It's hard to deny that we live in a world where health issues seem to be increasingly common. From allergies that baffle doctors to chronic pain that never seems to go away, it's no secret that many individuals struggle to maintain good health. Respiratory issues, reproductive complications, and other conditions add to the mix, making it clear that we're all susceptible to some kind of malady.
Unfortunately, many modern doctors still believe that throwing pills at the problem or scheduling surgery is the best way to provide long-term relief. While certain serious conditions can warrant such extreme treatments, a large percentage of Americans are looking for something far less harmful and much more holistic. They're looking high and low for a reliable, well-studied solution that doesn't require time off work or sketchy pain medications.
At NJ Sports Spine & Wellness, one of the most effective and exciting treatments we've seen work for such patients is acupuncture in Atlantic Highlands, NJ - a modern take on an ancient treatment that has been used for thousands of years.
If you're new to holistic healing, acupuncture may seem intimidating. You might be wondering how needles pressed into your skin could possibly make you feel better. Wouldn't someone pushing a needle into your back be painful? As it turns out, acupuncture is far from painful and is quickly becoming one of the most sought-after treatments for chronic pain and for regulating issues relating to:
In fact, acupuncture has been studied and practiced for over 2,500 years and, more recently, has been researched and supported by many scientific studies. While acupuncture may not be a "miracle" treatment for every type of pain or condition, it has been shown to be effective in treating a wide range of issues, from depression and allergies to morning sickness and cramps.
Acupuncture is a therapy in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) that aims to balance the body's energy, called qi, which flows through pathways called meridians. This balance is crucial for overall wellness, as disruptions to qi can lead to health concerns. According to TCM, inserting small stainless-steel needles into specific points called acupoints along the meridians can help rebalance the flow of qi and restore overall health.
These acupoints are believed to release certain chemicals when stimulated, which can trigger an immune response and promote physiological homeostasis. Recent research suggests that this therapy may help alleviate symptoms of various health ailments.
In fact, the National Institute of Health conducted a survey on complementary health approaches, revealing that acupuncture usage in the United States has increased by 50 percent between 2002 and 2012. As of 2012, 6.4 percent of American adults have reported using acupuncture as a form of treatment.
One of the most common questions from new patients interested in acupuncture typically revolves around whether it really works or whether it's all "new age" malarky. We get it - for most folks, the thought of inserting stainless-steel needles into one's back, arms, or neck sounds loony. However, with the ever-increasing popularity of acupuncture in New Jersey and other locations, numerous studies centering on acupuncture's effectiveness have taken place.
Extensive research has been conducted on the effectiveness of acupuncture for various conditions. A February 2022 analysis published in the BMJ, which evaluated over 2,000 scientific reviews of acupuncture therapies, revealed that acupuncture's efficacy is strongest for:
Additionally, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), acupuncture is most effective for pain relief in cases of chronic conditions such as osteoarthritis, lower back pain, and tension headaches. Additionally, a review of 11 clinical trials found that acupuncture may also alleviate symptoms associated with cancer treatment, as noted by the NIH.
When meeting with your acupuncturist for the first time, they will discuss your condition with you before conducting a physical examination to identify areas of your body that might respond to acupuncture. The needles used in acupuncture are incredibly thin, sterile, and disposable, with your acupuncturist inserting them at different depths ranging from a fraction of an inch to several inches.
Acupuncture needles are less painful than medical needles used for vaccines or blood draws. This is because acupuncture needles are thinner and solid, not hollow. During the treatment, you may experience some muscle sensations like dull aches or tingling.
Your practitioner will ask you to report any deep heaviness or numbness, which are positive signs that the treatment is working. Depending on the condition you're treating and the supplemental treatments you're undergoing, like physical therapy, acupuncture needles will remain in place for several minutes or up to 30 minutes.
Once your first acupuncture treatment is finished, it's normal to feel extra relaxed and calm. For that reason, some patients like to arrange for a ride home after their first or second session. With that said, you shouldn't experience much pain at all, and it's quite possible for you to return to work after acupuncture.
This is another common question that we get at New Jersey Sports Spine & Wellness. The simple answer is, "It depends." While we understand that that's not a satisfying answer for some, it's important to understand that every patient is different. Everyone has different bodies and, by proxy, different bodily conditions and issues that need to be addressed.
During your initial consultation at our office, your licensed acupuncturist will go over your needs and goals as it relates to acupuncture therapy. Once your therapist has a good sense of the scope of your needs, they can give you a loose idea of how many sessions you'll need.
Generally speaking, most patients have appointments once a week. Others may require more or less frequent sessions. It's important to note that the full benefits of acupuncture may not be immediately evident after the first or even the second session. It's common for normal patients to undergo up to five treatments to realize the full benefits of acupuncture.
There's no question that acupuncture is more popular than ever as a non-invasive, non-addictive way to reclaim balance and well-being. But what types of conditions can this traditional therapy help alleviate in the modern world? Advances in acupuncture techniques and applications have resulted in some very promising benefits.
Did you know that regular acupuncture treatments can help reduce the pain associated with osteoarthritis? In May 2017, a meta-analysis was published, which studied approximately 18,000 patients with chronic pain, such as low back, neck, and shoulder pain, knee OA, and headache or migraine. The analysis found that the benefits of acupuncture therapy in reducing pain lasted for more than 12 months.
That's wonderful news for athletes and other people who push their bodies daily to accomplish goals or bring home money for rent and bills. In fact, many medical experts consider acupuncture as a viable option for managing chronic pain in conjunction with traditional methods like physical therapy and chiropractic care. The idea behind this approach is that acupuncture may trigger the body's natural healing response to alleviate pain.
When a licensed acupuncturist in New Jersey inserts an acupuncture needle, it penetrates your fascia, a connective tissue that wraps around your organs and muscles. Like a slight tickle on your arm, your body realizes that something is happening and responds by delivering lymph fluid, blood, and other important nutrients to speed up healing in affected areas like your knees, back, neck, joints, and more.
If you're like other people who suffer from migraines, you know that once one of them hits, it can be next to impossible to function properly throughout the day. Fortunately, acupuncture in Atlantic Highlands, NJ may be a viable solution if you have to endure migraines often.
A study conducted in 2009 by the Center for Complementary Medicine at the University of Munich analyzed 11 studies involving 2,137 patients who received acupuncture treatment for chronic tension-type headaches. The researchers concluded that acupuncture could be an effective non-pharmacological solution for frequent headaches.
The study compared the effects of acupuncture sessions with sham acupuncture and no treatment at all. Both groups that received acupuncture treatment, whether needles were placed randomly or strategically, reported a reduction in headache symptoms, while the control group reported no change. The group that received real acupuncture treatment also reported a decrease in the number of headache days and intensity of pain in a follow-up survey.
For individuals who struggle with insomnia and other sleep disturbances, acupuncture is a promising therapy. Although sedatives are commonly prescribed for insomnia, long-term use can lead to negative side effects such as dependence and excessive drowsiness.
A study conducted on 72 participants and published in Sleep Medicine in 2017 found that individuals who received acupuncture three times a week for four weeks experienced significant improvements in sleep quality and anxiety compared to those who received sham acupuncture.
Similarly, a review of 30 randomized, controlled trials found that acupuncture was more effective in improving sleep quality and daytime functioning than sham acupuncture.
While many patients choose acupuncture as a way to avoid surgery altogether, those who need surgery also use it for improved recovery. Because, at the end of the day, recovering from surgery is no easy feat. Patients may experience various symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, pain around the incision, restlessness, sleep troubles, constipation, and sore throat.
According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, healthcare providers may use acupuncture as a way to alleviate some of these symptoms and help with healing. A study published in Integrative Cancer Therapies in January 2017 involving 172 participants found that patients who received acupuncture after surgery reported significant improvements in sleep, anxiety, pain, fatigue, nausea, and drowsiness.
Did you know that supplementing physical therapy with acupuncture and vice versa can have profoundly beneficial effects for patients in New Jersey and across the country? If you're like most, chances are you didn't.
The truth is that acupuncture and physical therapy have both been proven effective in reducing pain and inflammation. While many people view them as separate methods, combining the two modalities can produce a synergistic effect that enhances pain relief and delivers long-lasting benefits to patients.
Physical therapists work with patients of all ages and abilities, from children to elderly adults, to help them overcome physical limitations and improve their quality of life. At NJ Sports Spine & Wellness, our physical therapists help treat a wide range of conditions, from neck pain and spinal cord injuries to back pain and arthritis.
To effectively reduce pain and treat tissue injury, a combination of acupuncture and physical therapy can be very helpful. Acupuncture helps to reduce inflammation and release muscle tightness and trigger points, allowing the patient to better receive manual therapy or exercise-based physical therapy techniques. In doing so, acupuncture can actually create a window of time that allows your body to respond better to other treatments at New Jersey Sports Spine & Wellness, such as physical therapy and chiropractic care.
There are many benefits of combining physical therapy with acupuncture in Atlantic Highlands, NJ, including the following:
You may be wondering, "Are there any studies showing these benefits?" As it turns out, there are many. One such study, published on the NIH's website, was conducted on patients suffering from frozen shoulder.
Patients who received acupuncture experienced a significant reduction in pain, while those who underwent physical therapy saw an improvement in range of motion. However, the best outcome was observed in patients who received a combination of both treatments, with reduced pain, increased their range of motion, and improved quality of life. This study highlights the potential benefits of using acupuncture and physical therapy as complementary treatments for frozen shoulder.
It makes sense, then, that people from all walks of life are combining acupuncture with chiropractic treatments at New Jersey Sports Spine & Wellness, including:
At New Jersey Sports Spine & Wellness, our doctors, practitioners, occupational therapists, and physical therapist specialize in a range of therapies and treatments. Much like physical therapy and acupuncture, combining chiropractic care with acupuncture therapy gives patients a new way to reclaim their mobility, reduce chronic pain, and maintain a healthy quality of life.
Chiropractic care and acupuncture in Atlantic Highlands, NJ are natural healing practices that don't rely on drugs to improve the body's health. They focus on correcting imbalances in the body's structural and supportive systems, promoting natural healing, and ultimately leading to better health. These practices have a proven track record of helping patients improve their quality of life and overcome physical difficulties.
Integrating chiropractic and acupuncture as a dual-modality treatment offers the most efficient solution for removing blockages from the body, promoting balance, and accelerating healing. Rather than using these treatments sequentially, a combined approach allows for maximum benefits at one time.
Chiropractic targets subluxations in the nervous system through manual adjustments, facilitating the central nervous system to promote healing, while acupuncture removes blockages that may hinder the body's internal balance. Together, these treatments work synergistically to optimize energy flow and restore harmony in the body.
When our physical well-being becomes imbalanced, and our innate healing mechanisms are compromised, illnesses can manifest. The integration of acupuncture and chiropractic practices can effectively address a wide range of health conditions that they individually target, such as:
Curious if combining chiropractic care or physical therapy with acupuncture is right for your body? The best way to find out is to make an appointment at our sports rehab clinic in New Jersey. Once our team of medical professionals has a chance to evaluate your conditions, we can explore the best options to provide the most relief in the shortest amount of time possible.
New Jersey Sports Spine & Wellness consists of a team of athletic trainers, chiropractors, occupational therapists, physical therapists, and other professionals. We're very proud and passionate about caring for our patients, many of whom are suffering from debilitating conditions like back and neck pain, plantar fasciitis, sports-related injuries, and more. If you're trying to get on the road to pain relief and recovery, acupuncture may be the non-surgical solution you need to reclaim your life. Contact our office today to learn whether this exciting treatment is right for you.
By Muriel J. SmithHIGHLANDS — All five members of the Highlands Borough Council made it loud and clear at last night’s meeting of the governing body: A no vote in the special school election Sept. 26 is the best thing for borough residents.Councilman Donald Melnyk also indicated the way the election was called by the school boards of education leaves a concern that “the intent is less than above-board.”As Mayor Carolyn Broullon has said several ti...
By Muriel J. Smith
HIGHLANDS — All five members of the Highlands Borough Council made it loud and clear at last night’s meeting of the governing body: A no vote in the special school election Sept. 26 is the best thing for borough residents.
Councilman Donald Melnyk also indicated the way the election was called by the school boards of education leaves a concern that “the intent is less than above-board.”
As Mayor Carolyn Broullon has said several times in the past, she would not be presumptuous enough to ever tell anyone how to vote, however, she is definite her vote on Sept. 26 will be no simply because it is not a good thing for Highlands and Atlantic Highlands to regionalize without the inclusion of Sea Bright. The New Jersey State Commissioner of Education has OK'd the regionalization question to move forward, with voters being asked if the three districts should merge. The question will not, however, include asking Sea Bright voters if they want to join the new district, as issues with Sea Bright's current agreements to send elementary school students to Oceanport and high school students to Shore Regional High School are worked out.
Each of the other four members of the governing body also put on record their concern for the current proposal to merge the Atlantic Highlands, Highlands and Henry Hudson school districts into one, saying it is unfair for Highlands voters, taxpayers and students at the schools.
Melnyk said he has given the question a lot of consideration and questioned once again why it is necessary to have a special election only six weeks before a regular election. Traditionally, fewer voters turn out for special elections, and the hours for this school election are from noon to 8 p.m., depriving early morning voters from getting to the polls. There have to be reasons for this, Melnyk said, questioning if the intent is less than above-board.
Council President Joann Olszewski, a retired teacher and school department head in Teaneck, said it would be “dangerous” to vote yes for regionalization without Sea Bright and challenged the method of financing for the new district as outlined in the question being decided Sept. 26 by the voters of Highlands and Atlantic Highlands.
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Olszewski pointed out the school boards approved a resolution and the question on the ballot that splits financing of education between Highlands and Atlantic Highlands strictly by assessed valuation and does not include student enrollment.
Olszewski pointed out, “This year, Atlantic Highlands paid “more than $1 million for the Elementary School than Highlands did for our Elementary School."
Why?” she asked. “Because they have 135 more students than Highlands does," as she answered her own question.
Such a formula, at this time, considering only equalized valuation and not student enrollment, forces Highlands taxpayers to underwrite the cost of their neighboring town’s student enrollment. The council president publically thanked the school board members for serving in elected positions sometimes difficult to fill, but said they should wait until it was possible to include Sea Bright before making any changes in regionalization.
Experts retained both by the school boards and the boroughs have all said the inclusion of Sea Bright in the regionalization plan would immediately bring in millions of dollars, while at the same time splitting the cost of education among three, rather than two, towns.
Both council members Karen Chelak and Leo Cervantes agreed with the statements made by the mayor, council president and Councilman Melnick, with Cervantes adding a yes vote Sept. 26 “makes no sense."
(ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS, NJ) -- On Sunday, October 1, 2023, there will be a concert to benefit the Atlantic Highlands Arts Council featuring Joel DeWitt on Violin and Evan Schwartzman on piano. The program will feature the Atlantic Highlands premiere of the "Suite for Violin and Piano" of William Grant Still, the so-called "Dean of African-American composers...
(ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS, NJ) -- On Sunday, October 1, 2023, there will be a concert to benefit the Atlantic Highlands Arts Council featuring Joel DeWitt on Violin and Evan Schwartzman on piano. The program will feature the Atlantic Highlands premiere of the "Suite for Violin and Piano" of William Grant Still, the so-called "Dean of African-American composers," along with music of Mozart, Ernest Chausson, and Camille Saint-Saëns. Showtime is 4:00pm.
Pianist and Composer Evan Schwartzman retired after a thirty-year career in finance technology to resume his musical activities. As a pianist, he has given recitals as soloist and chamber musician throughout the NY metropolitan region. His Five Places for Orchestra was recently premiered by the SOMA Orchestra. Mr. Schwartzman received his Masters in Theory and Composition from Rutgers University where his principal composition teachers were Philip Corner, Rolv Yttrehus and Robert Moevs. He has been the recipient of grants from Meet the Composer, and the NY State Council on the Arts. His principal piano teachers have been Cheryl Seltzer and Lisa Yui. His work can be found on CGNJ Recordings, Smithsonian Folkways Recordings, and all the usual streaming services.
Violinist Joel DeWitt studied with Carroll Glenn at the Eastman School, and with Ivan Galamian at the Juilliard School. He received a fellowship with the Aspen Music Festival. He has performed as a freelance musician in New York; and as a member of Columbus Symphony, Virginia Opera Association, NJ New Philharmonic, and Metro Lyric Opera. He has given many recitals, and performs frequently at services for the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Monmouth County.
The concert takes place at the Atlantic Highlands Arts Council (54 First Avenue) in Atlantic Highlands, New Jersey. Seating is limited. Tickets are $20 for members and $25 for non-members. Click here to reserve tickets online via PayPal.
Formed in 2004, the Atlantic Highlands Arts Council (AHAC) transitioned from acting as “Mayor’s Council on the Arts” in 2006 to an incorporated 501(c)3 nonprofit organization starting in 2007. Over the years, new partnerships and creative programming has blossomed. AHAC presents rotating exhibitions in our main gallery and window displays; an ArtSHOP boutique for local arts, wares, and jewelry; adult art classes and workshops; free summer art camp for youth; free Art Kits for Kids to local elementary and middle schools; community events; and our annual international and award-winning FilmOneFest. Founded in 2008, FilmOneFest is the Jersey Shore’s preeminent showcase for all forms of short film under two minutes in length. The gallery is located at 54 First Avenue in Atlantic Highlands, and they are actively engaged in growing their regional outreach and collaborative projects.
ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS — Returning for the 16th year next month is the Henry Hudson Tri-District Education Foundation’s biggest fundraiser and community event — Chilifest. The event takes place outdoors from 5 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7, with a Sunday, Oct. 8 rain date, at the Avenue A beach, which has spectacular views of Manhattan and Sandy Hook Bay.This year’s theme is “Sweet and Spicy 16” and will feature chili tastings, unlimi...
ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS — Returning for the 16th year next month is the Henry Hudson Tri-District Education Foundation’s biggest fundraiser and community event — Chilifest. The event takes place outdoors from 5 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7, with a Sunday, Oct. 8 rain date, at the Avenue A beach, which has spectacular views of Manhattan and Sandy Hook Bay.
This year’s theme is “Sweet and Spicy 16” and will feature chili tastings, unlimited drinks, live entertainment, prizes and, new for this year, local craft vendor tables.
In addition to chili, beverages are included and will be provided by Carton Brewing and Brinley Gold Shipwreck Rum. Live entertainment will feature local musicians Tommy Grasso, The Elastic Waist Band and Hooper.
Attendees entering a chili attend free of charge. Prizes will be awarded for “People’s Choice” (live attendee vote for favorite chili), as well as judges’ selection of “Most Exotic,” “Vegetarian,” and “Best in Fest.”
There will also be a “Restaurant” category this year, where local dining establishments will go head-to-head. The overall winner takes home the coveted Chilifest trophy to be displayed in their home until the following ‘fest.
Tickets, which can be purchased online at www.hhtdef.org, are being offered at a special reduced price of $45 before Sept. 28 and then $50 beforehand and at the door. ‘Fest Friend Sponsorships are also available for $200 per family, and include two tickets, a limited-edition Chilifest T-shirt, an official “lawn chili” and recognition at the event.
T-shirts can also be preordered on the website.
Proceeds will benefit the Henry Hudson Tri-District Education Foundation (HHTDEF) and its mission to fund teacher-driven initiatives that provide cutting edge STEAM programming blending Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Athletics and Mathematics in three area schools: Atlantic HighlandsElementary School (AHES), Highlands Elementary School (HES) and Henry Hudson Regional School (HHRS).
Since its inception, the Education Foundation has granted more than $140,000 in STEAM programming and equipment.
A sampling of funded initiatives include:• The Signature Project – Interactive assembly with artist Patrick Dunning for all 6th and 7th grade students and the HHRS Steam Academy.• iPads and Apple Pencils (HES)• 50 Chromebooks for remote learning (AHES & HES)• Chromebooks, Whiteboards, iPads and Podcast Equipment (All)• Soundboard, Spotlight, Choreographic Support and Orchestra Professionals for Theatre Arts (HHRS)• Science Lab Microscopes, Plant Models, Greenhouses and Eyepiece Projector (HES)• Piano Keyboards and iPad Music Software (AHES)• Band instruments and assistance for band trip to Disney (HHRS)• 3D Printers and materials for Makers Space Science Labs (All)• Field trips including Guggenheim, MoMA, iFly and Science Lab (All)
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The Foundation thanks its premium sponsors, Seastreak for the venue, and the many community members who attend and support their efforts.
To become a sponsor or for more information on upcoming events, please visit hhtdef.org, email info@hhtdef.org or visit them on Facebook.