You do not need to be injured or in pain to benefit from treatment. Many people book sessions to support relaxation, reduce stress, improve emotional and psychological wellbeing, and maintain overall health. Osteopathy can be a helpful option for people looking to feel more balanced and support their body’s natural function.
You may wish to book a session if you are experiencing any of the following:
Low back pain or dull lower backaches when shopping or lifting a child.
Stiffness or aching when getting in and out of a car.
Sciatic pain or leg pain that does not go away.
Frequent headaches, including tension, sinus, or migraine headaches.
A stiff neck after sitting at a desk for long periods.
Symptoms that seem to improve while on vacation or during the holidays.
A burning sensation between the shoulder blades after desk work.
Repetitive strain injuries or recurrent infections.
Jaw pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, or asthma.
Pregnancy-related pain or menstrual cycle-related pain.
Pain after an accident, including whiplash or other post-traumatic injuries.
Sports injuries such as wrist sprains, ankle sprains, shoulder injuries, tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, Achilles tendon issues, or shin splints.
Ongoing stress.
To book a session, click here to contact us now.
Please bring any medications, supplements, or vitamins you are currently taking, along with any relevant test results. Wear comfortable clothing, since you may be asked to undress to your underclothes for the physical examination. If it helps you feel more relaxed, you may bring a relative or friend with you. For patients under 16, a parent or responsible adult must be present during the consultation.
Your first visit begins with an initial interview and health history review. You will complete a health questionnaire and sign consent forms, then we will discuss your symptoms, lifestyle, physical activity, work environment, and diet. This helps us provide care that is both safe and appropriate for your needs.
We will also review your personal and family medical history and may ask questions that seem unrelated at first. These questions help us understand broader patterns and determine the best treatment approach. Initial appointments usually last between one hour and one and a half hours.
Assessment differs depending on the treatment approach.
TCM Assessment
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, assessment commonly includes observing the tongue and evaluating the pulse. The tongue can reflect the condition of the body, while pulse qualities may indicate different patterns of imbalance.
Osteopathic Assessment
For osteopathy, we look at how your body moves. You may be asked to remove some clothing and perform simple movements so the practitioner can assess your range of motion and gently feel the spine, shoulders, and surrounding muscles. Wearing gym clothes is recommended.
Once the assessment is complete, the practitioner will develop a treatment plan based on your condition and overall presentation. If a specialist referral is needed, practitioners are trained to recognize when that is appropriate.
To get the most from your visit:
Have a light meal or snack one to two hours before your appointment.
Avoid caffeine for a few hours before treatment.
Avoid alcohol on the day of treatment.
Avoid heavy physical exertion and sexual activity for a few hours before and after treatment.
Answer questions fully and ask for clarification if anything is unclear.
Stop treatment immediately if you feel uncomfortable.
Remember that you are responsible for payment of fees.
The clinic is a scent-free zone.
It is best to remove makeup completely before treatment.
You will be asked to stand, sit, or lie down on a treatment table. Sterile, single-use needles are used, and they are very fine and flexible. In most cases, insertion causes little to no discomfort.
After the needles are placed, you will rest quietly for 15 to 45 minutes, often with relaxing music. Depending on your treatment, additional therapies may include moxibustion, cupping, massage, herbal or homeopathic recommendations, and diet or lifestyle guidance. Many patients feel deeply relaxed during treatment, and some even fall asleep.
Some people feel better immediately, while others notice improvement gradually over hours, weeks, or months, especially with chronic conditions. It is also common to feel relaxed and uplifted afterward, though some people may feel briefly lightheaded.
All medical treatments involve some risk, but acupuncture is generally very safe when performed by a registered acupuncturist. Mild soreness or tenderness afterward is not unusual and usually resolves quickly. If you have any concerns, please ask.
Because appointment times are limited and in high demand, missed appointments and last‑minute cancellations significantly affect care access for other patients. A minimum of 24 hours’ notice is required for all cancellations or schedule changes.
The full fee applies for any appointment that is missed. A late cancellation fee of $20 applies if the appointment cannot be filled, and the full fee will apply for no‑shows.
The number of treatments depends on how long the condition has been present. Recent problems may take 1 to 3 treatments, while long-standing issues may require a longer course of care before meaningful change is noticed.
Insurance coverage depends on your provider and plan. It is best to confirm coverage directly with your insurance company. If your plan includes a medical reimbursement option, you may be able to submit receipts for repayment.
The clinic is home-based and located at 5 Sandwood Place, Toronto, Ontario M3B 1L5. Free street parking is available, and there is a dedicated patient parking spot. The clinic is accessible by the Leslie 51 TTC bus, but it is not wheelchair accessible.
All visits are by appointment only. Book online through samlo.ca using the red “Book Online” button, and it is recommended to book at least one week in advance. Same-day appointments may occasionally be available by texting 416-818-2189 to check for cancellations. If no times are available, you may join the waitlist in the Jane booking system. Walk-ins, phone consultations, and virtual visits are not accepted.
Sam Lo provides care for pain, tension, injuries, stress, mobility issues, headaches, and fertility-related concerns. Treatments may include acupuncture, osteopathy, massage therapy, and related supportive care depending on the case.
Treatments can be adapted during pregnancy, and acupuncture is generally considered very comfortable by most patients. Mild soreness or slight bruising can occur, though it is uncommon. Results vary from person to person, and the practitioner will provide a realistic outlook based on your specific condition.
Accepted payment methods include Interac e-transfer, cash, debit, and credit card. Interac e-transfer to samlo@samlo.ca is the preferred payment method, and receipts are provided for insurance submission after each session.
