Acupuncture in Spring Lake, NJ
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 Spring Lake, NJ - a modern take on an ancient treatment that has been used for thousands of years.
- Acupuncture in Spring Lake, NJ
- Covering the Basics of Acupuncture in Spring Lake, NJ
- Is Acupuncture in Spring Lake, NJ Actually Legit?
- What Conditions Are Treated with Acupuncture in Spring Lake, NJ?
- The Surprising Benefits of Supplementing Physical Therapy with Acupuncture
- Combining Acupuncture with Chiropractic Care for Pain Relief and Wellness
- What Conditions Can Be Treated with Acupuncture and Chiropractic Care?
- The Premier Choice for Professional Acupuncture in Spring Lake, NJ
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:
- Digestion
- Hormones
- Breathing
- Muscles
- Nerves & Brain
- Sex & Libido
- Body Circulation
- Organs & Heart
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.
Covering the Basics of Acupuncture in Spring Lake, NJ
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.
Is Acupuncture in Spring Lake, NJ Actually Legit?
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:
- Neck Pain
- Back Pain
- Post-Stroke Aphasia
- Muscle Pain
- Lactation Issues
- Lower Back Pain
- Asthma
- Allergies
- Vascular Dementia
- More
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.
What Happens During an Acupuncture Session at New Jersey Sports Spine & Wellness?
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.
How Many Treatments Until Acupuncture Works?
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.
What Conditions Are Treated with Acupuncture in Spring Lake, NJ?
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.
Relief from Chronic Pain
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.
Migraine Headache Relief
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 Spring Lake, 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.
Improved Sleep
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.
Better Recovery from Surgery
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.
The Surprising Benefits of Supplementing Physical Therapy with Acupuncture
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 Spring Lake, NJ, including the following:
- Increased Range of Motion
- More Effective Long-Term Pain Relief
- Enhanced Tissue Repair & Healing
- Better Response to Physical Therapy Due to Pain Reduction
- Less of a Need for Pain Medications
- Boosted Mood & Energy
- Better Quality of Life Overall
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:
- Professional Athletes
- Football Players
- Soccer Players
- Baseball Players
- Construction Workers
- Landscapers
- Accountants and People Working Office Jobs
- Public Officials
- Police Officers
- More
Combining Acupuncture with Chiropractic Care for Pain Relief and Wellness
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 Spring Lake, 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.
What are the Benefits of Using Acupuncture with Chiropractic Care?
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.
What Conditions Can Be Treated with Acupuncture and Chiropractic Care?
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:
- Sports Injuries
- Headaches
- Sciatica
- Lower Back Pain
- Neck Pain
- Insomnia
- Chronic Conditions Like Diabetes
- More
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.
The Premier Choice for Professional Acupuncture in Spring Lake, NJ
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.
732-526-2497
Latest News in Spring Lake, NJ
Irish Centre brings a bit of the Emerald Isle to Spring Lake for nearly half a century
Susan Bloomhttps://www.app.com/story/money/business/main-street/2025/01/23/irish-centre-spring-lake-nj/77676290007/
Seven-minute read0:001:27SPRING LAKE -- Growing up in Galway on Ireland’s west coast and marrying in 1987, Moya and Aidan Rush loved Irish culture and were proud of their heritage.And just over a decade ago, they channeled their passion for Ireland into their purchase of the Irish Centre, a renowned Spring Lake-based shop that’s been providing Celtic cloth...
Seven-minute read
SPRING LAKE -- Growing up in Galway on Ireland’s west coast and marrying in 1987, Moya and Aidan Rush loved Irish culture and were proud of their heritage.
And just over a decade ago, they channeled their passion for Ireland into their purchase of the Irish Centre, a renowned Spring Lake-based shop that’s been providing Celtic clothing, jewelry, gifts and “all things Irish” for nearly half a century.
“In the late 1980s there was a recession in Ireland, and Aidan and I decided to come to the U.S. for six months as an ‘adventure,’” recalled Moya, a Wall resident, of their relocation to the Jersey Shore area — a visit which turned into so much more.
“Aidan had friends and family here who offered him a job and I worked in New York City for the first few years, but in 1995 I started working at the Irish Centre, which my cousin Mary Reilly and her husband Jim had opened in 1978,” she said. “I became a store manager and a buyer, and when Mary decided to retire, Aidan and I bought the store from her in 2014.”
Emerald connection:Freehold set to become Twin Cities with this Irish town, ancestral home of Springsteen
Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.
Still in its original location on Third Avenue, Rush said that Spring Lake’s historically large Irish population and renowned designation as the area’s “Irish Riviera” have contributed to the now 47-year-old store’s longevity and strong following.
“There are many generations of Irish families throughout Spring Lake, and they hold dear to their heritage,” Rush said. “So many people who have had their ancestry analyzed come to the store excited to share that they’re some percentage Irish.”
Tweeds, claddagh rings and more
Within their quaint 1,500-square-foot shop, which is open seven days a week, “we offer everything from Aran knitwear, tweeds, coats and men’s hats to traditional foods imported straight from Ireland, including blood puddings, breakfast bacon and sausage, fresh homemade brown bread, soups, jams, salty snacks and Irish-made Cadbury chocolate,” Rush said.
“We carry beautiful baby gifts and sweaters, Waterford crystal, Simon Pearce glass, Guinness merchandise and a broad range of jewelry featuring such key Irish themes as the trinity knot, Celtic cross, claddagh symbol (which represents friendship, love, and loyalty), and lucky shamrock," she continued. "We also carry religious items such as saint medals, pins and Celtic crosses in metal and even in mahogany as well as a large selection of cards, books and CDs.”
Who is Saint Patrick?His story a tale of faith, resilience
With over 9,000 products from more than 50 different vendors in the store, Rush said that there’s something for everyone and every budget at the Irish Centre.
“You can purchase a Celtic cross or pin for a jacket for as little as $6 or a silver claddagh ring for $75, all the way up to a claddagh ring with precious gems like diamonds, emeralds or sapphires for $5,000,” she said. “We offer items for all stages of life, from baby and confirmation gifts to engagement gifts, wedding bands and more.”
Ultimately, “we see ourselves as ambassadors of Ireland,” Rush said. “We love to promote Irish culture, music and food and we encourage people to visit Ireland and especially to explore the countryside and fun places off the beaten path. It’s great to get lost in Ireland and we encourage people to take a trip there and soak in the culture.”
Based on the Rushes’ commitment to authenticity, “over 85% of the merchandise we sell is from Ireland and we’re proud to source our T-shirts, wooden signs, art, wool clothing and more from some of the country’s best small crafters and artisans, including one of our most beloved vendors, a skilled 87-year-old knitter from Donegal,” she said. “I travel to Ireland several times a year to attend trade shows, participate in ‘meet the maker’ tours, and visit knitwear mills to stay on the forefront of what’s happening.”
That continued attention to new products and local vendors has long resonated with the Irish Centre’s clientele.
From Freehold to Rathangan:Painting of Bruce Springsteen's boyhood home presented to ancestral town in Ireland
“We have a lot of repeat customers and feel lucky to have such a loyal clientele that we’ve built relationships with over the generations,” Rush said. “Spring Lake is a little mecca at the Jersey Shore and our store warms our customers’ hearts and brings them back to when they were growing up.”
Among trends, Rush said that the stiff and uncomfortable Irish knitwear of the past has gone by the wayside.
“There are no more itchy sweaters,” she confirmed. “These days, more and more products are made of merino wool that’s soft and light, and the basic Irish crewneck sweater has now become more chic with side zippers and different types of collars in a wide variety of colors.”
What hasn’t changed is the pride and quality with which products carried at the Irish Centre are made.
“Irish tweeds can last forever, and our manufacturers are committed to outstanding quality and workmanship,” Rush said.
Among challenges, Rush said that shipping costs have become challenging for the store, especially since so much of their inventory is imported.
“Most of our products are air-freighted in from Ireland and shipping costs have quadrupled since the pandemic, which has been difficult to manage,” she said.
“In addition, while it was easy to get merchandise during the pandemic when there was no tourism, tourism in Ireland has since exploded and it’s been hard for Irish suppliers to keep up with both their own domestic demand and demand from U.S. buyers like our store,” Rush said. “For that reason, we have to stock up early for the spike in business that we experience around Christmas and St. Patrick’s Day. There are 32 St. Patrick’s Day parades in New Jersey, so we try to buy as much merchandise as soon as we can for those events.”
New Jersey loves St. Patrick's Day:Ranks 9th in celebrating the Irish feast day
Keeping the Irish heritage alive
Supported by their dedicated staff of four part-time associates, most of whom hail from Ireland, “I do all of the buying, ordering and pricing, while Aidan takes care of all of our back-office activities, store supplies and online presence,” Rush said. “Most of our customers live within 30 minutes of our store, but we ship to customers all over the U.S. through our e-commerce site.”
Looking ahead, the Rushes are excited to continue promoting all that makes the Emerald Isle so special.
“We run a Belleek-signing event at the store every November and host Christmastime appearances by jewelers who create new jewelry with Swarovski crystals for us each year,” Rush said. “We also co-chair Spring Lake’s Irish Festival every June and are excited to give back to the community and support the many great Irish organizations in the area.”
Among her favorite parts of running the Irish Centre, “we love our wonderful customers and the relationships we’ve built with them over the years, and it’s also exciting when children and teens come into the store to get their first claddagh ring, sweater or hat,” Rush said. “We love to see the generations continuing to keep their ancestry alive; they’re the future and we want them to embrace their heritage, appreciate where their ancestors came from, and fall in love with Ireland.”
As for the experience at the Irish Centre, where lively Celtic music is always on tap, “Ireland is a warm, welcoming culture and that’s the feel in this store,” Rush said. “We love celebrating all things Irish at the Jersey Shore.”
Irish Centre
Location: 1120 Third Avenue, Spring Lake
Phone: 732-449-6650
Owners: Moya and Aidan Rush
Opened: 1978
Website: irishcentre.net
Disclaimer:
