahir is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at St. Joseph Health Centre in Toronto, ON, Amber Tahir is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Amber Tahir addresses a wide range of muscle, joint, bone, tendon, and ligament conditions. This includes everything from acute injuries like sprains and strains, to chronic pain management, arthritis care, and comprehensive post-operative rehabilitation. Amber Tahir focuses on the unique health needs of older adults, aiming to improve and maintain mobility, strength, balance, manage age-related conditions like arthritis or osteoporosis, reduce fall risk, and enhance overall quality of life and independence. Amber Tahir serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Amber Tahir completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Liaquat National School of Physiotherapy (Graduating Class of 2001). With extensive clinical experience, Amber Tahir is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Amber Tahir has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy and Geriatric Physiotherapy / Seniors' Health.

Amber Tahir's practice philosophy centers on a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best care; a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals; and empowering patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results. Amber Tahir offers consultations in English, Hindi, Urdu.

Amber Tahir provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Hand Wrist

• Trigger Finger/Thumb (Stenosing Tenosynovitis): Conservative physiotherapy management for trigger digit, which may include splinting to rest the tendon, specific tendon gliding exercises, activity modification advice, modalities to reduce inflammation, and education to prevent recurrence.
• Hand and Wrist Injuries & Conditions (e.g., Fractures, Tendon Injuries, Sprains, Arthritis - Conservative/Post-Op): Specialized physiotherapy for conditions affecting the intricate structures of the hand and wrist, such as fractures (e.g., Colles', scaphoid), tendon lacerations or ruptures (e.g., flexor/extensor tendon repairs), ligament sprains/tears (e.g., skier's thumb, TFCC injuries), repetitive strain injuries, or arthritis (osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis). Includes both conservative management and post-operative rehabilitation.

Vestibular Balance

• General Balance Deficits and Increased Fall Risk: Physiotherapy aimed at improving your balance, coordination, lower limb strength, reaction time, and confidence to reduce your risk of falling and enhance safe mobility in your home and community.
• Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD / 3PD): A chronic functional dizziness disorder characterized by persistent sensations of dizziness, unsteadiness, or non-spinning vertigo (often lasting for 3 months or more), typically exacerbated by upright posture, active or passive motion, or exposure to complex or moving visual environments (e.g., busy supermarkets, scrolling on a screen). Often follows an acute vestibular event, medical illness, or period of psychological distress.
• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): Resolving the spinning sensations caused by BPPV quickly and effectively through targeted canalith repositioning techniques, often providing immediate relief.

This list offers examples of conditions commonly addressed. Diagnosis for physiotherapist is based on individual assessment, so if your specific concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic. Amber Tahir can assess your needs.

• Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) / Photobiomodulation: LLLT or 'cold laser' therapy to stimulate your body's natural healing processes, provide pain relief, and improve function in conditions like tendinopathies, arthritis, or soft tissue injuries.
• Spinal Decompression / Mechanical Traction: A specialized physiotherapy treatment that uses a traction table or manual techniques to gently decompress spinal structures, relieve pressure, and promote healing.
• Balance Training & Falls Prevention Programs: Helping you stay steady on your feet and maintain your independence through targeted balance and coordination exercises, and practical fall prevention education.
• Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT): A non-invasive, evidence-based treatment that uses high-energy sound waves to stimulate healing, reduce pain, and promote tissue regeneration in stubborn soft tissue conditions that haven't responded to other therapies.
• Home-Based Physiotherapy Visits (Mobile Physio): In-home rehabilitation programs tailored to your living space and functional needs, helping you regain independence with daily activities, manage pain, and improve mobility where you live.
• Tele-Rehabilitation / Virtual Physiotherapy Consultations: Receiving personalized physiotherapy care online through secure and interactive video sessions with your qualified Physiotherapist, including real-time exercise correction and tailored advice.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Amber Tahir, or to discuss your specific needs, please contact the clinic.

All services are provided in accordance with the scope of practice for Physiotherapists in ON and the standards set by The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario.

At St. Joseph Health Centre, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Amber Tahir frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• At Amber Tahir's physiotherapy practice, individuals with tendonitis pain flaring up in my shoulder, knee, elbow, or foot are guided towards feeling equipped with effective self-management strategies and exercises. The focus is on enabling you to once again participate fully and comfortably in activities you enjoy, such as being able to kneel or squat down to play with pets or children.
• Many individuals seek help from Amber Tahir, their physiotherapist, when recovering from surgery to my hand or wrist starts impacting daily life. Through a personalized physiotherapy plan, they often achieve the ability to sit for longer periods (e.g., at a desk, in a car) without significant discomfort, empowering them to joyfully return to activities like attending their favorite yoga and pilates classes without limitation.
• Amber Tahir believes that everyone deserves to move well and feel their best. If managing stiffness, tremors, and movement challenges with Parkinson's disease is hindering your ability to setting up and taking down equipment for hobbies or sports, a personalized plan focusing on improved coordination for complex movements and fine motor tasks can make all the difference.
• Patients struggling with feeling unsteady on my feet or experiencing dizziness and balance problems can find dedicated and compassionate support from Amber Tahir. The therapeutic focus is squarely on achieving getting back to hiking, running, or cycling pain-free and with renewed vigor, using a range of physiotherapy services to facilitate a return to meaningful daily activities such as keeping up with their team during our weekly soccer match.

Your personalized physiotherapy plan, developed with Amber Tahir, will be designed to help you reach your specific functional and wellness objectives.

Amber Tahir's practice is located at St. Joseph Health Centre, situated in the Parkdale, Roncesvalles neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near the Art Gallery of Ontario and is accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Our clinic is accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

What should I do if my condition seems to worsen after a physiotherapy session?

Some temporary post-treatment soreness can be normal, much like after a good workout. However, if your pain significantly worsens, if you develop new concerning symptoms, or if the discomfort doesn't settle down within a day or two, please call us. Your Physiotherapist would want to know so they can offer guidance and make any necessary adjustments to your care plan. Open communication is key to your successful recovery.

Is physiotherapy covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?

OHIP generally does NOT cover physiotherapy services in private outpatient clinics for most Ontarians. Publicly funded physiotherapy is available in specific situations (e.g., post-hospitalization for certain conditions, for children/youth, seniors, or through Community Physiotherapy Clinics/Family Health Teams), but eligibility criteria are strict and there may be waitlists. It is strongly recommended to check your private insurance coverage for physiotherapy services in private clinics.

Do I need a doctor's referral to see a Physiotherapist in ON?

In Ontario, you can typically see a Physiotherapist directly without a doctor's referral (direct access). However, some private/extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement. Always check your insurance policy before your first appointment.

How long do physiotherapy appointments typically last?

Your first physiotherapy appointment, which includes a detailed assessment and the development of your initial treatment plan, usually takes about 60 minutes. Follow-up appointments are typically scheduled for 30 to 45 minutes. The exact duration of each session will depend on the nature of your treatment and what your Physiotherapist has planned for that specific visit to best help you progress.

Will I be given exercises to do at home?

Yes, in almost all cases, you will receive a customized home exercise program. These exercises are carefully chosen by your Physiotherapist to specifically target your issues and help you achieve your functional goals faster and more effectively. Performing them as recommended is very important for your progress and for maintaining the improvements you make during your clinic visits.

St. Joseph Health Centre
30 The Queensway
Toronto, ON, M6R 1B5

Phone: (416) 530-6000

Amber Tahir is regulated by the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 and Physiotherapy Act, 1991 in ON and is a registered member of The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario.

Registration Number: XXX66

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=82982133-835b-e811-8147-480fcff4f671

Always consult with your primary healthcare provider before starting any new treatment program.