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 Woodbridge, 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 Woodbridge, 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 Woodbridge, 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 Woodbridge, 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.
Fears about cancer linked to Colonia High School were resurrected at the school board meeting Thursday night:Patch Staff|Updated Fri, Feb 21, 2025 at 3:49 pm ETWOODBRIDGE, NJ — The rates of cancer found in Colonia High graduates do not exceed and are not abnormal when compared with rates of cancer that occur in a similar population size, according to the New Jersey Department of Health and Rutgers University, both of which the Woodbridge school district asked to look into the matter in 2022.This was said b...
Patch Staff
|Updated Fri, Feb 21, 2025 at 3:49 pm ET
WOODBRIDGE, NJ — The rates of cancer found in Colonia High graduates do not exceed and are not abnormal when compared with rates of cancer that occur in a similar population size, according to the New Jersey Department of Health and Rutgers University, both of which the Woodbridge school district asked to look into the matter in 2022.
This was said by superintendent Joseph Massimino at the Thursday night Woodbridge school board meeting, where concerns were resurrected that there may be a cancer cluster tied to Colonia High School.
Those concerns were exacerbated this week by a new NJ.com report that brought the cancer cases back into the public discussion.
Fears of a cancer cluster started three years ago and originated with Al Lupiano, a Colonia High graduate and environmental scientist who is keeping track of all the cancer cancers on his Facebook page. Lupiano said he located approximately 122 cases of people with cancer or brain tumors who either worked at or attended Colonia High School from 1975-1999.
When the school district was made aware of this, Massimino said he asked the NJ Department of Health "to look at what would the number of brain tumors be in a naturally occurring sample size?"
Massimino said the DOH and an epidemiologist from Rutgers, hired by the teachers' union "ran the numbers" and found that there are not usually high rates of cancer in Colonia High graduates, nor in people who work at the high school or live near it.
"The numbers fell within the same numbers that the gentleman who started the Facebook page came up with — somewhere between 98 and 108. Those numbers were consistent with what you'd find in a given population," said Massimino. "When I spoke to a (Princeton Medical Center) neurosurgeon ... he said, 'No, you have no greater chance of getting a primary brain tumor at Colonia than you do any other spot in the country based on the data of a randomly selected sample size.'"
Also Thursday, Massimino gave a long explanation to the public, where he discussed how the fears about the cancer cluster began and what the town of Woodbridge has done since, including involving the commissioners of the New Jersey Department of Health and Department of Environmental Protection. The school district also did extensive radiation testing on the grounds at Colonia High School in 2022, which resulted in no radiation or radon being found.
"Everybody we've spoken to from both the Department Health and the Department of Environmental Protection said if you were looking for an environmental cause of primary brain tumors — and Mr. Lupiano said this himself — you would be looking for ionizing radiation," said Massimino.
"Now, I'm not a scientist, so everything I'm giving you, I'm giving to you from the experts that gave it to me ... The mayor graciously moved money to make sure that we could immediately start testing and figure out if there was an issue and what we should be doing. The plan that was agreed upon with the DEP, the DOH and the experts that we had consulted with was to look for ionizing radiation. So we did a complete canvas of the 28 acres (at Colonia High School). We hired T&M Associates. They then brought in a company that specifically had equipment looking for radiation. They pushed them all over Colonia High School for weeks. We put radon canisters in the room, everything that we thought we should do. We made sure that the DEP and the DOH signed off on it. The tests came back with no sign of ionizing radiation or any kind of radiation at that point. At that point, we then said, OK, is there anything further we need to do? And the answer was no, because if you're looking for an environmental connection to primary brain tumors or central nervous disorders, you would be looking for radiation. That was not discovered. So at that point, the case was considered closed."
That was in the spring of 2022. In the fall of 2022:
"We had a parent surreptitiously take samples without our knowledge. Did not ask. We did not see her collect them, but (she) took samples of caulk and soil from outside Colonia High School, and the samples came back positive for PCBs and historic pesticides."
Those chemicals are common in construction building materials used in the '70s, said Massimino.
"That being said, because an open file" was created, the Woodbrige school district re-hired T&M Associates, he said. T&M is now working with the NJ DEP and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to determine how extensive the PCBs and pesticides are in the soil around the high school.
"The goal is to have that remediated this summer. We're hopeful. This summer, this fall. The DEP and EPA has to sign off on that plan. So where we're at right now is T&M, our environmental consultants, have finished the delineation. They are now working on the remediation plan with the federal and state agencies. Once they sign off on the plan, they will execute some plan, which should close the case."
Massimino noted that his two children attend Colonia High School and still do to this day.
"There is nothing more important to me as a father. There was nothing more important to me than making sure that that school is safe for everybody else's child, as well as the two of mine. It's personal."
The video of the meeting is below. Massimino starts talking about this at minute 21:22, when a Woodbridge resident says he is concerned about the cancer cases:
Earlier this week: More Come Forward With Concerns Over 'Cancer Cluster' In Colonia
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This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.Woodbridge|Local EventSat, Jan 18, 2025 at 8:45 AMElks Lodge, 665 Rahway Ave, Woodbridge Township, NJ, 07095The Woodbridge Elks is hosting a bus trip to Wind Creek Casino in PA. $40 pp and everyone gets $25 of Free Slot Play. Must be 21. Only 49 spots available, no ...
This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.
Woodbridge|Local Event
The Woodbridge Elks is hosting a bus trip to Wind Creek Casino in PA. $40 pp and everyone gets $25 of Free Slot Play. Must be 21. Only 49 spots available, no refunds. Continental breakfast will be served prior to going on the bus. Arrive by 8am. For tickets or questions call or text Chris at 908-510-2498.
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This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.Woodbridge|Local EventSat, Jan 11, 2025 at 10:30 AM250 Woodbridge Center Dr, Woodbridge Township, NJ, 07095Woodbridge Center’s FREE Kid’s Club is back and ready to rock 2025 with a Warm Winter Crafts & Treats extravaganza!Join us on Saturday, Ja...
This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.
Woodbridge|Local Event
Woodbridge Center’s FREE Kid’s Club is back and ready to rock 2025 with a Warm Winter Crafts & Treats extravaganza!
Join us on Saturday, January 11, 2025, from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM lower level by Center Court! Grab the kiddos and snuggle up for some frosty fun hosted by the fabulous Greenway Family Success Center!
Special thanks to Auntie Anne's and Applebee's for supplying yummy treats for the event.
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