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 Ocean, 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 Ocean, 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 Ocean, 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 Ocean, 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.
What is going on? Everything is closing down or it seems like it is.Just last week, I told you how TGI Fridays in Toms River is closing down this week, now this popular restaurant is closed permanently.On the Border at the Ocean County Mall. On the Border just opened three years ago and there's no reason posted about why they close...
What is going on? Everything is closing down or it seems like it is.
Just last week, I told you how TGI Fridays in Toms River is closing down this week, now this popular restaurant is closed permanently.
On the Border at the Ocean County Mall. On the Border just opened three years ago and there's no reason posted about why they closed abruptly.
Several friends of mine loved it there. On the Border specializes in your favorite Tex-Mex flavors.
It's just a sad day when another restaurant closes abruptly. I feel we write these articles and every other day there's a closing somewhere at the Jersey Shore and in New Jersey.
Then after the restaurant or business closes, it stays empty for years and years and looks horrible as an empty business. When businesses close their employees lose their jobs and everyone loses.
Several factors why a restaurant might close, I would imagine would be the rising costs and maybe not enough people even going in to the restaurant or maybe not even knowing it's there. On the Border has only been open 3 years at the Ocean County Mall, so it's possible.
We always say here at 92.7 WOBM, support local business, it's so important now. I know it's a tough time right now with families to go out to dinner.
We can always hope that another great restaurant will move into that spot. PF Chang's is another restaurant that is rather new, that moved into a new spot at the Ocean County Mall when they made their renovations and it seems to be doing very well.
What do you want to see in this spot, another restaurant?
Stacker gathered YouGov Ratings to rank the top 20 burger restaurant chains in America, according to customers in the third quarter of 2024.
Gallery Credit: Stacker
Stacker researched the history of popular foods, from Jell-O salads to Salisbury steak, and highlighted 15 that are no longer widely consumed.
Gallery Credit: Stacker
Just when you thought you could put away the snow shovel, Mother Nature has other plans.The Jersey Shore region is expected to get more snow beginning around 4 p.m. Tuesday through 10 a.m. Wednesday, before it turns to a wintry mix.Here's the latest snow forecast:NJ snow forecastTuesday: A chance of snow, mainly after 4 p.m. Mostly cloudy with a high near 37. Light wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon. A 30% chance of precipitation with less than a half inch of new sn...
Just when you thought you could put away the snow shovel, Mother Nature has other plans.
The Jersey Shore region is expected to get more snow beginning around 4 p.m. Tuesday through 10 a.m. Wednesday, before it turns to a wintry mix.
Here's the latest snow forecast:
Tuesday: A chance of snow, mainly after 4 p.m. Mostly cloudy with a high near 37. Light wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon. A 30% chance of precipitation with less than a half inch of new snow possible.
Tuesday night: Snow, mainly after 7 p.m. Low around 27. Light and variable wind becoming northeast 5 to 10 mph after midnight. A 100% chance of precipitation with 2 to 4 inches of new snow possible.
Snow forecast for Feb. 11:Predicted town totals for Monmouth, Ocean counties
Wednesday: Snow likely before 10 a.m., then rain and snow likely between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., then a chance of rain, snow, and sleet after 4 p.m. Cloudy with a high near 39. Northeast wind 10 to 15 mph. A 60% chance of precipitation with less than one inch of new snow and sleet accumulation possible.
Wednesday night: Rain, snow, and sleet, becoming all rain after 1 a.m. Low around 34. A 100% chance of precipitation with new precipitation amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.
Source: weather.com
Tuesday: A chance of snow, mainly after 4 p.m. Mostly cloudy with a high near 35. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph in the afternoon. A 30% chance of precipitation with less than a half inch of new snow possible.
Tuesday night: Snow, mainly after 7 p.m. Low around 28. Calm wind becoming northeast around 5 mph after midnight. A 90% chance of precipitation with 1 to 3 inches of new snow possible.
Power outage?Here's where New Jersey residents can get updates when the lights go out
Wednesday: A chance of snow. Cloudy with a high near 36. Northeast wind around 10 mph. A 50% chance of precipitation with less than a half inch of new snow possible.
Wednesday night: Snow and sleet before 10 p.m., then rain, snow, and sleet between 10 p.m. and 4 a.m., then rain after 4 a.m. Low around 33. A 100% chance of precipitation with new precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Source: weather.com
Gov. Murphy has declared a state of emergency for South Jersey in advance of Monday’s snowstorm, which is expected to dump as much as 8 inches in the region.“These dangerous outdoor conditions may impact the morning or evening commutes and make travel very difficult,” Murphy said. “Drivers should stay off the roads if possible, remain alert, and follow all safety protocols.”Murphy also announced all state offices will have a delayed opening and open at 11 a.m.The first snowsto...
Gov. Murphy has declared a state of emergency for South Jersey in advance of Monday’s snowstorm, which is expected to dump as much as 8 inches in the region.
“These dangerous outdoor conditions may impact the morning or evening commutes and make travel very difficult,” Murphy said. “Drivers should stay off the roads if possible, remain alert, and follow all safety protocols.”
Murphy also announced all state offices will have a delayed opening and open at 11 a.m.
The first snowstorm of the season will be an unusual one, with heavy snowfall in South Jersey, versus little to none in the north.
By the time the snow ends Monday, Ocean County should see 2 to 4 inches of snow, while Monmouth residents should expect 1 to 3 inches, according to meteorologists with the National Weather Service in Mount Holly.
The reason: A very cold, dry air mass that will limit how far north the snowfall can occur, forecasters said.
“So we are expecting a very tight gradient across the area," said National Weather Service meteorologist Zack Cooper, explaining why we are set to go from a high accumulation in South Jersey to barely any precipitation at all in the North.
Most of the snowfall is expected to concentrate in South Jersey, with up to 8 inches possible in Cape May, Camden, Cumberland and Atlantic counties. North Jersey, on the other hand, will see little to no snowfall.
Murphy’s emergency order, which applies to Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, and Salem counties, cites “hazardous winter weather conditions, including heavy snow, sleet, freezing rain, high wind gusts, and freezing temperatures” as the reason for the order.
The snowfall will begin around 1 a.m. Monday and intensify through Monday morning. It will then taper off around 1 a.m. Tuesday, followed by windy conditions with gusts of up to 25 mph.
Further south, in Cape May, Cumberland, and Salem counties, 6 to 8 inches are expected. Four to six inches is expected in Atlantic and Camden counties.
Travel concerns are anticipated in South Jersey, especially in the southernmost part of the state, where conditions may be ideal for sleet formation. Icy roads may occur.
On Tuesday morning, New Jersey will wake up to a perfectly sunny day with temperatures in the low 30s.
(This story was updated to add a photo gallery)