Sarah Michelle Tam Lee – Physiotherapist | Oakville, ON

Sarah Michelle Tam Lee is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Central West Developmental Services in Oakville, ON, Sarah Tam Lee is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physiotherapists of Ontario standards. Sarah Tam Lee's focus is providing comprehensive assessment and treatment for a broad spectrum of musculoskeletal injuries, pain conditions, and movement dysfunctions to help patients of all ages restore function, manage pain, and improve their quality of life. Sarah Tam Lee serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors.

Sarah Michelle Tam Lee completed their degree in Physiotherapy from McMaster University (Graduating Class of 2010). With extensive clinical experience, Sarah Tam Lee is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-based physiotherapy practices. Sarah Tam Lee has a particular interest and further training in areas such as General Physiotherapy Practice and general physiotherapy.

Sarah Tam Lee employs a collaborative approach, working with patients to achieve their movement and functional goals. Sarah Tam Lee's patient-centered approach actively involves individuals in their treatment planning and goal setting. Sarah Tam Lee offers consultations in English.

Sarah Michelle Tam Lee provides skilled physiotherapist care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Back Neck Pain

• Postural Back/Neck Pain: Pain and muscle tension related to ergonomic factors at work or home, muscle imbalances, and suboptimal body mechanics or movement habits.
• Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD): Symptoms resulting from a whiplash injury, which can vary in severity (WAD Grades I-III) and duration, requiring a comprehensive physiotherapy approach for recovery.
• Spinal Stenosis Symptoms: Often age-related changes leading to pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots, causing pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs with walking (neurogenic claudication in lumbar stenosis) or in the arms/hands (cervical stenosis).
• Herniated Disc / Sciatica / Radiculopathy: Back or neck pain that often radiates into an arm or leg, potentially with numbness, tingling, weakness, or burning sensations, due to a spinal disc problem (herniation, protrusion, or bulge) compressing or irritating a nearby nerve root (radiculopathy). Sciatica specifically refers to radicular pain down the leg.

Joint Pain

• 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.
• 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.

Sports Injury

• Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (Runner's Knee / Anterior Knee Pain): Pain felt around, under, or behind the kneecap (patella), often described as a dull ache that is aggravated by activities like running, jumping, squatting, using stairs (especially going down), or prolonged sitting with the knee bent.
• Muscle Strains (e.g., Hamstring, Calf, Groin, Quadriceps, Rotator Cuff): Common athletic injuries affecting major muscle groups such as the hamstrings, calves, groin (adductors), quadriceps, or rotator cuff muscles of the shoulder.
• Shin Splints (Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome): Inflammation of the muscles, tendons, and bone tissue (periosteum) around the tibia, which requires rest, activity modification, and specific physiotherapy interventions for recovery.
• IT Band Syndrome (Iliotibial Band Friction Syndrome): A common cause of lateral knee pain in athletes, often linked to training errors, muscle imbalances (e.g., weak hip abductors), or poor biomechanics, which physiotherapy aims to address.

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 Tam Lee can assess your needs.

• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: Evidence-based exercise programs designed by your physiotherapist, including instruction and progression, to optimize your recovery and enhance your physical well-being.
• 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: Detailed physical assessment of your joints, muscles, nerves, and movement patterns to identify the root cause of your symptoms and guide your treatment.
• Strength & Conditioning for Rehabilitation and Performance: Customized strength training to address specific weaknesses identified in your assessment, helping to correct imbalances, improve movement efficiency, and achieve your physical objectives.
• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: Targeted exercises focused on strengthening the deep abdominal, back, pelvic floor, and diaphragm muscles to provide better support for your spine, improve posture, enhance balance, and increase movement efficiency.
• Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Specific stretches designed by your therapist to target tight muscle groups relevant to your condition, helping to improve your flexibility and reduce your risk of injury.

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

• Many find that breathing difficulties and shortness of breath with COPD or asthma, especially during activity significantly impacts their ability to going on birdwatching outings in various terrains. Sarah Tam Lee helps patients target improved hand and wrist function for tasks requiring dexterity with physiotherapy, making a return to these activities possible.
• Living with aches and pains that I'm pretty sure are from my bad posture at my desk doesn't have to be your norm. Sarah Tam Lee applies expert physiotherapy knowledge to work towards improved balance and coordination, leading to safer and more confident mobility in seniors, so you can get back to the simple pleasure of safely meeting the lifting requirements at their workplace.
• Discover how physiotherapy with Sarah Tam Lee can help you move beyond feeling 'off-balance' and worried about falling, especially as I get older. The focus is on sleeping more soundly through the night due to reduced pain and discomfort, enabling a joyful return to the activities you love, such as simply enjoying leisurely daily walks around their neighborhood for fresh air.
• If swelling in my arm or leg, possibly lymphedema, after surgery or treatment is preventing you from fully enjoying maintaining an upright posture while working on their computer for hours, Sarah Tam Lee offers expert guidance and tailored treatment. Physiotherapy focuses on attaining decreased frequency and intensity of headaches related to neck or postural issues, often utilizing targeted exercises, manual therapy, and education to help you regain your previous level of function.

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

Sarah Tam Lee practices at Central West Developmental Services, located in the Kerr Village, Glen Abbey East neighborhood of Oakville. The clinic is conveniently located near GO Stations and is accessible via Oakville Transit. Our clinic is accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

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.

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

In Ontario, you can typically see a Physiotherapist directly without a physician's referral (direct access). However, while a referral isn't legally required to see a Physiotherapist, some private/extended health insurance plans may require one for reimbursement. Check your insurance policy before your first appointment.

How long do physiotherapy appointments typically last?

Initial assessment appointments are generally longer to allow for a thorough evaluation and discussion, typically lasting between 45 to 60 minutes. Subsequent follow-up treatment sessions are usually shorter, often ranging from 30 to 45 minutes. However, the duration can vary depending on your specific needs, the complexity of your condition, the type of treatment being provided, and the treatment plan designed by your Physiotherapist.

What should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?

During your first visit, the Physiotherapist will conduct a detailed evaluation to get a full picture of your condition. This usually involves a thorough discussion about your symptoms, how they impact your daily life, any relevant medical history, and your personal goals for therapy. A physical assessment will then be performed to help pinpoint the cause of your problem and assess your physical capabilities. Afterwards, your therapist will explain their findings, collaborate with you to set treatment goals, and outline a proposed plan of care. You'll likely receive some initial advice, exercises, or hands-on treatment to begin your recovery journey.

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. Check your private insurance for coverage in a private clinic.

Central West Developmental Services
53 Bond Street
Oakville, ON, L6K 1L8

Phone: (905) 844-7864

Sarah Michelle Tam Lee 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: XXX87

Verify registration with The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario: https://portal.collegept.org/en-US/public-register/display-member-contact/?id=c5353b67-9002-e811-8136-480fcfeae051

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