Avenue Acupuncture FAQs

Acupuncture works on several levels: needling the arthritic area causes micro-injuries that trigger the body’s healing mechanisms, increases circulation to carry natural anti-inflammatories to the area, releases endorphins to reduce pain perception, and can address contributing risk factors like an overactive immune system simultaneously.

Osteoarthritis occurs when cartilage deteriorates from chronic stress, obesity, overuse, age, or deformities. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease causing inflammation of the synovial fluid between joints. Psoriatic arthritis is less common and can accompany psoriasis, also causing joint inflammation.

Arthritis is not a single condition but refers to a group of over 100 medical conditions, including gout, ankylosing spondylitis, and scleroderma, affecting the musculoskeletal system where two bones meet to form a joint. It’s estimated that almost two thirds of the population have some form of arthritis.

Waking at night, especially around 3am, can be caused by an adrenaline surge linked to an imbalance in cortisol levels. Acupuncture is used to regulate adrenal gland function and decrease adrenaline and cortisol levels, helping ease the body back into its normal circadian rhythm.

Yes. Chinese herbs such as jujube seed, licorice root, fleeceflower stem, and lily bulb have a therapeutic effect in calming the mind to promote healthy sleep.

Yes, you can download the initial intake form ahead of your appointment to help save time during your first visit.

An initial acupuncture visit is approximately 60 minutes and costs $180.

Tamara holds a Master in Practice of Osteopathic Manipulative Sciences (M.OMSc) from the Canadian Academy of Osteopathy and is a member in good standing with the Ontario Osteopathic Association through Osteopathy Canada.

Osteopathy is suitable for people of all ages and commonly treats chronic pain and muscular tension, acute and sports injuries, migraines and headaches, low back and neck pain, TMJ (jaw pain), digestive and respiratory issues, concussion symptoms, prenatal and postnatal care, menstrual and reproductive health concerns, sleep disorders, and sinus issues or tinnitus.

Osteopathy focuses on identifying and treating the root cause of pain or dysfunction, not just the symptoms. Tamara uses gentle, hands-on manual therapy techniques including myofascial release, muscle energy techniques, craniosacral therapy, and joint and bony adjustments.