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 Milltown, 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 Milltown, 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 Milltown, 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 Milltown, 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.
With just days remaining before Groundhog Day 2023, it appears the tiny New Jersey borough of Milltown has hit a snag — again.Milltown Mel, the borough’s weather-predicting groundhog, ...
With just days remaining before Groundhog Day 2023, it appears the tiny New Jersey borough of Milltown has hit a snag — again.
Milltown Mel, the borough’s weather-predicting groundhog, died last year prior to Groundhog Day 2022, forcing the town to cancel its longtime traditional ceremony aimed at determining whether the Garden State will have an extended winter or an early spring.
The event organizers vowed to find a replacement for Milltown Mel for this year’s ceremony, and they did.
However, an unspecified state regulation is preventing the new Milltown Mel from taking part in this year’s festivities, according to the event organizers. So for the second consecutive year, the borough won’t be having a Groundhog Day ceremony.
“The new groundhog we originally scheduled to have made his debut is currently not allowed to be here according to a state of New Jersey statute,” the organizers wrote on Milltown Mel’s Facebook page on Sunday. “We have been trying to find a replacement that the state will approve of, but we could not make it happen in time for this year.“
The organizers could not be reached for comment about the state regulation or the status of Mel’s replacement, but they noted they will continue to make efforts to bring the longtime tradition back to Milltown.
“We will certainly let you know if we are successful for the future as soon as we can,” the organizers wrote, ”but in the meantime please have a great Groundhog Day and listen to Phil and all his cousins!”
Phil, of course, is Punxsutawney Phil — the world’s most famous groundhog, who started the quirky tradition of a rodent predicting the weather way back in the late 1800s.
But Phil has some competitors, including some in New Jersey. Lady Edwina, an Essex County groundhog, who last year replaced Essex Ed, will be taking part in a Groundhog Day ceremony Thursday morning, Feb. 2, at the Turtle Back Zoo in West Orange.
Another Jersey groundhog, known as Stonewall Jackson VI, is expected to look for its shadow on a farm in Sussex County this Thursday, and Staten Island Chuck will be doing the same in the New York City borough.
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MILLTOWN, NJ - Halloween lovers will want to mark the calendar for the annual scarefest along Milltown's Mill Pond. This year's Haunted River Walk, which is sponsored by Joyce Kilmer's eighth grade class, is set for Thursday, October 26, Friday, October 27 and Saturday, October 28. The fun starts at dusk and continues until 9:30 p.m.The October tradition dates back to 2003. Many Joyce Kilmer eighth graders have come together over the past 20 years to create this unique Halloween celebration which has become a mainstay for many Middles...
MILLTOWN, NJ - Halloween lovers will want to mark the calendar for the annual scarefest along Milltown's Mill Pond. This year's Haunted River Walk, which is sponsored by Joyce Kilmer's eighth grade class, is set for Thursday, October 26, Friday, October 27 and Saturday, October 28. The fun starts at dusk and continues until 9:30 p.m.
The October tradition dates back to 2003. Many Joyce Kilmer eighth graders have come together over the past 20 years to create this unique Halloween celebration which has become a mainstay for many Middlesex County residents. The annual Haunted River Walk features 10 Halloween inspired skits created by JK's eighth grade class. Skits feature elaborate sets, amazing costumes and thrilling scenes which unite to produce an evening of spine-chilling excitement.
Each fall's Haunted River Walk has its own theme. Themes over the years have featured fairy tales, haunted Disney, Milltown Asylum, desolate boardwalk and last fall's cursed carnival. This year, JK's eighth graders have fashioned a Screaming Service theme. Haunted River Walk participants will be stepping into an eerie scene featuring a different take on the most popular shows streaming on Netflix, Amazon Prime, Peacock, Hulu and Disney+.
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For people who have never experienced a Haunted River Walk, the scene is set with a guided walk through Joyce Kill-More Cemetery which features tombstones promoting local businesses and highlighting the unfortunate demise of Joyce Kilmer and Milltown School District staff. If the cemetery, doesn't scare people away, it's time to purchase a ticket and head to each of the 10 skits. By the time participants work their way through the skits, they are back at the beginning where they can enjoy refreshments and treats.
"A tradition like none other, the Haunted River Walk highlights the skills and spirit of the young men and women of Joyce Kilmer School while illuminating the camaraderie and unity of our close-knit town," said Joyce Kilmer Principal William Veit.
Tickets are sold at the gate on the night of the event and are $6 for students, $8 for adults and $4 for seniors. All the proceeds from the Haunted River Walk go to support the eighth grade class trip. So, mark the calendar if you dare. The Haunted River Walk is not for the faint of heart.
NORTH BRUNSWICK – The Planning Board has approved a scaled-down plan to build a Dunkin' on Milltown Road.The Planning Board on March 7 gave approval to Brunswick Estates LLC to build the new 2,100-square-foot restaurant with a drive-thru at 511 and 517 Milltown Road.The property is located at the northwest corner of Milltown Road and Chrome Street. The two lots will be consolidated and the existing structures on the site will be demolished for the new restaurant.The new Dunkin' will replace the exist...
NORTH BRUNSWICK – The Planning Board has approved a scaled-down plan to build a Dunkin' on Milltown Road.
The Planning Board on March 7 gave approval to Brunswick Estates LLC to build the new 2,100-square-foot restaurant with a drive-thru at 511 and 517 Milltown Road.
The property is located at the northwest corner of Milltown Road and Chrome Street. The two lots will be consolidated and the existing structures on the site will be demolished for the new restaurant.
The new Dunkin' will replace the existing location at 561 Milltown Road.
Several revisions were made since the initial plan was presented to the Planning Board in October, Board Engineer James Watson said.
Brunswick Estates eliminated approximately 1,000 square feet of retail space, which was adjacent to the Dunkin', Watson said.
"By doing that they were able to implement a number of changes that addressed a majority of the comments that the Board had," he said.
They eliminated four variances previously required, he said. By removing the retail, they were able to add a second order board location to the drive-thru and less parking is now required at the site, he said.
Watson said they also updated the traffic report.
Connor Hughes, Brunswick Estates’ traffic engineer, said the stacking capacity at the drive-thru was doubled.
He said Brunswick Estates believes there is adequate parking to handle the demand.
Hossam Sorour, who oversees more than 20 Dunkin' locations, said the operating hours are planned to be 5 a.m. to 11 p.m.
He said delivery trucks are not allowed to park anywhere off the property.
A few residents, who live near the site, voiced concerns during the public hearing.
Maureen Canonico took issue with the buffer, garbage pickup and hours of operation.
"I can't see why this would be allowed at all," she said.
She said she appreciates the Board working to minimize the impact to nearby homes, but she still has an issue with the hours of operation.
Email: sloyer@gannettnj.com
Susan Loyer covers Middlesex County and more for MyCentralJersey.com. To get unlimited access to her work, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.
2023 will be the second year in a row that there won’t be a Groundhog Day prediction in Milltown, New Jersey, following the death of Milltown Mel last year. His Wranglers announced the news on Facebook just days before the town’s celebrations were set to take place. “We Wranglers are sad to report that Milltown Mel recently crossed over the rainbow bridge,” the Facebook ...
2023 will be the second year in a row that there won’t be a Groundhog Day prediction in Milltown, New Jersey, following the death of Milltown Mel last year. His Wranglers announced the news on Facebook just days before the town’s celebrations were set to take place. “We Wranglers are sad to report that Milltown Mel recently crossed over the rainbow bridge,” the Facebook post read.
On 29 January, the Wranglers took to Facebook once again to report the sad news that the festivities would be canceled again. The group said that they had found a groundhog who they “scheduled to have [make] his debut,” but that his presence in New Jersey would have violated state law.
“We have been trying to find a replacement that the state will approve of, but we could not make it happen in time for this year,” said the Wrangles, adding that for now, the community should “listen to Phil and all his cousins!”
The Milltown Groundhog Day tradition began in 2009 after Jerry and Cathy Guthlein went to Punxsutawney in western Pennsylvania to witness Mel’s cousin Punxsutawney Phil on Gobbler’s Knob, make his annual weather forecast. OG Mel was replaced in 2015 by Mel 2.0, who had been auguring the early arrival of spring or more wintery weather until his passing which didn’t come as much of a surprise.
“Considering the average lifespan of a Groundhog is about 3 years, that is not such a shock,” a post read on his Facebook page.
Read more from AS USA:
Your average groundhog doesn’t have a very long career predicting the weather, so with nearly seven years under his belt, Mel had a pretty good run. Wild groundhogs, also known as woodchucks, on average live four to five years but can live up to six years. In captivity, they can live ten or more years.
However, they spend half their life asleep in a coma-like state and will not wake even if touched. They enter their burrows in the fall to begin the hibernation process and will be completely asleep by mid-October. They remain in that state until roughly February when they wake up briefly to look for potential mates before returning underground. They don’t come out for good until March.
The community was able to take part in apparatus tours and more at 125 years of service celebration at Immaculate Conception.The Spotswood Volunteer Fire Department marked 125 years of service on August 19. Saturday's celebration took a year of planning.Photo Credit: Photo Courtesy of the Spotswood Volunteer Fire DepartmentSaturday's festivities began with a parade of vehicles through the borough. Fire Departments from nearby communities joined in the parade.Photo Credit: Photo...
The community was able to take part in apparatus tours and more at 125 years of service celebration at Immaculate Conception.
The Spotswood Volunteer Fire Department marked 125 years of service on August 19. Saturday's celebration took a year of planning.Photo Credit: Photo Courtesy of the Spotswood Volunteer Fire Department
Saturday's festivities began with a parade of vehicles through the borough. Fire Departments from nearby communities joined in the parade.Photo Credit: Photo Courtesy of the Spotswood Volunteer Fire Department
The community was able to take part in apparatus tours and more at 125 years of service celebration at Immaculate Conception.Photo Credit: Photo Courtesy of the Spotswood Volunteer Fire Department
The Spotswood Volunteer Fire Department marked 125 years of service on August 19. Saturday's celebration took a year of planning.Photo Credit: Photo Courtesy of the Spotswood Volunteer Fire Department
By Dawn Miller
PublishedAugust 21, 2023 at 6:00 AM
SPOTSWOOD, NJ - The Spotswood Volunteer Fire Department marked 125-years of service to the borough and surrounding communities with a special celebration on Saturday. Its festivities began with a parade of fire trucks through the borough that included local fire departments and others from surrounding counties. The event was a year on the making.
Robert John Drako has been with the Spotswood Volunteer Fire Department for two decades. He was Deputy Chief for three years and is now in his second year as the department's chief.
"It's something that I had always wanted to be a part of," Drako said of being a member of the department. "My father was actually the Deputy Chief for the departments 100th anniversary in 1998."
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The Spotswood Volunteer Fire Department has been roots in the borough.It's first chief was Frank H. Vliet. Spotswood's firehouse on Main Street was constructed in the late 50s.
Saturday's event began with a recognition ceremony before the parade of emergency vehicles got rolling through the borough with full sirens. Spotswood Mayor Jackie Palmer and Spotswood Borough Council members were on hand at Immaculate Conception where the celebration kicked off following the parade to help recognize the longstanding contributions of the department.
Afterward, the festivities continued with a beer garden, live music, lawn games, a 50/50 raffle, apparatus tours of the department's trucks and an award ceremony for attending fire companies.
Over the past 125 years, the department has had many highlights.
"Some important moments include the purchase of the 1921 Model T which was the first motorized piece of apparatus," Drako said. "In the late 1950s the current firehouse was constructed. In 1971, they constructed an additional firehouse as part of the Department of Public Works building which was used to combat responses during times when long trains could split the town in half. In 2001, the town purchased its first apparatus with a fully enclosed riding area for the firefighters. In 2020, the first motorized ladder truck which is currently our newest piece of apparatus."
With his family history with the Spotswood Volunteer Fire Department, Drako loves continuing the tradition and having the department be such a big part of his life.
"It's the fact that we get to utilize our skills to help our neighbors on their worst day," Drako said. "There's also the family component due to the amount of time we spend together both on calls and off. Sometimes you see each other more than you see your own family."
Saturday's 125-year celebration was a huge success with the community coming out to support the department. Drako and his fellow Spotswood Volunteer Fire Department members expressed their gratitude to the borough.
"We would all like them to know that we appreciate all the support we've received over the last 125 years,"Drako said. "We are extremely blessed to be part of an amazing small community who supports us in every way they can. It makes it extremely gratifying every time the alarm sounds, and we get to put our best foot forward to help them out in any way we can."