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 Metuchen, 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 Metuchen, 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 Metuchen, 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 Metuchen, 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.
"I am very excited to be back home where it all started for me," Taylor said. Patch StaffMETCHEN, NJ — Saint Joseph High School in Metuchen has appointed Mark Taylor ‘83 as head basketball coach, the school announced Thursday.A standout student-athlete at Saint Joe's in the early 1980s, Taylor originally coached his alma mater to two Greater Middlesex Conference championships, two NJSIAA Non-Public section titles and seven division crowns from 1997 to 2006.“This is an exciting day for...
Patch Staff
METCHEN, NJ — Saint Joseph High School in Metuchen has appointed Mark Taylor ‘83 as head basketball coach, the school announced Thursday.
A standout student-athlete at Saint Joe's in the early 1980s, Taylor originally coached his alma mater to two Greater Middlesex Conference championships, two NJSIAA Non-Public section titles and seven division crowns from 1997 to 2006.
“This is an exciting day for Saint Joseph High School as we welcome home one of the most successful student-athletes and coaches in school history,” Saint Joseph President John G. Nolan, Jr. P’09 said.
“For three decades, Mark Taylor has built championship programs on and off the basketball court. His commitment to developing a well-rounded student-athlete experience, including forming successful young men in faith, leadership, academics and basketball make Mark a perfect fit for our culture. I look forward to watching our program return to prominence next season.”
During his first stint at the program, Taylor developed Jay Williams ‘99 and Andrew Bynum ‘05 into McDonald’s High School All-Americans.
Williams was the National High School Player of the Year in 1999 before attending Duke University and was later selected No. 2 overall by the Chicago Bulls in the 2002 NBA Draft.
Bynum was drafted out of Saint Joe’s No. 10 overall in the 2005 draft by the Los Angeles Lakers. Taylor’s teams have produced eight NBA draft picks, including two NBA Draft Lottery selections (top 4 picks) and over 100 NCAA Division I players.
“I am very excited to be back home where it all started for me,” Taylor said. “Not only did I begin my coaching career here, but this is where I started my life journey as a student in the 1980s. I'm excited about the challenge and will work tirelessly to build us back to where we were when I left in 2006, a perennial powerhouse in Middlesex County.”
After leaving Saint Joe’s following the 2006 season, Taylor had a five year stint at Ridge High School that included one Somerset County title. He was named head coach at St. Benedict’s Prep ahead of the 2011 season.
In 14 years as head coach of the Grey Bees, he helped build the program by winning nine NJSIAA Prep A state championships, and earning five National Prep Championship tournament invitations.
He was inducted into the New Jersey Basketball Hall of Honor in 2023.
“Mark Taylor’s success in the New Jersey high school basketball landscape has been second to none over the past 28 years,” Saint Joseph Director of Athletics Bill Tracy said.
“We are excited to welcome yet another hall of fame caliber coach to the Saint Joseph Athletics Department. More importantly, I am confident that Coach Taylor’s focus on forming successful young men will have a positive impact on the student-athlete experience at Saint Joseph High School. We welcome him back with open arms and now set our sights on bringing trophies back to Maglio Gymnasium.”
A 2001 Saint Joseph Athletics Hall of Fame inductee, Taylor earned All-American honors on the soccer pitch and All-State honors on the hardwood. His basketball success led him to a collegiate career at Assumption College (1983-1984 season), then Fordham University (1984-1988)
Outside of coaching, Taylor is an entrepreneur with a history of building successful businesses across many industries.
He holds a business degree in finance management from Fordham University and a masters certificate in Christian Ministries from Liberty University.
He lives in Basking Ridge with his wife Tammy and five sons - Ryan, Matthew, Michael, Daniel and George.
Have a correction or news tip? Email sarah.salvadore@patch.com
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
The school will be the sixth within the Middlesex County Magnet School district and is slated to open in fall 2026. Patch StaffEDISON, NJ – Middlesex County, in partnership with Middlesex County Magnet Schools, celebrated the groundbreaking of the new Middlesex County Innovation Magnet School on Edison’s Middlesex College campus.The event brought together County officials, state leaders, and community partners to advance the County’s Community, Innovation, and Opportunity (CIO) Strategic Investment Pl...
Patch Staff
EDISON, NJ – Middlesex County, in partnership with Middlesex County Magnet Schools, celebrated the groundbreaking of the new Middlesex County Innovation Magnet School on Edison’s Middlesex College campus.
The event brought together County officials, state leaders, and community partners to advance the County’s Community, Innovation, and Opportunity (CIO) Strategic Investment Plan—underscoring a commitment to education, workforce development, and economic growth.
Located on the newly named “Innovation Way” at Middlesex College, the Innovation Magnet School will be the sixth high school within the Middlesex County Magnet School district and is slated to open in fall 2026.
The construction contract has been awarded to DOBCO, the lowest bidder, at a cost of $42,215,000.
Construction will begin immediately under a Project Labor Agreement (PLA), ensuring that the school will be completely built by union labor.
The project is funded through a combination of state, federal, and County resources, leveraging Middlesex County’s AAA bond rating—maintained for over 23 consecutive years—allowing the County to make this investment without incurring additional debt.
“Innovation is at the core of everything we do at Middlesex County. The new Innovation Magnet School will foster outstanding learning, creativity, exploration and more than anything, create possibility—so students can reach their highest potential,” Middlesex County Commissioner Director Ronald G. Rios said.
“I look forward to seeing the Middlesex County Innovation Magnet School become a reality and embracing all the possibilities of the CIO Plan!”
The 75,550-square-foot facility will introduce advanced academic programs that cover engineering principles supporting robotics and energy-efficient systems, applications of advanced technology in building design, data networking systems, and agricultural practices to enhance environmental quality.
These technological and sustainability-focused career programs are designed to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving workforce, expanding opportunities for students across the County.
“We’ve been on an educational journey, revolutionizing public school education by focusing on specialized, hands-on learning. As we break ground on the Middlesex County Innovation Magnet School, the sixth school within our distinguished Magnet School district, we’re not just adding another building—we’re pioneering the future of learning,” Middlesex County Superintendent of Schools Jorge Diaz said.
“These career programs have been strategically developed to meet the changing workforce and evolving technological advancements, using innovation as the lens to create relevant and high-demand curricula that will make an impact.”
Have a correction or news tip? Email sarah.salvadore@patch.com
Edison received its first designation in 2023, and then a silver level designation in 2024. Patch StaffEDISON, NJ – The township has earned the Mayors Wellness Campaign “Healthy Town to Watch” designation for 2024 from the New Jersey Health Care Quality Institute.Cities and towns that go above and beyond to improve health and wellness in their communities through innovative programs in areas such as exercise, healthy eating, and mental health education and awareness, receive this distinction.Th...
Patch Staff
EDISON, NJ – The township has earned the Mayors Wellness Campaign “Healthy Town to Watch” designation for 2024 from the New Jersey Health Care Quality Institute.
Cities and towns that go above and beyond to improve health and wellness in their communities through innovative programs in areas such as exercise, healthy eating, and mental health education and awareness, receive this distinction.
The Mayors Wellness Campaign (MWC) is a program of the Quality Institute in partnership with the New Jersey State League of Municipalities.
Edison received its first designation in 2023, and then a silver level designation in 2024.
The Township integrated Conversation of Your Life programming into its work to support healthy aging initiatives in the community.
“I am proud that Edison Township has earned the 2024 Healthy Town to Watch designation for 2024, building on our 2023 Healthy Town Up and Coming status. These accomplishments reflect our continued commitment to programs that support the health and well-being of our residents," Mayor Sam Joshi said.
"The MWC has been instrumental in helping us assess and enhance local initiatives, including the Mayor's Bike Tour, Farmers Market, disability dances, senior services, and more, that benefit both the physical and mental health of our community. These events and services celebrate our diversity and promote social connectedness and community engagement throughout Edison.”
A record-breaking 23 towns were declared winners, another 16 were designated as 2024 Healthy Town to Watch, and seven were designated as 2024 Healthy Town Up-and-Coming.
"It’s incredible to see the MWC Healthy Town designations keep growing year after year. It’s proof that New Jersey’s community leaders aren’t just talking about health and wellness; they’re making it," said Mike Cerra, Executive Director of the New Jersey League of Municipalities.
"From small towns to big cities, these leaders are showing up for their residents and building healthier, more vibrant communities.”
Each year, communities participating in the MWC complete a comprehensive Healthy Town application outlining the research they’ve done to identify their community health needs and explaining how they have organized their local MWC committee.
The application also highlights the actions the towns have taken to make their communities healthier places to live, work, age, and play.
Have a correction or news tip? Email sarah.salvadore@patch.com
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
According to the planner and developer, the residential project will create a sustainable revenue source for the Arts District. Patch StaffMETUCHEN, NJ — During Monday's Council meeting, longtime Borough Planner Jim Constantine and DEVCO CEO Chris Paladino shared updates with the community on the Forum Theatre project.The theater's current state includes structural issues and inaccessibility.The plan involves reconstructing the theater as a "black box" for flexibility, costing $30 million, with $...
Patch Staff
METUCHEN, NJ — During Monday's Council meeting, longtime Borough Planner Jim Constantine and DEVCO CEO Chris Paladino shared updates with the community on the Forum Theatre project.
The theater's current state includes structural issues and inaccessibility.
The plan involves reconstructing the theater as a "black box" for flexibility, costing $30 million, with $22 million from tax credits and $3 million from the Borough.
The project includes acquiring a former gas station and developing a mixed-use residential and parking facility on Halsey Street, called The Residences at the Forum.
The goal is to create a thriving arts district with various performance and community spaces, supported by a sustainable funding model.
The theater was built in 1928 as a simple theater, and today is in a significant state of disrepair, with visible cracking through the exterior walls and foundation.
“There are various unsafe conditions related to the foundation, the slab, the floor system, outdated facilities that are not accessible does not fit today's needs,” Constantine said.
Currently the theatre is about 8,600 square feet, and the proposed reimagined theater will be about 21,000 square feet. The project cost is around $30 million, with Metuchen already having $25 million. The borough is now seeking $5 million more.
To fund the project and ensure taxpayers are not burdened, the developer said they needed to identify a resource that provides an operating funds for the project long term.
After considering various options, the developers decided on a mixed-use project that would have varying types of residential units and parking garage, that would give the borough the financial opportunity to accomplish its goals.
“So we're confident that we could develop a residential community that reflects Metuchen’s priorities,” Paladino said.
The residential project will include not just rental units, but the potential for for-sale units, and some type of streetscape around the building.
The development project on Halsey Street will also include a 20 percent set-aside for affordable housing, with preferences for special needs residents and veterans.
The portion reserved for veterans will ideally be located adjacent to the American Legion Hall.
“And there will also be an effort to attract artists as well. We want to really foster creativity throughout the arts district, and so this idea of having this play, work, live hub for local artists and residents will be something that we'll try to do to diversify the local economy, the downtown and the entire community,” Constantine said.
The project will take place in two phases.
Phase 1 will include:
Phase 2:
Have a correction or news tip? Email sarah.salvadore@patch.com