Tara Swim, MD
Board Certified Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Physician
Dr. Swim specializes in the treatment of spine conditions and offers nonsurgical treatments for these conditions, including:
Conditions:
- Cervical, Thoracic, and Lumbar Radiculopathy (pinched nerve)
- Facet Joint Pain
- Acute and Chronic Neck Pain
- Acute and Chronic Low Back Pain
- Herniated Disc
- Kyphosis
- Spinal Osteoarthritis
- Sacroiliac Joint Pain
- Knee Pain
- Shoulder Pain
- Degenerative Conditions of the Spine
- Myofascial Pain
Treatments:
- Electromyography/Nerve Conduction Studies (EMG/NCS)
- Epidural Steroid Injections
- Nerve Blocks
- Non-Opioid Pain Management
Clinic Locations
Tara Swim, MD
Tara Swim, MD is a Cleveland Clinic trained Interventional Spine physician, who joined the practice in 2022. She is a Board Certified Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Physician. Dr. Swim treats various spine conditions including acute and chronic low back pain, radiculopathies, and sacroiliac joint pain with physical therapy, non-opioid medications, and injection therapy.
Dr. Swim is an Ohio native, obtaining her bachelor’s degree from Heidelberg University and her medical degree from the University of Toledo College of Medicine. She then moved to Michigan to complete both her internship and residency at Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, MI, serving as chief resident in her last year. She then returned to Ohio to complete a fellowship at Cleveland Clinic to focus on non-operative treatment of neck and back pain including, education, therapy, non-opioid medications, and injection-based therapies.
As a physiatrist, her primary goal is to improve patients’ level of function. She realizes that every patient is an individual and hopes to provide her patients with individualized and compassionate care.
When not treating patients, Dr. Swim enjoys spending time with her husband and young son. She is an avid runner, exuberant but novice golfer, animal lover, and always an Ohio State Buckeye!
Education
- Undergraduate: Heidelberg University, Tiffin, OH
- Medical Degree: University of Toledo College of Medicine, Toledo, OH
Training
- Internship: Beaumont Hospital Royal Oak, Royal Oak, MI
- Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Residency: Beaumont Hospital Royal Oak, Royal Oak, MI
- Spine Medicine Fellowship: Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH
Professional Affiliations
- American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
- Spine Interventional Society
- North American Spine Society
Patient Testimonials
Patient Submitted Review
Jun-2025
Dr. Swim was very good. The process once you get back to the procedure room is very simple and easy. All of the nurses and her medical assistant were spot on! I had the procedure done in the office, not the surgery center!
rater8 Verified Patient
May-2025
Dr Swim is professional, kind, patient, and fantastic in her profession. Her bedside manner is top notch and she is able to put your mind at ease before and during procedures. I completely trust her and and her staff.
Patient Submitted Review
Apr-2025
Very pleasant and personable. Was eager to hear what I had to say about my complaint and collaborate on appropriate treatment modality. Clearly knowledgeable and experienced in her field. After first appt, would recommend 10/10.Patient Submitted Review
Apr-2025
She was amazing with actually listening to me and working to find a solution. She has such an amazing personality and made me feel like it was safe to trust her with my health. I highly recommend her.rater8 Verified Patient
Apr-2025
She was amazing, she really listened to me and she worked hard to figure out what others doctor's dismissed. So grateful I found and its such a relief to find a doctor who believes me and is willing to help.Patient Submitted Review
Mar-2025
I had a great experience with Dr. Swim. She was incredibly friendly and had a wonderful bedside manner, making me feel comfortable throughout the entire visit. She took the time to ensure I understood everything we were doing and explained things clearly and concisely. I also appreciated how efficient she was—she got straight to the point without making the appointment feel rushed. What stood out most was her thoroughness and willingness to explore alternative explanations for my concerns, ensuring nothing was overlooked. I highly recommend Dr. Swim to anyone looking for a knowledgeable and thoughtful provider!Patient Submitted Review
Mar-2025
I am very pleased with my visit with Dr Swim. She is professional,informative, courteous , and compassionate . I am now better prepared to deal with the issues due to my condition and feel confident in moving forward with my treatment.
Patient Submitted Review
Feb-2025
I love her she is the best the best the best she explains everything to you She’s very patient. Talk to you before and after even if you have questions Pertaining to what another doctor told you she’ll give you her best answer possible and has the best attitude ever she’s always smiling. She gets more than attention. She gets 100 from me.rater8 Verified Patient
Jan-2025
Dr. Swim provided me with one of the best experiences I’ve ever encountered at a physicians office. Every detail was explained to me during my procedure. Her bedside manner was impeccable! I would recommend her to anyone with nerve issues.Patient Submitted Review
Jan-2025
Dr. Swim saw an unexpected condition happening to me as she was preparing to perform a scheduled procedure. She immediately dealt with the problem, relieving my pain, and completed the operation. I trust her always to take the time (and her expertise) to treat the patient as a human being!Patient Submitted Review
Jan-2025
Dr. Swim is a wonderful and awesome doctor. She listens and comes up with a plan to help with my back pain. Her staff is also nice, courteous, and they care. She makes sure you understand everything that is going on. During injections, she explains every move during the procedure. I am in and out in no time.rater8 Verified Patient
Dec-2024
Dr. Swim, showed genuine interest when talking to me about my hip pain. She was very thorough in her exam and went out of her way to consult all my tests and other physicians in the practice concerning my hip problem. I would highly recommend her and you will love her “ bed side manner”. She cares about the patient.Patient Submitted Review
Dec-2024
I have only met Dr. swim twice and I think she is a remarkable doctor her attitude and her caring for her. Patient is 110%. I would recommend her to anyone who’s in need of any kind of nerve problems concerning their back. She’s a great doctor.
Patient Submitted Review
Dec-2024
Dr. Swim is very knowledgeable about back injections & very caring about her patients. I was so thankful to get a prompt appointment for my 2nd round of ablations. The 1st set (from another dr.) lasted 14 months. Glad Dr. Bundy referred me to her!Patient Submitted Review
Dec-2024
Dr. Swim is amazing. She always explains in detail what is going on and treats her assistants graciously. She makes the experience wonderful (she even makes the procedure feel okay). She is a jam! Thank you, Dr. Swim. I've had several visits with Dr. Swim, including Telehealth. I'm very grateful for her professionalism and attentiveness.Patient Submitted Review
Dec-2024
I felt comfortable with Dr Swim the moment I met her. She is warm, friendly and genuinely seemed to care by the questions she asked me. Afterwards, she explained the fluoroscopic photo showing the location where the steroid was placed and why that was ideal. She happily answered any questions I had. Yes, I highly recommend Dr. Swim.Patient Submitted Review
Dec-2024
I went to see Dr. Swim because of back pain radiating down my leg and my foot would go numb. Had trouble sitting and standing. She reviewed my MRI and we discussed my options. I opted for a procedure to inject steroid in my back. She took the time to explain everything that was taking place during the procedure. Dr . Swim is a great spine doctor!! Would recommend her 100%!!!Patient Submitted Review
Dec-2024
I had a very comfortable visit with Dr. Swim. She made sure that I understood everything we spoke about answered all my questions. I am glad that I was referred to her and I think she just makes people feel very comfortable when you come see her. The wait is not long at all. I love visiting this office they get you in and out.rater8 Verified Patient
Oct-2024
If I could 10 stars for Dr. Swim I would. She is relatively new to Augusta Aiken Orthopedics and I selected her based on her profile- she has not disappointed me since I have been under her care for my lower back and recently for cervical neck pain. She takes time to listen, develop/aligns the best care plan This practice is fortunate to have her as part of their care team.Patient Submitted Review
Sep-2024
First visit today with Dr. Swim and was very pleased. She explained in a simple way the procedure we decided on to focus on relieving my pain that I have been living with for the last fourteen months. I look forward to being pain free!Patient Submitted Review
Jul-2024
I love (how awkward lol) this group! They are fast, efficient, and friendly!! Dr. Swim was great!! She and I laughed so much! The procedure didn’t feel the best, but we were laughing so much it went by super fast!! Great group!!!! Dr. Snoddy was just as professional and courteous!!Patient Submitted Review
Jul-2024
Dr. Swim was great. She explained everything she was going to do so no surprises. After testing she provided me with material explaining my condition and some exercises I could do before my follow up with Dr. Head. Highly recommend Dr.Swim.rater8 Verified Patient
Jul-2024
I have been suffering from A SI joint for almost 2years with no concrete explanation of what was the cause until DR SWIM explained it to me by showing on my MRI what was causing this pain that nothing I was given helped. She not only show me what can be done but she made me feel like I mattered..THANK YOU SO VERY MUCHrater8 Verified Patient
Mar-2024
Doctor Swim was amazing! I was so nervous about my EMG procedure but she made me feel comfortable and explained everything she was going to do which eased my mind almost completely. Her staff was also very kind and accommodating. I look forward to visiting this office again in the future.Patient Submitted Review
Feb-2024
Dr. Tara Swim was very informative. She explained everything in detail for me to understand and my treatments. I’m looking forward to working with her so that I have a more productive and happy life in motion. 😁Patient Submitted Review
Jan-2024
My first visit to Dr Swim. Needed a nerve test to rule out any issues to continue determining my foot problems. She was very professional and made me feel completely comfortable and went over her findings very thoroughly!!! Highly recommend!!Patient Submitted Review
Dec-2023
Dr. Swim performed several injections on my lower spine and performed the MILD procedure which has greatly improved my pain. She also put injections in my C2 -C5 vertebrae’s for pain and headaches. Today was my followup for the cervical injections. I am feeling much better but still have pain when I my head is lowered and look to the right and upwards. Overall I am feeling much better and the little pain I have is tolerable. Dr. Swim has been patient, caring, and professional. I would definitely recommend her. Brenda Joyce Dixonrater8 Verified Patient
Dec-2023
Dr. Swim was very personable and explained everything she was going to do prior to and during the process. She made me feel as though she cared about me as a person not just a patient which put me at ease of my fears.Patient Submitted Review
Dec-2023
Dr Swim treats her patients as a person not just another number and ensures you know exactly what she will be doing prior to and during your visit. She answered all questions honestly which made me feel comfortable prior to and during my procedure. I would highly recommend her to friends/family.Patient Submitted Review
Dec-2023
She's friendly and greets with a smile. She thorough with the procedure(s) She do not rush she give the time necessary to assure understanding. Her exam room is very clean the way all exam rooms should bePatient Submitted Review
Dec-2023
Dr. Swim is the best! She has an excellent bedside manner that made me so comfortable. She explained everything as she performed some tests to determine from where my nerve pain originated. She let me know ahead of time what kind of sensation I could expect from every action she took. Great physician!Patient Submitted Review
Dec-2023
This year was the first time I got to meet Dr. Swim. I must say it was truely ment for our paths to cross. I have been feeling worth back pain for years and going through procedures to avoid surgery. Dr. Swim has been nothing but honest with me and in return my pain is more manageable now. She has worked with me all year and offered solutions to my issues that have helped me. I appreciate all that she has done and continues to do for me and my back pain.rater8 Verified Patient
Nov-2023
Dr. Swim has always been so nice and comforting answering all my questions clearly. Plus, I was so grateful after an ER visit the night before, she squeezed me in today to see me for a follow up even though she had a full schedule and she helped me even more. I leave there feeling like she really does care about me as a patient and my well being. I recommend her highly.rater8 Verified Patient
Nov-2023
I Took my daughter to Doctor Swim today. Dr. Swim was welcoming and informative. The most important thing to me is that she spent time talking to us, explaining and showing us the x-rays. Answering questions, going over possibilities of what could be wrong. She also ordered more testing, everything needed to get to the bottom of my daughter's pain. After having bad experiences with Orthopedic doctors in the past for the same issues my daughters having now. It was a huge relief to have this appointment with Swim, so that we may be able to get the answers needed. I would 100% reccomend her!!Patient Submitted Review
Aug-2023
I found Dr Swim to be not only a very good physician. But her " bedside manner" made a nervous patient a lot more comfortable and at ease.I highly recommend Dr Swim and the entire staff who were in attendance for my procedure.Patient Submitted Review
Aug-2023
Dr. Swim was professional and very pleasant. She explained everything clearly and answered all my questions. I didn’t feel rushed or like a number. She listened to my concerns and remained engaged through my appointment. Thank you, Dr. Swimrater8 Verified Patient
Aug-2023
Dr. Swim was very easy to talk with and she explained things well. Was encouraged to know if my head pains reoccurred, I could call and she would get me in quickly this time to narrow down the cause and provide more help.Patient Submitted Review
Jul-2023
I was in excellent hands with Dr. Swim for my epidural appointment. I was a bit nervous and so relived everything went well. Dr. Swim is an excellent communicator, she answered all of my questions, alleviated my concerns and the appointment went quickly and smoothly. Thank you!rater8 Verified Patient
Jul-2023
Very friendly and knowledgeable of the procedure she performed. Very open with information concerning the results she noted. She took time to ensure I was informed with her statements and Make sure all of my questions were answered.rater8 Verified Patient
May-2023
Dr. Smith was very professional and very caring. She explained everything she was going to do and show me on the screen what the was es should look like. Please keep her there in that office she is the best.Patient Submitted Review
Mar-2023
Highly recommend Dr. Swim. She is so personable and explains everything and a wonderful bedside manner. She doesn’t rush in and rush out. She takes her time with you and makes sure you understand everything. Her staff is just as wonderful. Was a pleasant experience seeing her today.Patient Submitted Review
Mar-2023
Dr Tara Swim has great bedside manners, something that is missing in the medical profession now days. She thoroughly explained everything to me, and not only that she also listen fully to me explain what I was going through with the issue that I'm having and how it affects me from day to day. And then she provided a resolution for me going forward and I truly will recommend her to anyone that is having a hip or back issuerater8 Verified Patient
Feb-2023
I really liked her from the moment she walked in the examination room to the time I left. She walked in with a genuine smile. She never tried to down to me.she was very thorough and precise with her visual aid in explaining to me what was going on with me, and how we were going to handle the treatment. I really enjoyed my visit with her. Thank you Dr. Swim...rater8 Verified Patient
Dec-2022
I have been to her three times now and it’s has been the best experience from start to finish. Dr. Tara makes you feel really relaxed, her and her staff are the best. I highly recommend her you will not be disappointed.rater8 Verified Patient
Nov-2022
I like Dr Swim a lot. She gets straight to the point and explains procedures so that I can understandPatient Submitted Review
Oct-2022
I met with Dr Swim to discuss future pain management needs. It was suggested that I establish a relationship before another potential bought of sciatica. Dr Swim was professional, thorough and addressed all of my questions and concerns.Patient Submitted Review
Jun-2019
Tara Swim, MD, I met Dr. Swim in Royal Oak Rehab. I was impress with her ability to listen to her patients. She is leaving Royal Oak to go to Boston. Boston is going to get an excellent doctor. She is young, but she really seems to care about her patients. Good luck Dr. SwimRead more
Patient Submitted Review
Aug-2025
I love Dr Swim. She is such a caring and knowledgeable doctor. She listens to your concerns and makes the best treatment according to your problems. She has helped by back pain tremendously!! I would highly recommend her!!