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 Marlboro, 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 Marlboro, 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 Marlboro, 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 Marlboro, 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.
Bojangles, the beloved Southern-based fried chicken chain, is gearing up to open in New Jersey.The franchise’s expansion into New Jersey is set to commence in Neptune. It will be located at ...
Bojangles, the beloved Southern-based fried chicken chain, is gearing up to open in New Jersey.
The franchise’s expansion into New Jersey is set to commence in Neptune. It will be located at Market Place at Neptune just off of Route 35, according to Asbury Park Press.
Bojangles will join brands like Aldi, QuickChek and Smoothie King in the complex located just a few miles from Asbury Park.
The 2,895-square-foot Monmouth County restaurant will feature a drive-thru. No opening date or timetable for construction has been to be announced.
Locations are also slated to open in Piscataway, Marlboro and Vineland as well, though further details haven’t been announced.
Bojangles originally announced plans to open 10 New Jersey outposts across Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Middlesex and Union counties in 2022 as the North Carolina-based company aims to expand throughout Northeast. A previous location operated in Newark but closed years ago.
The popular chain has been serving cajun-seasoned fried chicken, buttermilk biscuits and sweet tea since its inception in 1977. The Bojangles menu features fried chicken, chicken tenders, sandwiches, breakfast biscuits, salads and more.
Bojangles currently operates more than 800 locations throughout 20 states.
Editor’s note: This story has been updated to reflect that Bojangles previously operated a location in Newark, which is now closed.
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Christopher Burch can be reached at cburch@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter: @SwishBurch. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Have a tip? Tell us at nj.com/tips/.
Sonja Gregoire, 54, has brought beauty and trash together with her experiences in the film and waste industries.Sara Winick, Patch Staff|Updated Tue, Jan 21, 2025 at 3:54 pm ETCOLTS NECK, NJ — One Colts Neck resident has brought the beauty industry and trash industry together with her company, ...
Sara Winick, Patch Staff
|Updated Tue, Jan 21, 2025 at 3:54 pm ET
COLTS NECK, NJ — One Colts Neck resident has brought the beauty industry and trash industry together with her company, Capital Waste Recycling.
Sonja Gregoire, 54, is both the president of Capital Waste and a part-time hairdresser in the film industry.
Gregoire’s credits include films and shows such as “Wonder Woman,” “Westworld,” and “A Complete Unknown,” but in the past couple of years, she’s expanded her work to providing waste services for communities throughout Central Jersey.
“It’s beauty and trash together,” Gregorie said. “Whenever I tell people, they’re always like, ‘What?’ and I’m like ‘I know, it’s crazy.’ On one side, I’m dropping off these dumpsters and jumping out of the truck, but on the other, I’m making people look great for the film industry.”
According to Gregoire, both the name of Capital Waste Recycling and the idea to start the company originated from a Washington Capitals hockey game in 2015.
After growing up just outside the Washington D.C. area and bonding over hockey with her father, Gregoire said she was inspired to take the “Capital” part of “Washington Capitals” and use it to base her company's name.
It was at that hockey game that Gregoire also met her husband, who would later ask about starting their own trash company.
“That’s how it all started,” Gregoire said. “I started to do the paperwork from there and it was almost a two-year process to get the 901 license [needed for solid and medical waste transportation].”
Today, Capital Waste Recycling services residents, businesses and municipalities throughout Central Jersey. Residential trash collection, dumpster rentals, and trash disposal are just some of the services the company offers.
As a female business owner in the industry, Gregoire said she feels like she’s been able to both connect with other women throughout the area and bring compassion to the trash business.
“There’s a soft side to it that I feel like I provide,” Gregoire said. “Like when someone’s passed away and I’m speaking to somebody and I have that softer tone with them, I have that compassion for them.”
“I think that’s what I bring to the table that others don’t,” Gregoire continued. “You know? It’s not just ‘Hey, we’re dropping this off,’ it’s getting to know people too.”
Since opening in Monmouth County, Gregoire said Capital Waste has not only been welcomed by residents but has also been well-received by other small businesses who have shown their support.
Going forward, Gregoire said she hopes to continue the company's growth and keep assisting people throughout New Jersey.
“It’s just so exciting to see people when they’re building a new home, or they’re excited to start something fresh," Gregoire said. "You just see people having their dreams come true. Even if it’s something like getting a new roof or new couples moving into a house and cleaning it out.”
“We have a good team,” Gregoire continued. “I definitely want to keep growing and try to do the best that I can.”
To learn more about Capital Waste Recycling, you can visit their website.
Capital Waste Recycling Inc. is located at 396 Highway 34, Matawan.
This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.Health & FitnessFreehold Family YMCA Hosts Free Open House January 25 to Kickstart 2025 YMCA of Greater Monmouth County, Community ContributorThe YMCA of Greater Monmouth County invites the community...
This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.
YMCA of Greater Monmouth County, Community Contributor
The YMCA of Greater Monmouth County invites the community to start 2025 strong with a special “Find Your Y Open House” at its Freehold Family YMCA, located at 470 East Freehold Road.
The free event will take place on Saturday, Jan. 25, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., offering local families and individuals a fresh start to health and wellness.
“Our open house is a celebration of health, community, and new beginnings,” said the Y’s President and CEO Laurie Goganzer. “We’re excited to welcome everyone to the Y, where people of all ages can build healthy habits, find support, and grow healthier in spirit, mind and body.”
Attendees are invited to tour the Y’s fitness center, enjoy fitness demonstrations, swim, and learn about swim lessons, sports, and other activities for every member of the family. For families planning ahead, summer camp registration opens on Feb. 3, with staff available to discuss the Y’s diverse camp offerings. Information on rewarding career opportunities at the Y will also be available during the event.
As a special new year promotion, anyone who becomes a member of the Y in January will have their joiner fee waived, and guests who join during the open house will also receive February free. Attendees may also enter a non-member drawing for a chance to win a free three-month membership.
In addition to its wellness and summer camp programs, the Y impacts over 42,000 lives annually through programs such as preschool, before and after school care, teen leadership and mentorship, and mental health counseling. Financial assistance is available for those who qualify as part of the Y’s charitable mission.
“Our Y has been serving the greater Monmouth County community for 150 years. We are proud to be here for all and here for good,” Goganzer added.
The Y will also host open houses on the same day and time at the Red Bank Family YMCA, 166 Maple Ave., Red Bank, 07701 and the Old Bridge Family YMCA, 1 Mannino Drive, Old Bridge, 08857.
For more information about the open house, membership, summer day camps or other YMCA programs, visit www.YMCAnj.org.
About YMCA of Greater Monmouth CountyFor 150 years, YMCA of Greater Monmouth County has empowered youth, improved health, and fostered connections that unite and uplift the community. Serving 42,000 people annually, we’ve provided over $5 million in financial assistance in the last five years. With locations in eight communities and programs integrated into more than 100 schools across Monmouth and Ocean counties, we are dedicated to strengthening communities. Named a New Jersey Top Workplace for three consecutive years by NJ Advance Media, we’re based in Shrewsbury, NJ. Learn more at www.YMCAnj.org.