Sarah Jane Toms – Physiotherapist | Burlington, ON

Sarah Jane Toms is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Joseph Brant Hospital in Burlington, ON, Sarah Toms is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Sarah Toms'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. Sarah Toms also manages acute and chronic conditions affecting the heart and lungs, such as COPD, asthma, bronchiectasis, post-operative cardiac or respiratory recovery, and post-COVID symptoms. This involves breathing exercises, airway clearance, exercise prescription, and education. Sarah Toms serves adults.

Sarah Jane Toms completed their degree in Physiotherapy from McMaster University (Graduating Class of 1996). With extensive clinical experience, Sarah Toms is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Sarah Toms has a particular interest and further training in areas such as Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy and Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy.

Sarah Toms's practice philosophy centers on promoting preventative care and long-term wellness for the Burlington community through proactive physiotherapy. Sarah Toms employs a patient-centered approach, actively involving individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Sarah Toms offers consultations in English.

Sarah Jane Toms provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Back Neck Pain

• Postural Back/Neck Pain: Discomfort, aching, stiffness, or muscle fatigue in the back or neck arising from sustained or awkward postures during daily activities, prolonged work (e.g., desk work, computer use), or sleep.
• Herniated Disc / Sciatica / Radiculopathy: Sharp, shooting, electric-like, or burning pain that travels along the path of a nerve due to issues with intervertebral discs or other spinal structures.
• Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD): Neck, shoulder, and upper back discomfort, often accompanied by headaches or 'brain fog', after a sudden jerking motion of the head, such as in a rear-end collision.

Joint Pain

• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): Joint pain, aching, and functional limitation due to the progressive loss of cartilage, which physiotherapy can help manage through exercise, education, and pain relief strategies.
• 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.

Common Musculoskeletal

• Knee Pain (e.g., Patellofemoral Syndrome, Meniscal Issues - conservative, Ligament Sprains): Pain, swelling, clicking, locking, or instability in or around the knee joint from various causes like ligament sprains (e.g., ACL, MCL), meniscal tears (managed conservatively), or patellofemoral (kneecap) pain.
• Low Back Pain (Acute or Chronic): Lower back issues that restrict your ability to bend, lift, sit for long periods, or enjoy your usual activities without discomfort.
• Wrist and Hand Pain (e.g., Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, De Quervain's Tenosynovitis, Strains): Disorders affecting hand and wrist function, making daily tasks such as gripping objects, typing, writing, or fine motor activities difficult and painful.

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. Sarah Toms can assess your needs.

• Interferential Current (IFC) / TENS Therapy: The use of specific electrical stimulation devices (IFC or TENS) by your Physiotherapist to provide pain relief, reduce muscle spasm, decrease swelling, or promote muscle activation and re-education.
• Neural Mobilization Techniques (Nerve Gliding): Specialized manual techniques aimed at restoring normal movement and function to peripheral nerves that may be compressed, adhered, or under tension.
• Other Electrotherapy Applications (e.g., NMES, FES): The therapeutic use of different electrical currents by your Physiotherapist to achieve specific physiological effects, such as improving muscle contraction, reducing atrophy, or enhancing functional movement.
• Manual Therapy (Joint Mobilization & Manipulation): Skilled hands-on techniques, including gentle joint mobilizations (smooth, rhythmic movements) and, where appropriate and authorized, joint manipulations (quick, precise thrusts) to restore optimal movement, reduce pain, and improve joint function.
• Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT): ESWT for chronic tendinopathies, heel spurs, and other musculoskeletal problems, aiming to break down scar tissue, increase blood flow, and trigger a healing response.
• Therapeutic Heat Application: Superficial heat application carefully monitored by your therapist to promote relaxation, pain relief, and enhance the effectiveness of other treatments.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Sarah Toms, 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 Joseph Brant Hospital, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Sarah Toms frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Many find that trying to stay as mobile and active as possible while living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) significantly impacts their ability to performing tasks requiring fine motor skills and dexterity with ease. Sarah Toms helps patients target successfully integrating safe movement strategies into their daily routines with physiotherapy, making a return to these activities possible.
• Through personalized physiotherapy at Sarah Toms's clinic, common concerns like trouble with a constantly stiff and sore neck, making turning my head a pain are thoroughly assessed and addressed with the objective of enjoying cycling or swimming regularly without pain or limitation. This often involves a combination of in-clinic treatment, education, and self-management strategies, helping people to once again enjoy activities like enjoying long, challenging hikes on weekends again.
• With Sarah Toms's help, managing awful foot pain first thing in the morning, like I'm walking on glass (plantar fasciitis) to achieve getting back to hiking, running, or cycling pain-free and with renewed vigor becomes a clear journey, allowing patients to confidently re-engage with life and activities like reaching for items on high shelves or in cupboards without shoulder strain.
• The path to recovery from needing help to get moving again after a long period of illness or inactivity and achieving improved balance and coordination, leading to safer and more confident mobility in seniors for driving for longer periods without neck or back pain often starts with expert guidance. Sarah Toms, a skilled physiotherapist, provides just that.

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

Sarah Toms practices at Joseph Brant Hospital, located in the Aldershot South neighborhood of Burlington. The clinic is conveniently located near Downtown Burlington Shops and is accessible via Burlington Transit. Our clinic is accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

What are Joseph Brant Hospital's operating hours?

Joseph Brant Hospital is typically open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM, and some practitioners offer Saturday appointments from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. However, hours can vary by practitioner and day, so please call their office or check their website for the most current hours and specific practitioner availability.

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.

What types of conditions do Physiotherapists at Joseph Brant Hospital treat?

Our Physiotherapists treat a wide range of musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiorespiratory conditions. This includes, but is not limited to, issues like back and neck pain, joint problems (such as arthritis or post-surgical recovery), sports injuries, and nerve pain. We also have therapists with specialized skills in areas like Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy and general physiotherapy. Our treatments often involve manual therapy, electrotherapy, and patient education to help you achieve your functional goals.

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. However, some private/extended health insurance plans require a referral for reimbursement. Check your insurance policy before your first appointment.

How long do physiotherapy appointments typically last?

You can expect your initial physiotherapy visit to be around an hour long. This extended time allows for a comprehensive assessment of your condition and a collaborative discussion about your treatment goals. Subsequent follow-up sessions are generally between 30 and 45 minutes, though this can be adjusted based on your individual requirements. Your Physiotherapist will advise on the appropriate appointment length for your specific care.

What should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?

The first physiotherapy session is primarily an in-depth assessment. Expect to spend time talking with your Physiotherapist about your specific issue, its history, and your overall health background. Your therapist will then perform various physical tests to assess your movement, strength, and any areas of concern. The main goal of this first visit is to understand your condition fully so that a tailored and effective treatment plan can be developed collaboratively with you. You might also receive your first set of home exercises or some initial hands-on care to start the healing process.

Is there anything specific I should bring to my first physiotherapy appointment?

For your first visit, please bring your provincial health card, any relevant medical information such as a doctor's referral note (if you have one), reports from recent imaging (like X-rays, MRI, or ultrasound scans), and a list of your current medications. Also, if you plan to use private health insurance, bring your insurance card or policy details. Finally, wear or bring comfortable clothing suitable for assessment and movement.

Joseph Brant Hospital
1245 Lakeshore Road
Burlington, ON, L7S 0A2

Phone: (905) 632-3737

Sarah Jane Toms 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: XXX49

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=dbaf02e0-8b02-e811-813c-480fcff44541

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