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 Edison, 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 Edison, 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 Edison, 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 Edison, 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.
This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.Edison-Metuchen|Local EventSun, Feb 9, 2025 at 5:30 PM3840 Park Ave, Edison, NJ, 08820More info hereDo you love mathematics as much as we do? After all, it's so much fun and exciting to get to t...
This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.
Edison-Metuchen|Local Event
Do you love mathematics as much as we do? After all, it's so much fun and exciting to get to the heart of a complex equation! To celebrate our appreciation of math, we’re organizing a Valentine's Day Math Festival! Join us for thrilling games , sweetest crafts , engineering challenges , and more! Let’s express our love and appreciation for STEM together. The event is free and open to the public!
We can’t wait to see you there!
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Construction will begin immediately and is anticipated to take approximately 22 months. Patch Staff|Updated Wed, Jan 22, 2025 at 10:32 am ETEDISON, NJ – Leaders from the state and Middlesex County, as well as federal officials, and community partners, gathered on Tuesday, to celebrate the groundbreaking of the Multipurpose Community Venue and Student Center on Edison’s Middlesex College campus.This marks another major milestone in the development of the County’s Community, Innovation, and Oppor...
Patch Staff
|Updated Wed, Jan 22, 2025 at 10:32 am ET
EDISON, NJ – Leaders from the state and Middlesex County, as well as federal officials, and community partners, gathered on Tuesday, to celebrate the groundbreaking of the Multipurpose Community Venue and Student Center on Edison’s Middlesex College campus.
This marks another major milestone in the development of the County’s Community, Innovation, and Opportunity (CIO) Strategic Investment Plan, first announced in November 2022.
Scheduled to open in 2026, the college campus will become a major destination for education, recreation, arts, entertainment, and community events while fueling economic growth and creating new opportunities for residents and businesses.
The construction contract has been awarded to Terminal Construction Corporation, the lowest bidder, with a project cost of $125,916,999.
Construction will begin immediately and is anticipated to take approximately 22 months to complete. This initiative will be 100 percent union-built, funded by state, federal, and County dollars.
“The Multipurpose Community Venue and Student Center will be a vibrant hub for learning, recreation, entertainment, and community events,” Gov. Phil Murphy said. “This project will fuel economic growth and open new opportunities for students and local residents.”
Middlesex County Commissioner Director Ronald G. Rios noted that the groundbreaking marks a historic moment for the County. "In just three short years since this project was first announced, we have made tremendous progress—a testament to the invaluable support of our state and federal partners,” Rios said.
“Through strong partnerships and fiscal responsibility, we are building a brighter future for our County, ensuring Middlesex County remains the best place to live, work, and play for generations to come.”
The Multipurpose Community Venue will serve as the future home of Rutgers baseball, beginning with the 2026 season. This partnership between Middlesex County and Rutgers Athletics will not only provide a state-of-the-art home field for the Scarlet Knights but also foster new academic pathways for Middlesex College students. As the largest feeder school to Rutgers University, Middlesex College established a dual admissions agreement with Rutgers in 2024, granting students enhanced access to Rutgers’ programs, mentorship opportunities, and shared educational initiatives. Additionally, the County issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) in September 2024, attracting more sports industry attention to this multifaceted venue and potentially new tenants.
Rutgers Athletics will be continuing its partnership with Middlesex County and the project represents a significant investment in the success of its baseball program, Rutgers Interim Athletic Director Ryan Pisarri said.
“Middlesex County has been an incredible partner in this process and has gone above and beyond to make this venue state-of-art for our players and staff,” Pisarri said. “We look forward to the 2026 season and the many possibilities this venue will bring for Rutgers and Middlesex County.”
Here are some key features of the multipurpose community venue and student center:
For more information on the CIO Strategic Investment plan, visit middlesexcountynj.gov/cioplan.
Have a correction or news tip? Email sarah.salvadore@patch.com
New Jersey is bidding farewell to a family favorite. Rainforest Cafe has closed one of its last remaining locations in the state.The nostalgic rainforest-themed restaurant shuttered its Edison location at the Menlo Park Mall on Wednesday after almost 27 years of business — meaning the chain now has just one Garden State location remaining.Terry Turney, COO of...
New Jersey is bidding farewell to a family favorite. Rainforest Cafe has closed one of its last remaining locations in the state.
The nostalgic rainforest-themed restaurant shuttered its Edison location at the Menlo Park Mall on Wednesday after almost 27 years of business — meaning the chain now has just one Garden State location remaining.
Terry Turney, COO of Landry’s Inc. (which operates the restaurant chain) told NJ Advance Media the closure came after Rainforest Cafe’s lease was not renewed at the Middlesex County shopping mall.
“For the last 26 years, Menlo Park Rainforest Cafe has been a beloved destination for families, bringing the magic of the jungle to the community. Unfortunately, our lease was not renewed, so we have no choice but to close our doors at the end of business on February 19, 2025,” Turney said. “We are grateful for the years of support from our loyal guests and dedicated team members.”
Edison’s Rainforest Cafe opened at the Menlo Park Mall in September of 1998 on the lower level of the mall’s Macy’s wing. The closure leaves the chain’s Atlantic City boardwalk location as the last Rainforest Cafe in the state.
The jungle-themed eatery is beloved for its lively atmosphere featuring animatronic animals, forest-themed decor and sounds of nature. The menu includes burgers, sandwiches, salads, pasta, seafood and more.
Rainforest Cafe now operates 16 locations nationwide along with two in the United Arab Emirates and one each in Canada, France, Japan and Malta.
“As we continue to look for a new location, we hope to welcome you at our other Rainforest Cafe locations nationwide,” Turney said.
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Metuchen introduced an ordinance authorizing a rights-of-way agreement with Comcast. Patch Staff|Updated Thu, Jan 30, 2025 at 2:32 pm ETMETUCHEN, NJ – Comcast will bring its internet and cable services to Metuchen.During Monday’s Council meeting, Metuchen introduced an ordinance authorizing a rights-of-way agreement with Comcast.The ordinance permits the installation, use, and maintenance of cable and internet facilities by Comcast in Metuchen.“For years, residents have expressed ...
Patch Staff
|Updated Thu, Jan 30, 2025 at 2:32 pm ET
METUCHEN, NJ – Comcast will bring its internet and cable services to Metuchen.
During Monday’s Council meeting, Metuchen introduced an ordinance authorizing a rights-of-way agreement with Comcast.
The ordinance permits the installation, use, and maintenance of cable and internet facilities by Comcast in Metuchen.
“For years, residents have expressed their desire for more choices in internet and cable providers. While there was a misconception of a monopoly in the Borough, the reality was that providers hesitated to invest here due to the financial commitment required to establish infrastructure in Metuchen,” Mayor Jonathan M Busch said.
“Over the past year, we have actively engaged with Comcast, working to secure their investment in our community. After months of negotiations, at this Monday's Council meeting, we will consider the introduction of an ordinance permitting Comcast to begin laying lines throughout Metuchen.”
According to the ordinance, the Borough’s consent is and shall be conditional upon Comcast’s application and it obtaining the required authorization from the Board to construct, operate, and maintain a cable television system within Metuchen.
Comcast will have to comply with all existing and future applicable ordinances and they have to enter into a written agreement with the Metuchen to indemnify and hold the Borough harmless as to all claims and liability resulting from any injury or damage caused by Comcast which may arise from the construction, installation, and any related work.
“While it will likely take a few years before Comcast is able to provide residents and businesses with service, this is a major step forward for our community,” Busch said.
“Competition among service providers typically means better options, improved service, and more competitive pricing for everyone.”
A public hearing on the ordinance is scheduled for Feb. 10.
“We are continuously looking at opportunities to bring our Xfinity and Comcast Business services to more residents and businesses in New Jersey and beyond and are working towards that with the Borough of Metuchen council,” Comcast said in a statement to Patch.
Have a correction or news tip? Email sarah.salvadore@patch.com
With an interactive, grill-at-your-table experience surrounded by stacks of sweet and savory plates, Korean barbecue has exploded in popularity across the United States in recent years.In Central Jersey, there’s no better place to get it than Edison, which has several Korean barbecue restaurants, as well as other Asian restaurants and grocery stores.Apparently, that word has spread, as one of the biggest Asian casual dining chains in the country just opened its first New Jersey location in the township.A ne...
With an interactive, grill-at-your-table experience surrounded by stacks of sweet and savory plates, Korean barbecue has exploded in popularity across the United States in recent years.
In Central Jersey, there’s no better place to get it than Edison, which has several Korean barbecue restaurants, as well as other Asian restaurants and grocery stores.
Apparently, that word has spread, as one of the biggest Asian casual dining chains in the country just opened its first New Jersey location in the township.
A new addition:'Modern and sexy' restaurant and bar opens in Rahway amid city's renaissance
GEN Korean BBQ, a Korean barbecue chain with 40 locations across the country, recently opened at 1763 State Route 27 in Festival Plaza, the former home of Picnic Garden.
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Founded in 2011 by two Korean immigrants in Los Angeles, GEN Korean BBQ serves authentic Korean and Korean-American fusion food including meats, poultry, seafood and vegetables.
Customers can choose from a long list of fare including beef belly with Korean spicy sauce, pork cheek, honey chicken marinated in a sweet and savory sauce, and calamari steak with green tea salt to be cooked on grills at the center of their tables.
Food news:An upscale steakhouse is opening in downtown Metuchen
GEN Korean BBQ’s chic, lounge-like ambiance gives the cuisine a modern kick with exposed ceilings, color-changing orb lighting, plush black and white seating, and neon-lit walls.
The new Edison eatery is open 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Monday to Thursday and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday to Sunday.
Go: 1763 State Route 27, Edison; genkoreanbbq.com.
Contact: JIntersimone@MyCentralJersey.com
Jenna Intersimone has been a staff member at the USA TODAY NETWORK New Jersey since 2014, although she's a lifetime Jersey girl who considers herself an expert in everything from the Jersey Shore to the Garden State's buzzing downtowns. To get unlimited access to her stories about food, drink and fun, please subscribe or activate your digital account today. You can also follow her on Instagram at @seejennaeat and on Twitter at @JIntersimone.