Doctor of Physical Therapy

Dr. Lauren Mallari-Snyder PT, DPT specializes in Women's Health and Orthopedics.
Dr. Aaron Snyder PT, DPT, CFMT, ATC specializes in Performance, Prehab and Orthopedics.
Dr. Linda Annan PT, DPT specializes in Women's Health and Orthopedics.
Dr. Rod Alford PT, DPT specializes in Performance, Prehab, and Orthopedics


Manual Lymphatic Drainage

Dr. Rowena Tam PT, DPT, CLT specializes in lymphedema physical therapy

Growing up in Illinois and as the son of a medical doctor, sports and healthcare pervaded my everyday life. I have been involved in athletics my whole life playing soccer, track, and football as well as partaking in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu which has given me unique insight on how the human body reacts when given different challenges or sustaining a certain injury.

I received both my Bachelor in Nutrition/Dietetics and Doctorate in physical therapy at Northern Illinois where I completed my thesis on ACL tears in the female population 18-35. I went on to work in several therapy settings including, burns/wounds, NICU, acute care, home health and outpatient rehab in various cities across the US. I have been honored to work with pro athletes across the 4 major sports as well competitive highschool and college athletes and weekend warriors.

I am passionate about taking a holistic approach with all of my clients and working to diagnose the true cause of their dysfunction. With training ranging from aquatic therapy, various manual interventions, and strength and conditioning, I am comfortable working with any musculoskeletal malady that may ail you, with my enthusiasm peaking with overhead athletes and martial artists.

I have enjoyed making San Diego my new home and participating in activities such as kayaking, BJJ, hiking, and weightlifting. I look forward to helping you get back to the activities you love and optimizing your body’s capacity for movement.

Growing up in Illinois and as the son of a medical doctor, sports and healthcare pervaded my ever... Read More

My appreciation for the human body started at an early age, as I was a bit of a daredevil growing up. Unfortunately, this means I have also experienced my fair share of injuries. As a life-long athlete, I feel that I have a deeper understanding of how incredible the human body truly is. It has also allowed me to learn that if you give your body the correct tools, they can heal.

I graduated from Ithaca College, where I received both my undergraduate and doctoral degrees. In my journey of becoming a physical therapist, I found my niche in working with runners, athletes, in addition to specializing in pelvic health in order to better treat perinatal athletes. I also found a passion for coaching Lagree fitness method.

As your physical therapist, I use a full body approach with all of my treatments, including a complete movement assessment, biomechanics analysis, manual techniques and neuromuscular re-education in order to help you function at your best.

Whether you are newer to the exercise world, perinatal/postpartum, or training for your next marathon, it’s my goal to help you thrive the entire way!

My appreciation for the human body started at an early age, as I was a bit of a daredevil growing... Read More

I am currently on maternity leave and not treating patients at this time

As a Doctor of Physical Therapy, movement and the soft tissues and joint components related to movement, are my jam! Assessment and treatment must go far beyond range of motion and strength testing. I look at how your musculoskeletal, fascial, visceral, neurodynamics and neuromuscular control systems all work together and allow or impair the way you move.

For some of you, you’re moving and managing your body PLUS one (or two or three…) I’m talking pregnancy!

You, Mama, get the added challenge of navigating this life in your constantly changing body as you progress through each trimester of pregnancy and then into the fourth trimester, postpartum. Helping you is definitely one of my passions. You, Mamas, are our lifeline and who make this world go ‘round!

Whichever system and body part/s you’re struggling with, lets make sure your soft tissues and joints move, make sure you have control and strength of those areas and then use all that goodness to function easier, decrease pain or even better, prevent it! The ol’ bandaid technique does not work in this model!

I’m excited to share my style with you and get your body thriving!

Undergrad: San Diego State University. Graduated 2008. Earned Bachelors of Science in Kinesiology, Pre-Physical Therapy.

Grad School: University of St. Augustine in San Marcos, CA. Graduated 2011. Earned Doctorate in Physical Therapy.

I am currently on maternity leave and not treating patients at this time As a Doctor of Physical... Read More

I have been an athlete for my entire life which, sadly for me, means that I have experienced multiple injuries. I have felt, first hand, how different PT approaches can be life changing in either a good or bad way. I am committed to changing it for the good.

I devote my practice to making sure that each patient that I work with gets the best possible PT approach. I am determined to help you find the original cause of your pain, not just chase it. Chasing pain is a bandaid approach and really only leads to more chronic issues, which nobody wants!

As a Doctor of Physical Therapy, certified in Functional Manual Therapy (CFMT), I practice using a full body, holistic approach. I use manual techniques to address mechanical dysfunction of the soft tissues, joints, viscera and neuromuscular system while also utilizing manual neuromuscular facilitation to build motor control and return to efficient movement patterns needed for a Thriving body. With this approach, assessment and treatment must go far beyond range of motion and strength testing. The cookie cutter approach does not cut it in this treatment model.

So, whether you are a professional athlete, weekend warrior or just want to be able to perform daily tasks without pain, together we can develop a plan to return, and likely progress beyond, your normal functional level.

I look forward to meeting you and helping you achieve your full potential!

I have been an athlete for my entire life which, sadly for me, means that I have experienced mult... Read More

Hi, My name is Dr. Rowena Tam and I’m a lymphedema physical therapist. I work with anyone that has swelling after surgeries, lymphedema from medical complications like heart diseases or cancer. I even work with chronic fibrotic and edematous tissue from surgeries including cosmetic, orthopedic, and oncology procedures. I’m taking patients on limited basis due to my education and teaching responsibilities but I hope I get to meet you all at THRIVE if you need any manual lymphatic drainage help!

Fun fact: I am in a PhD program working to advance the research field in oncology rehab and also associated faculty at SDSU’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program. So if I bust out a whiteboard mid-session…you’ve been forewarned!

Hi, My name is Dr. Rowena Tam and I’m a lymphedema physical therapist. I work with anyone that ha... Read More

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Located at: 2389 5th Avenue, San Diego
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