Rachel Ka-Yen Tam – Physiotherapist | Richmond Hill, ON

Rachel Ka-Yen Tam is a dedicated Physiotherapist (Resident Physiotherapist). Practicing at York-Med Physiotherapy and Wellness Centre in Richmond Hill, ON, Rachel Tam is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Rachel Tam's focus is addressing 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. Rachel Tam serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Rachel Ka-Yen Tam completed their degree in Physiotherapy from Brunel University London (Graduating Class of 2023). With clinical experience, Rachel Tam is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Rachel Tam has a particular interest or further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Rachel Tam empowers patients through clear education about their condition and practical self-management strategies for lasting results; a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Rachel Tam offers consultations in English.

Rachel Ka-Yen Tam provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Joint Pain

• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): A chronic condition causing joint discomfort, stiffness (especially in the morning or after inactivity), and impacting your ability to perform daily activities, walk, or engage in hobbies.
• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Persistent tendon pain that can interfere with your sports, work, or daily activities, often requiring specific loading programs and advice from a physiotherapist for effective management.

Common Musculoskeletal

• Low Back Pain (Acute or Chronic): Pain, discomfort, or stiffness in the lumbar spine region, whether it's a sudden onset or a long-lasting issue affecting your daily life.
• Knee Pain (e.g., Patellofemoral Syndrome, Meniscal Issues - conservative, Ligament Sprains): Aching, sharp pain, a feeling of the knee 'giving way', or difficulty fully bending or straightening your knee.

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. Rachel Tam can assess your needs.

• Neural Mobilization Techniques (Nerve Gliding): Gentle, specific movements and mobilizations designed to address nerve-related pain (like sciatica or carpal tunnel symptoms), tingling, numbness, or restrictions by improving the nerve's ability to glide freely and reducing irritation.
• Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Teaching you essential strategies and exercises to manage your symptoms independently, accelerate recovery, and prevent future problems.
• 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): A systematic screening process, such as FMS™ or SFMA™ (if your Physiotherapist is certified), to understand how you move and guide preventative or corrective exercise programs.
• Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Assessment: An in-depth examination to fully understand your specific condition, allowing your Physiotherapist to create an effective and personalized rehabilitation plan.
• Soft Tissue Mobilization & Release Techniques: Hands-on treatment focusing on your body's soft tissues to restore pliability, reduce discomfort, and optimize movement quality.

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

• At Rachel Tam's physiotherapy practice, individuals with sharp pain shooting down my leg, feeling a lot like sciatica are guided towards a safe and confident return to their favorite sport or recreational activity. The focus is on enabling you to once again participate fully and comfortably in activities you enjoy, such as sleeping soundly through the night without being woken by pain or discomfort.
• Rachel Tam frequently assists patients in overcoming the effects of pain or weakness that's stopping me from enjoying my favorite hobbies. A carefully designed physiotherapy program, potentially including specialized manual techniques and progressive exercises, targets feeling less fatigued during physical activities and throughout the day and supports your enthusiastic engagement in desired activities like being able to kneel or squat down to play with pets or children.
• Through personalized physiotherapy at Rachel Tam's clinic, common concerns like that nagging tennis elbow (or golfer's elbow) that flares up with activity are thoroughly assessed and addressed with the objective of less reliance on pain medication, trusting more in their body's ability to heal and function. This often involves a combination of in-clinic treatment, education, and self-management strategies, helping people to once again enjoy activities like maintaining their balance and stability while walking on uneven ground or trails.
• The journey to a greater sense of body confidence and trust in their physical abilities when faced with persistent an awkward gait or limping when I walk is made smoother and more effective with Rachel Tam's expert physiotherapy care, often leading to a fulfilling and active return to pastimes like attending concerts or theatre shows and sitting comfortably throughout.

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

Rachel Tam practices at York-Med Physiotherapy and Wellness Centre, situated in the Central Richmond Hill, Mill Pond neighborhood of Richmond Hill. The clinic is conveniently located near Headwaters Community Park and is accessible via York Region Transit (YRT) / Viva. Our clinic is accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

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. Always check your private/extended health insurance plan, as many offer significant physiotherapy coverage for services in private clinics.

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.

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

Patients in ON can typically see a Physiotherapist directly without a physician's referral (direct access). However, some private/extended health insurance plans require a referral for reimbursement. Check your insurance policy before your first appointment.

I have private health insurance. How does that work with physiotherapy payments?

Many private health insurance plans offer full or partial coverage for registered physiotherapy services. Contact your insurance provider before your first appointment to understand your plan's specifics (annual maximum, per-visit limits, co-payments, referral requirements, direct billing). If York-Med Physiotherapy and Wellness Centre offers direct billing and your plan allows it, they can bill your insurer directly for the covered portion. You'll be responsible for any co-payment or remaining balance. Bring your insurance card and policy details to your appointment. If direct billing isn't possible, you'll receive a receipt to submit to your insurer.

Does York-Med Physiotherapy and Wellness Centre offer direct billing to private insurance companies?

Please contact York-Med Physiotherapy and Wellness Centre directly to inquire about their direct billing capabilities. Always confirm your specific coverage details with your insurance provider, including any annual maximums, per-visit limits, or deductible requirements, as plans vary significantly. You are responsible for any portion not covered by your insurance.

York-Med Physiotherapy and Wellness Centre
310-250 Harding Blvd
Richmond Hill, ON, L4C 9M7

Phone: (905) 737-1928

Rachel Ka-Yen Tam 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: XXX14

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=e3d1e842-8ec5-ef11-b8e8-002248aeff4a

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