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 Middletown, 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 Middletown, 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 Middletown, 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 Middletown, 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.
MIDDLETOWN, NJ — Independence Day falls on a Friday in 2025, kicking off a star-spangled three-day weekend packed with fireworks, festivals and other Fourth of July fun in and around Middletown.To help you fit it all in on your 4th of July calendar, Patch has put together a guide to what’s going on in Middletown and the surrounding areas.July 4 Festivities for 2025:1. The annual Hazlet fireworks show is scheduled for dusk on July 3 at Veterans Park. Bring your chairs or a blanket to sit upon....
MIDDLETOWN, NJ — Independence Day falls on a Friday in 2025, kicking off a star-spangled three-day weekend packed with fireworks, festivals and other Fourth of July fun in and around Middletown.
To help you fit it all in on your 4th of July calendar, Patch has put together a guide to what’s going on in Middletown and the surrounding areas.
July 4 Festivities for 2025:
1. The annual Hazlet fireworks show is scheduled for dusk on July 3 at Veterans Park. Bring your chairs or a blanket to sit upon. Celebration begins at 6 p.m. with deejay.
2. The Riverview Medical Center Foundation’s annual fireworks display is set to return to the Navesink River on July 3. The beloved event will be held at a private home. Fireworks go off between 9:15-9:30 p.m. Thursday. Spectators can enjoy the show from various locations along the river, or by boat near the Oceanic Bridge.
3. Long Branch will host OceanFest July 4 at Pier Village, with fireworks that go off at 9 p.m.
Time: 1-9 p.m. on Long Branch's Great Lawn and Promenade Fireworks go off at 9 p.m., when it gets dark. Come to Pier Village to watch, stroll around the shops, restaurants and beach.
You can also buy private tickets to be on the rooftop deck at the Wave resort for the party. Take in panoramic views of the ocean and city skyline while enjoying front-row seats to the Long Branch Fireworks Show. There will be live music on the rooftop. Buy tickets here: https://piervillage.com/event/...
Looking ahead: Come to Middletown Night on July 18 at the Jersey Shore BlueClaws, a Star Wars-themed event. First pitch is at 7:05 p.m. Fireworks go off when it gets dark.
SANDY HOOK — The hot and lazy days of summer have arrived. A time of year when it's good to sip lemonade, hang in the shade or be in the water rather than out.If you're looking for stuff to do with kids, here's everything planned from American Littoral Society, which is headquartered at the tip of Sandy Hook:Junior Ranger Angler Fishing ProgramSandy Hook, NJJune through AugustThe National Park Service and the American Li...
SANDY HOOK — The hot and lazy days of summer have arrived. A time of year when it's good to sip lemonade, hang in the shade or be in the water rather than out.
If you're looking for stuff to do with kids, here's everything planned from American Littoral Society, which is headquartered at the tip of Sandy Hook:
Junior Ranger Angler Fishing ProgramSandy Hook, NJJune through August
The National Park Service and the American Littoral Society are partnering to teach young children surf fishing on Sandy Hook. The next clinic takes place Monday, July 14 starting at 9:30 a.m. Find more info and register on their website.
Join us for an evening of hands-on discovery as we explore the diverse wildlife that calls our coast home. Participants will help pull a 40-foot seine net through the bay and experience the thrill of discovering fish, crabs, and other fascinating marine creatures. Find more info and register for upcoming dates on their website.
Moth Night Sandy Hook, NJFriday, Jul 25, 8 - 10 p.m.
Join us for a unique evening exploring the fascinating world of moths, nature’s incredible nocturnal pollinators, with Blaine Rothauser, Senior Ecologist at GZA GeoEnvironmental, Inc. Find more info and register on their website.
Annual Fluke Tagging TripAtlantic Highlands, NJSaturday, August 30, 7 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Join American Littoral Society's Fish Tagging Director Emily McGuckin aboard the Mi-Jo II, for some inshore sport fishing and to learn about the fish tagging program, which helps scientists track fish migration and populations. Find more info and register on their website.
The track, football field and baseball fields are now officially a public park. Mater Dei Prep High School will be demolished by early fall.MIDDLETOWN, NJ — On Wednesday, Middletown held its official acquisition ceremony as the town took ownership of the former Mater Dei Prep High School property from Saint Mary Mother of God Catholic church.The 25-acre property is now officially a town park open to all; Mater Dei's outdoor track, football field and four baseball fields will all remain and they can be used by the public...
MIDDLETOWN, NJ — On Wednesday, Middletown held its official acquisition ceremony as the town took ownership of the former Mater Dei Prep High School property from Saint Mary Mother of God Catholic church.
The 25-acre property is now officially a town park open to all; Mater Dei's outdoor track, football field and four baseball fields will all remain and they can be used by the public or rented out by youth and adult sports leagues.
The site, located at 538 Church Street, Middletown, will be renamed Mater Dei Park. Look for a sign to go up soon.
Mater Dei Prep closed its doors forever in 2022, citing a steep drop in student enrollment. For more than 60 years, Mater Dei provided a well-regarded Catholic education to Monmouth County teens, but enrollment had dwindled to just 220 students when it closed.
Demolition of Mater Dei High School is expected to be completed by early fall. A specific date has still not been released for when Mater Dei will be demolished. Middletown says the high school building does not meet current safety standards.
Wednesday's signing ceremony was held on the Mater Dei High School football field. The sale price is $11.75 million. In March, Middletown announced it reached an agreement to pay Saint Mary $11.75 million for the property:
75 percent of the sale price, $8,812,500, will be funded by a grant from Monmouth County, through the county's Municipal Land Preservation Incentive Program. Middletown will fund the remaining 25 percent — just under $3 million — with the money coming out of the Township’s Open Space Trust Fund.
"The county will hold a conservation easement which ensures that the new park is permanently preserved and can never be developed for non-park and recreation purposes," Monmouth County Commissioner Director Tom Arnone said at Wednesday's ceremony.
None of these plans affect St. Mary's grammar school, which will still continue to operate as usual on site and has a healthy enrollment. Middletown and St. Mary’s Church have agreed to share access to the site’s parking lot, for visitors to both the new park and the church and school.
The $11.75 million will go directly to St. Mary Mother of God; it will not go to the diocese in Trenton. This is a millions-of-dollars-cash infusion for Middletown's Catholic church. It will be used to pay down debt service, parish maintenance and start a student endorsement fund to continue Catholic education in Middletown, said St. Mary's pastor Father Jeff Kegley.
“A majority of the funds the parish receives from this purchase will go toward an endowment for St. Mary’s School to continue fostering Catholic education,” said Kegley. “St. Mary’s is one of the best schools in our diocese, and we want to ensure that it stays that way.”
Saint Mary's beloved fairs and seasonal events will also continue on site.
Middletown Mayor Tony Perry has made preserving open space in Middletown a key goal of his administration. The town's decision to purchase Mater Dei — with significant funding provided by the county — is a milestone in Perry's legacy.
“This landmark agreement symbolizes the strength of collaboration to preserve Middletown’s unique character,” said Perry Wednesday. “Through the power of shared values and strategic investment, this Township park will forever hold the memories of the terrific games, athletes, famous alumni and incredible individuals who called this place their alma mater.”
Community Corner MIDDLETOWN, NJ — The Middletown Township Public Library (MTPL) announced its lineup of adult events for July. Additional information and registration can be found at mtpl.org. Please contact the reference desk with any questions at 732-671-3700, Ext 320.Tech Tuesday: Design with Canva BasicsLearn how to use Canva to easily create your o...
MIDDLETOWN, NJ — The Middletown Township Public Library (MTPL) announced its lineup of adult events for July. Additional information and registration can be found at mtpl.org. Please contact the reference desk with any questions at 732-671-3700, Ext 320.
Tech Tuesday: Design with Canva Basics
Learn how to use Canva to easily create your own graphic designs at this Tech Tuesday session on July 8 at 2:30 pm. Bring your computer questions for a brief "ask a librarian" session afterwards. This program will take place in the Open Study Room. Registration is recommended.
Bad Art for Adults
Come to the Community Room on Monday, July 14 at 7 pm for a chance to be wildly creative without any pressure to make something “good.” At the end of the program, the group will vote for the baddest “Bad Art" masterpiece. Materials will be provided.
Getting Started in Genealogy
Join this Genealogy 101 workshop on Wednesday, July 16 at 2 pm to get started on researching your family tree with Beverly Yackel of the Monmouth County Genealogy Society. Drop by the Community Room to hear tips and insight on how to begin your genealogy journey and learn about the new Genealogy Club forming at the Library.
Welcome to Journaling: “Food for Thought”
Join a guided journaling session with Marilyn Lane, an experienced journalist and educator, on Friday, July 18 at 10:30 am in the Open Study Room. Jump start your journal writing with a fun discussion of curious quotes, adages, or thought-provoking questions. Please bring a notebook or laptop for writing. Registration is required.
Broadway Magic: Then & Now
Step into a world of exuberance and nostalgia and join a vibrant celebration of live Broadway music on Wednesday, July 23 at 1 pm in the Community Room. Francine and Joel will take you on an unforgettable journey through over 23 beloved Broadway gems, each note resonating with the joy and excitement of the stage. Registration is recommended.
Adult Coloring
Come to the Lobby Conference Room for a coloring session on Thursday, July 24 at 10 am. Join a relaxing morning of coloring pictures and socializing. Coloring pages, pencils, crayons and other supplies will be provided. You may bring your own coloring books or materials if you wish. Registration is recommended.
Art Workshop with Seema Varma
Learn various techniques, then use your own canvas to paint your own creation at this art workshop on Monday, July 28 at 6:30 pm. All materials will be provided. Plan to wear clothes that can get messy or bring an apron. This program will take place in the Community Room and registration is recommended.
Summer Reading Book Chat for Night Owls
Join a special “Color Our World” book chat on Shelby Van Pelt’s Remarkably Bright Creatures on Tuesday, July 29 at 7 pm in the Community Room. Print and audiobook copies of the book are available at the library, and digital copies are available on Hoopla and Libby.
Adult Zining Workshop
Embrace your creativity at MTPL’s Zining group for adults with resident archivist Laura Poll on Wednesday, July 30 at 1 pm in the Community Room. No artistic skills are needed and all supplies will be provided. Registration is recommended.
Summer Reading Book Chat for Early Birds
Join a special “Color Our World” book chat on Shelby Van Pelt’s Remarkably Bright Creatures on Thursday, July 31 at 10 am in the Community Room. Print and audiobook copies of the book are available at the library, and digital copies are available on Hoopla and Libby.
Virtual Author Talk: On the Strangeness and Wonder of Our Brains with Pria Anand
Sign up for an online conversation with author and neurologist Pria Anand on Thursday, July 31 at 2 pm. She will discuss her new book The Mind Electric: A Neurologist on the Strangeness and Wonder of Our Brains, revealing through case study, history, fable and memoir the stories we tell ourselves about our brains and the stories that our brains tell us. Visit mtpl.org to register for this virtual author event.
Star Wars Trivia Night
Grab your fellow Star Wars fans and join us on Thursday, July 31 at 7 pm for a night of trivia from a galaxy far, far away! This program will take place in the Community Room and registration is required.
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