Sarah Tabler – Physiotherapist | Airdrie, AB

Sarah Tabler is a dedicated Physiotherapist. Practicing at Lifemark (Airdrie Genesis Place) in Airdrie, AB, Sarah is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care aligning with College of Physical Therapists of Alberta (CPTA) standards. She specializes in 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's approach emphasizes personalized care, integrating evidence-based practices with a compassionate understanding of each patient's unique needs. She works closely with her patients to develop tailored treatment plans that promote optimal recovery, prevent future injuries, and enhance overall physical well-being. Her goal is to empower individuals through education and active participation in their rehabilitation journey.

With a strong foundation in physiotherapy education and ongoing professional development, Sarah remains committed to staying current with the latest techniques and research. She offers care primarily in English, ensuring clear communication and understanding throughout the treatment process.

Sarah Tabler provides skilled physiotherapy care for a variety of conditions, including but not limited to:

Joint Pain

• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Conditions like 'jumper's knee' (patellar tendinopathy), 'swimmer's shoulder' (rotator cuff tendinopathy), or 'tennis elbow' (lateral epicondylitis) caused by tendon issues that limit your ability to perform specific tasks.
• 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.

Back Neck Pain

• Postural Back/Neck Pain: Muscular pain, trigger points, and tension headaches resulting from habitual poor posture, which can be addressed with postural re-education, exercises, and ergonomic advice.
• 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.

Sports Injury

• Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (Runner's Knee / Anterior Knee Pain): Knee discomfort frequently experienced by runners, cyclists, and those involved in activities with repetitive knee bending, which physiotherapy can effectively manage through exercise and biomechanical correction.
• Muscle Strains (e.g., Hamstring, Calf, Groin, Quadriceps, Rotator Cuff): Acute pain, swelling, bruising, localized tenderness, and weakness in a muscle, often occurring during activities like sprinting, jumping, lifting, or throwing.

This list offers examples of conditions commonly addressed. If your specific concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic. Sarah can assess your needs.

• Patient Education & Self-Management Strategies: Providing clear guidance on self-care techniques, activity modifications, and beneficial lifestyle adjustments for long-term well-being and injury prevention.
• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: Specialized workouts to enhance your core strength, stability, and endurance, which are crucial for injury prevention, back health, and efficient performance in daily activities and sports.
• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: Customized exercise plans designed to help you recover from injury, manage chronic conditions, improve physical performance, and achieve your functional goals safely and effectively.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

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

All services are provided in accordance with standards set by the College of Physical Therapists of Alberta (CPTA).

At Lifemark (Airdrie Genesis Place), physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Sarah frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Living with one leg feeling shorter than the other, causing hip or back pain doesn't have to be your norm. Sarah applies expert physiotherapy knowledge to work towards experiencing significant pain relief, allowing for a more comfortable daily life, so you can get back to the simple pleasure of resuming your weightlifting routine at the gym safely.
• Many find that dealing with ongoing pain and stiffness after a car accident, like whiplash significantly impacts their ability to reaching for items on high shelves or in cupboards without shoulder strain. Sarah helps patients target enjoying less stiffness in the mornings and throughout the day with physiotherapy, making a return to these activities possible.
• Sarah believes that everyone deserves to move well and feel their best. If needing help to get moving again after a long period of illness or inactivity is hindering your ability to taking group exercise classes at the community center, a personalized plan focusing on feeling less fatigued during physical activities and throughout the day can make all the difference.

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

Sarah practices at Lifemark (Airdrie Genesis Place), situated in the Airdrie East neighborhood of Airdrie. The clinic is conveniently located near Downtown Airdrie and is accessible via Airdrie Transit (Local routes & ICE to Calgary). Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.

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

In Alberta, patients can typically access physiotherapy services directly through a process known as direct access, meaning a physician's referral is not legally required to see a Physiotherapist. However, some private and extended health insurance plans do require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable for patients to check their specific insurance policies before their first appointment to clarify coverage requirements.

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.

Is physiotherapy covered by the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) in AB?

Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) provides limited coverage for physiotherapy services, typically after hospital discharge or for specific low-income individuals and seniors through particular programs. Most outpatient private clinic physiotherapy services are not directly covered by AHCIP for the general population. Patients are encouraged to check current AHCIP details and their private insurance plans for coverage options.

Will I be given exercises to do at home?

Absolutely! Home exercises are a vital part of your rehabilitation journey and empower you to take an active role in your recovery process. Your Physiotherapist will carefully select and teach you exercises specific to your needs. These exercises help to reinforce what's done in the clinic, manage your condition effectively, and ensure you continue progressing towards your goals even when you're not in a session.

Is physiotherapy treatment supposed to be painful?

The primary goal of physiotherapy is generally to reduce pain and improve function, not to cause significant or lasting pain. Some assessment techniques or specific treatments (like deep soft tissue work, joint mobilization, or certain exercises) might cause mild, temporary discomfort or soreness, especially if the tissues being treated are sensitive, inflamed, or very stiff. However, your Physiotherapist will always work within your tolerance levels, communicate clearly about what to expect, and encourage open feedback. If you experience notable or unacceptable pain during treatment, please inform your therapist immediately so adjustments can be made to ensure your comfort.

Lifemark (Airdrie Genesis Place)
100, 800 East Lake Blvd NE
Airdrie, AB T4A 2K9

Sarah Tabler is regulated by the Health Professions Act in AB and is a member of the College of Physical Therapists of Alberta (CPTA).

License #9301

Registration can be verified with the College of Physical Therapists of Alberta (CPTA).

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