Tara Drew, PT, PhD           

Physiotherapist,   Osteopathic Manual Practitioner

Tara Drew, PT, PhD

Drew Osteopathy

Tara is dedicated to providing the highest level of care to patients of all ages in Sioux Lookout, Ontario. As a Registered Physiotherapist (PT) and an Osteopathic Manual Practitioner (Diploma in the Science of Osteopathy, Diploma Osteopathic Manual Practice), Tara provides personalized treatment to address the individual needs of each patient.  

Tara has a love of the outdoors and is an avid golfer, enjoys downhill skiing, hiking and travel. In servicing the north, Tara previously led a team of osteopathic manual practitioners to provide humanitarian outreach to a northern First Nations Community from 2004 to 2016.

As head trainer, team physiotherapist, for the Sioux Lookout Bombers Jr A hockey team, Tara is responsible for the care and treatment of its players.

Tara worked with Sheridan College 2021-2024, in the development of courses for the new Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Osteopathy degree, and taught the first year Ethical Practice for Clinicians course in the program’s inaugural year.

Passionate about teaching and sharing her knowledge, from 2001 - 2020, Tara was a member of the faculty at the Canadian College of Osteopathy and its affiliate colleges across Canada, Europe, and South America. From 2012 to 2018, she was the Director of Education for the Canadian College of Osteopathy. As a professor at the college, she was responsible for the 1st year Strategies in Osteopathic Studying, 2nd year Dorsal II and TMJ, and the 4th year Introduction to the Digestive System and Research courses. Her teaching engagements included the Vancouver, Winnipeg, Toronto, Swiss and German Osteopathic colleges, and Universidad Catolica Santa Maria, Arequipa, Peru. In September 2020, Tara retired from teaching with the Canadian College of Osteopathy.

In November 2022, Tara purchased the MR5 Activ Pro Laser to assist in treatment. Laser helps to increase blood flow, and decrease pain and swelling in both acute and chronic conditions. The laser can also be used to stimulate acupuncture points with light energy instead of a needle. Laser is an effective and painless method of treatment.

In keeping current with evidence-based practice, Tara has completed courses in Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy and Concussion treatment with the American Institute of Balance and other concussion specialists.

In December 2019, the office purchased Saccade Analytics software that allows for quantification of vestibular ocular motor screening (VOMS). The analysis helps to assess, target treatment, and provide post treatment evaluation in order to focus exercises following concussion and brain injury. The assessment can also assist in targeting treatment for migraines and whiplash trauma.

Prior to starting her private practice, Tara worked as a Physiotherapist Officer with the Canadian Department of National Defence (1985-1994), and was the first active military therapist to be certified in acupuncture with the Acupuncture Foundation of Canada Institute. Tara retired as a Captain to civilian private practice in 1994. 

Education

Capella University (2010-2014)
Doctor of Philosphy (PhD), Post Secondary Adult Education, Graduation with Distinction

Capella University (2005-2008)
Masters Degree, Education, Graduation with Distinction

Canadian College of Osteopathy (1995-2001)
Diploma in Osteopathic Manual Practice (D.O.M.P.)  October 2001,                                                William Garner Sutherland Award,                   Diploma in the Science of Osteopathy (D.Sc.O.)

Queen's University (1985-1989)
Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy (ROTP, Canadian Armed Forces)