Melisa Tammi-Cheah – Physiotherapist | Toronto, ON

Melisa Tammi-Cheah is a dedicated Physiotherapist (Neurological Rehabilitation Focus). Practicing at Balance Physiotherapy in Toronto, ON, Melisa Tammi-Cheah is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Melisa Tammi-Cheah's role involves assisting individuals in recovering function, improving mobility, managing symptoms, and enhancing quality of life after neurological events or conditions such as stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, Multiple Sclerosis, or Parkinson's Disease. Melisa Tammi-Cheah serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors, providing compassionate and expert care tailored to each individual's unique needs and goals.

Melisa Tammi-Cheah completed their degree in Physiotherapy from University of Toronto (Graduating Class of 1994). With extensive clinical experience, Melisa Tammi-Cheah is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Melisa Tammi-Cheah has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Neurological Physiotherapy, ensuring that Melisa Tammi-Cheah's patients receive the most up-to-date and effective treatments available.

Melisa Tammi-Cheah's practice philosophy centers on a strong commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous professional learning to provide the best possible care. Melisa Tammi-Cheah adopts a collaborative approach, working closely with patients to understand their individual concerns and collaboratively achieve their movement and functional goals. Melisa Tammi-Cheah offers consultations in English.

Melisa Tammi-Cheah provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Concussion

• Concussion / Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) & Post-Concussion Syndrome: Physiotherapy for concussion recovery, focusing on symptom management, restoring normal function, and preventing long-term complications through evidence-based interventions.

Joint Pain

• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): Commonly known as 'wear-and-tear' arthritis, this condition affects various joints, often worsening with age, overuse, or previous injury, and can significantly impact daily function.
• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Inflammation (tendinitis) or, more commonly, degeneration (tendinosis/tendinopathy) of tendons, leading to localized pain that typically worsens with activity or loading of the tendon.

Vestibular Balance

• Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD / 3PD): A common cause of chronic dizziness that can be helped with specific physiotherapy strategies aimed at desensitizing the brain to provocative stimuli and normalizing reliance on sensory inputs.
• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): Brief, often intense, episodes of dizziness or a spinning sensation (vertigo) triggered by specific changes in head position (e.g., rolling over in bed, looking up, bending down), caused by displaced inner ear crystals (otoconia).

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. Melisa Tammi-Cheah can assess your needs.

• Tele-Rehabilitation / Virtual Physiotherapy Consultations: Providing physiotherapy assessment, diagnosis, treatment guidance, education, exercise prescription, and self-management strategies remotely via secure video conferencing technology.
• Balance Training & Falls Prevention Programs: Specific training programs to enhance your sense of body position, improve your reaction times to unexpected balance disturbances, and build confidence in your ability to move safely in various environments.
• Home-Based Physiotherapy Visits (Mobile Physio): Bringing expert physiotherapy services to you when clinic visits are challenging, ensuring continuity of care and personalized attention in your familiar surroundings.
• Postural Assessment and Correction: Identifying and addressing habitual postures (e.g., from desk work, phone use) or ergonomic factors that may be contributing to your pain or dysfunction.
• Functional Movement Screening (FMS™/SFMA™ if certified): Assessing your fundamental movement patterns to identify limitations, asymmetries, and potential risk factors for injury or re-injury.
• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: A complete assessment of your musculoskeletal system to pinpoint issues, set clear rehabilitation goals, and get you started on the path to recovery.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Melisa Tammi-Cheah, 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 Balance Physiotherapy, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Melisa Tammi-Cheah frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Many patients have found lasting relief from facial weakness or drooping on one side (like Bell's Palsy) and achieved regaining full function in an injured area, enabling a return to cherished activities under the skilled care of Melisa Tammi-Cheah. This renewed physical ability often allows them to re-engage with beloved activities such as running their usual 5k route without knee pain with a new lease on life.
• It's truly rewarding for Melisa Tammi-Cheah to witness patients conquer my child walking on their toes most of the time and experience a renewed sense of vitality and enthusiasm for daily activities. A tailored approach to physiotherapy, focusing on your specific needs, can make a significant difference in your ability to participate in cycling longer distances with their cycling club again.
• Living with my infant having a tilted head or a flat spot on their head (torticollis/plagiocephaly) doesn't have to be your norm. Melisa Tammi-Cheah applies expert physiotherapy knowledge to work towards improved performance in work-related physical demands, so you can get back to the simple pleasure of swimming laps at the pool for fitness and relaxation.
• Patients often come to Melisa Tammi-Cheah feeling defeated by managing stiffness, tremors, and movement challenges with Parkinson's disease. With a supportive and targeted physiotherapy approach, achieving improved coordination for complex movements and fine motor tasks and resuming spending hours gardening comfortably, without subsequent back or knee strain becomes a realistic and attainable goal.

Your personalized physiotherapy plan, developed with Melisa Tammi-Cheah, will be designed to help you reach your specific functional and wellness objectives.

Melisa Tammi-Cheah practices at Balance Physiotherapy, situated in the Don Mills North neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near Kensington Market and is accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Our clinic is accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

What is Balance Physiotherapy's appointment cancellation policy?

We understand that schedules can change unexpectedly. To ensure we can accommodate all our patients efficiently, we kindly request at least 24 hours' notice (or one business day) for any appointment cancellations or rescheduling. This allows us to offer the time slot to other patients who may be waiting for care. A fee equivalent to 50% of the service cost may be charged for late cancellations (less than 24 hours' notice) or missed appointments (no-shows) without sufficient notice. Please contact our clinic as soon as possible if you need to make any changes to your appointment.

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

Patients in Ontario can typically see a Physiotherapist directly without a physician's referral (this is known as direct access). However, while a doctor's referral may not be legally required to see a Physiotherapist, some private/extended health insurance plans do require one for reimbursement of physiotherapy services. We strongly advise you to check the specific requirements of your individual insurance policy before your first appointment.

How can I book an appointment at Balance Physiotherapy?

You can book an appointment by calling our clinic directly at (416) 386-0384 during our business hours. Our friendly reception team will be happy to assist you in finding a suitable appointment time with the right physiotherapist for your needs.

What is manual therapy in physiotherapy?

In physiotherapy, manual therapy encompasses a range of 'hands-on' interventions. Your Physiotherapist may use these techniques to help reduce your pain, increase joint movement, relax tight muscles, or improve the mobility of your nerves. Common approaches include joint glides, sustained pressures, specific soft tissue massage, and, when indicated, joint manipulations. It's a key part of helping your body move better.

Does Balance Physiotherapy offer direct billing to private insurance companies?

While we do not offer direct billing at this time, we provide detailed official receipts that you can easily submit to your insurer for reimbursement according to your plan. Please bring your insurance card and policy details to your appointment and always confirm your specific coverage details, including any annual maximums, per-visit limits, or deductible requirements, directly with your insurance provider, as plans vary significantly. You are responsible for any portion not covered by your insurance.

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 of the population. 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. We strongly advise checking your private insurance for private clinic coverage.

Balance Physiotherapy
8-12 Upjohn Road
Toronto, ON, M3B 2V9

Phone: (416) 386-0384

Melisa Tammi-Cheah 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: XXX35

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=1d428051-8b02-e811-8134-480fcff4f671

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