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 Holmdel Village, 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 Holmdel Village, 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 Holmdel Village, 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 Holmdel Village, 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.
Two-minute readAsbury Park PressHOLMDEL - Barnes & Noble is finishing up its new store, right across the parking lot from its current store at the Commons at Holmdel shopping center on Route 35.The bookseller is moving to a smaller store next to Best Buy. A spokesperson for Barnes & Noble said the current store, which has been in the same spot for 21 years, closes on Nov. 29. The new store, located in a space formerly occupied by Modell's Sporting Goods, will open on Nov. 30, the company told What's Going There...
Asbury Park Press
HOLMDEL - Barnes & Noble is finishing up its new store, right across the parking lot from its current store at the Commons at Holmdel shopping center on Route 35.
The bookseller is moving to a smaller store next to Best Buy. A spokesperson for Barnes & Noble said the current store, which has been in the same spot for 21 years, closes on Nov. 29. The new store, located in a space formerly occupied by Modell's Sporting Goods, will open on Nov. 30, the company told What's Going There.
It is the first of Barnes & Noble's updated bookstore design in New Jersey. Built for a smaller footprint, the new design allows for input from the staff in each store to meet the needs of local customers.
"However, at the core of each redesign is creating a curated, cozy and welcoming space for communities to work, read and browse," the company said in June. "This includes designing beautiful book rooms finished with new furniture and complementary assortments of stationery, puzzles, toys and gifts for readers."
In a Facebook post announcing the move, the Holmdel store posted, "Your new store will have all the best selection of books, stationary, gifts, games, puzzles and more, including a brand new cafeÌ."
The new Barnes & Noble is the latest flurry of activity at Commons at Holmdel, a 300,000-square-foot shopping center at the corner of Laurel Avenue and Route 35.
Wine Outlet, which is located next to Ulta Beauty, opens on Friday. In May, Crumbl Cookies, a popular cookie bakery, opened a store.
Amazon Fresh has been working on a store, formerly home to Best Market, for months, even though Amazon has not confirmed a new store there.
David P. Willis, an award-winning business writer, has covered business and consumer news at the Asbury Park Press for more than 20 years. He writes APP.com's What's Going There column and can be reached at dwillis@gannettnj.com. Join his What's Going There page on Facebook for updates.
Four-minute readAsbury Park PressHOLMDEL - A $12,000-per-month fully enclosed dementia care village right off the Garden State Parkway at exit 114 was approved by the zoning board in a 5-2 vote Wednesday night, marking the end of an application that began more than a year ago and divided neighbors against each other.The village will be built by the elder care nonprofit United Methodist Communities, not to be confused with th...
Asbury Park Press
HOLMDEL - A $12,000-per-month fully enclosed dementia care village right off the Garden State Parkway at exit 114 was approved by the zoning board in a 5-2 vote Wednesday night, marking the end of an application that began more than a year ago and divided neighbors against each other.
The village will be built by the elder care nonprofit United Methodist Communities, not to be confused with the church.
The project was bought by the nonprofit for $5.5 million from a previous developer that dropped plans for a neighborhood with an affordable housing component. The land was known as The William Potter Homestead or Potter’s farm, which closed in 2020, after the Potter’s family, who had owned the land since 1920, moved to Upper Freehold.
According to chair of the zoning board Ralph Blumenthal, William Potter III, who had given statements to the board in favor of developing the farm into a dementia village, died two weeks ago.
The village, modeled after the urban dementia village in the Netherlands called Hogeweyk, will include 11 one-story residential buildings, a pair of two-story residential buildings, a two-story administrative building and a recreation center. The entire village will be enclosed by a secure perimeter. A grocery store, restaurant and theater are planned to open with the site to mimic normalcy for its residents with dementia. A total of 105 beds could be available, with 10% being reserved for residents on Medicaid, which would help fulfill future affordable housing quotas for Holmdel.
Cindy Jacques, vice president of housing and community initiatives with the United Methodist Communities, said in April that there will be a staffing ratio of about one staff member for every eight residents. She said at night there will be four caregivers and two floaters for the four neighborhoods. A registered nurse and a security person will also be on site.
The original design would have had only one way in and out of the village, but after substantial revisions, the plan would include seven emergency gates in addition to the main entrance. Keys to the gates will be housed with the township’s various emergency response teams.
Opposition to the plan questioned whether the plan should be built on the land it is located on.
Kevin Asadi, an attorney hired by certain residents in the adjacent County Woods neighborhood, said, “This project belongs in the Route 35 overlay district not in a rural R40-B zone.”
The Route 35 overlay district is Holmdel’s commercial district, where a three-story Brightview Senior Living Facility was approved in February. Asadi argued that the R40-B zone is for residential development that mimics the existing neighboring houses and not a dementia village.
Asadi also brought Joelle Winter, an administrator at a Cherry Hill-based dementia facility called Arden Court, in July. Winter said staffing for the 54 beds is difficult. In a three-month period, she said her facility received 234 job applications and interviewed 21 candidates who showed up. Of the 21, she only hired four who were qualified.
“I have staffing challenges,” she said. “That happens a lot since COVID and even before.”
Other neighbors have spoken in favor of the dementia village’s construction.
Stephen Grywalski, who lives a few houses from the proposed property, said, “There’s no longer an option to save the farm. The Potter family sold the property a couple years ago and I’m concerned that if it’s not approved, the current owner will then be forced to sell and there’s many examples all around of what could happen. … There’s a need for housing and care of these people with dementia throughout the world. We should be honored to call this groundbreaking, state-of-the-art community our neighbor.”
Before a vote, board members gave statements explaining their reasoning.
Board members Valerie Avrin-Marchiano said the application was one of the hardest and, while many neighbors agreed with the application, others did not.
She said there are seven other assisted living facilities in Holmdel and the design of this property looks like army barracks. She ultimately voted against it.
The other board member to vote against the proposal was Irfan Lateef, who said with the cost of living increasing and the economy possibly going into a recession, he was afraid the township would be “saddled with a property that cannot be possibly used in (any) other suitable fashion.”
He said the proposal would change the bucolic atmosphere of that neighborhood. “I don’t think by putting (that) large facility there, we can mitigate this impact. It alters the character of the township.”
Board member Jason Buerkle said he moved to Holmdel because of the rural nature of the township, but said he believes property owners have a right to develop their land.
Board member Francine Campis said she would like to see the farm preserved “but honestly that ship sailed long ago.” She said she feared that if the board denied that application, another owner could propose another project that becomes more controversial.
Blumenthal, the board chair, said Holmdel’s population is aging. He said he was “very intrigued” by the proposal because the facility would feel less like a hospital.
Olivia Liu is a reporter covering transportation, Red Bank and western Monmouth County. She can be reached at oliu@gannett.com.
Looking for something new to do? Here's what's happening around Monmouth County:Sara Winick, Patch StaffMONMOUTH COUNTY, NJ — The spring season is here, and this weekend, there are plenty of ways to celebrate with seasonal events around Monmouth County.Whether you’re looking to do some local shopping, enjoy Easter activities, or see a film screening, there’s plenty of spring events you can check out....
Sara Winick, Patch Staff
MONMOUTH COUNTY, NJ — The spring season is here, and this weekend, there are plenty of ways to celebrate with seasonal events around Monmouth County.
Whether you’re looking to do some local shopping, enjoy Easter activities, or see a film screening, there’s plenty of spring events you can check out.
Here’s five things happening around Monmouth County this weekend:
Fresh Saturday MarketLooking to go shopping this week? You can shop from local creators at Bell Works’ Fresh Saturday Market from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday.
Attendees can enjoy shopping in the main atrium and hear live music from the Black Ties Duo from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m.
To learn more, you can visit the Bell Works website.
Bell Works is located at 101 Crawfords Corner Road, Holmdel.
Spring Craft ShowSupport over 40 homegrown artists and artisans at Monmouth County’s Spring Craft Show at the Fort Monmouth Recreation Center on Saturday.
From 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., attendees can shop for home decor, jewelry, pet items, pottery and more at the show.
To learn more, you can visit the Monmouth County Parks System website.
Fort Monmouth Recreation Center is located at 2566 Guam Lane, Tinton Falls.
Spring CelebrationA new season has arrived, and on Saturday, Pier Village will host a special event to celebrate.
At their Spring Celebration, attendees will be able to join Pier Village for a day of activities, including a meet and greet with the Easter Bunny, live music and games with DJ JoJ, face painting, a bubble show and more.
To learn more about the event, you can visit the Pier Village website.
Pier Village is located at 50 Chelsea Avenue, Long Branch.
Easter Celebration At Allaire VillageThis Saturday, you can celebrate Easter at Allaire Village. Attendees will be able to enjoy a day in the park with live animals, a bubble magician, crafts and more.
To learn more or purchase tickets, you can click here or visit the Allaire Village website.
Allaire Village is located at 4263 Atlantic Avenue, Farmingdale.
Discover the Real Frida Kahlo On Sunday, viewers can take a journey through Frida Kahlo’s life at the Middletown Arts Center’s screening of “Discover the Real Frida Kahlo.”
The screening will take place at 2 p.m. at the Middletown Arts Center. Tickets are $10 for members and $15 for guests.
To learn more or reserve tickets, you can visit the Middletown Arts Center website.
The Middletown Arts Center is located at 36 Church Street, Middletown.
MONMOUTH COUNTY, NJ — The weekend has officially arrived.As the weather gets warmer and we approach the first day of spring, there’s plenty of fun events happening around Monmouth County for you to check out.Here are five things happening this weekend:Catsbury Park Adopt & Shop FairFor those looking to shop animal-related goods or adopt a pet, you can check out the Catsbury Park Adopt & Shop Fair at Bell Works on Saturday.From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., 40+ vendors will be selling anim...
MONMOUTH COUNTY, NJ — The weekend has officially arrived.
As the weather gets warmer and we approach the first day of spring, there’s plenty of fun events happening around Monmouth County for you to check out.
Here are five things happening this weekend:
Catsbury Park Adopt & Shop FairFor those looking to shop animal-related goods or adopt a pet, you can check out the Catsbury Park Adopt & Shop Fair at Bell Works on Saturday.
From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., 40+ vendors will be selling animal-related goods and many local rescues and shelters will be on-site with a diverse range of adoptable animals, including cats, kittens, dogs, puppies and more.
To learn more, you can visit the Bell Works website.
Bell Works is located at 101 Crawfords Corner Road, Holmdel.
Antique, Vintage & Collectibles MarketplaceLooking to collect some antiques? You can join the Middletown Arts Center for their Antique, Vintage & Collectibles Marketplace on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The marketplace will have over four dozen vendors on hand and attendees can shop from a huge selection of antique, vintage and collectible merchandise. Admission is $5 for adults.
To learn more, you can visit the Middletown Arts Center website.
The marketplace will take place at 36 Church Street, Middletown.
St. Patrick’s Day CelebrationThis Saturday, you can join Pier Village for live music, drinks, shopping and more for their St. Patrick’s Day Celebration.
To learn more, you can visit the Pier Village website.
Pier Village is located at 50 Chelsea Avenue, Long Branch.
A Tribute To Woodstock PerformanceThis Sunday, you can enjoy a “recreated Woodstock” experience at Monmouth County Library HQ from 2-3:30 p.m. The concert is free and seating is on a first come, first seated basis.
To learn more, you can visit the Monmouth County Library website.
Monmouth County Library HQ is located at 125 Symmes Drive, Manalapan.
Freehold Borough Arts Council St. Patrick’s Day ParadeThis Sunday, the Freehold Borough Arts Council will host their St. Patrick's Day Parade, with step-off set to begin at 12:30 and run down Main Street.
To learn more, you can visit the Downtown Freehold website, the parade event page, or read Patch’s previous reporting.