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 in Osteopathic Manual Practice), Tara provides personalized treatment to address each patient's individual needs.  

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

As head trainer and 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 from 2021 to 2024 on 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. She now teaches ethics at the Sutherland Chan School of Osteopathy.

Passionate about teaching and sharing her knowledge, Tara was a member of the faculty at the Canadian College of Osteopathy and its affiliated colleges across Canada, Europe, and South America from 2001 to 2020. From 2012 to 2018, she served as Director of Education at 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 in Arequipa, Peru. In September 2020, Tara retired from teaching at the Canadian College of Osteopathy.

In November 2022, Tara purchased the MR5 Activ Pro Laser to assist in treatment. Laser therapy helps increase blood flow and reduce 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 treatment method.

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

In December 2019, the office purchased Saccade Analytics software to quantify vestibulo-ocular motor screening (VOMS). The analysis helps to assess, target treatment, and provide post-treatment evaluation in order to focus on 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)