Chiropractor in Neptune City, NJ
Has your quality of life been affected because of back pain? You're not alone - Harvard Health tells us that almost 85% of people in the US have back pain so severe that they see a doctor at least once in their lifetime. Unfortunately, these problems often start small but end up becoming severe issues like sciatica. For active people and athletes, dealing with back pain isn't just compromising; it's life-changing.
And while many people will tell you that having a "back problem" is something you'll have to deal with for the rest of your life, that's far from the case. The good news is that seeing a chiropractor in Neptune City can provide you with the relief needed to live a healthy, active life without giving up the things you love most, like sports and spending time with your family.
Of the millions of Americans who suffer from back pain daily, many have found long-lasting relief through the same chiropractic care offered at NJ Sports Spine & Wellness. But what exactly is chiropractic care, and how does it help?
Service Areas
What is Chiropractic Care?
Chiropractic care is a drug-free, non-invasive approach to overall wellness and healing that focuses on correcting issues with your musculoskeletal system. When performed by a licensed chiropractor, it can alleviate and even eliminate common problems such as:
- Back Pain
- Shoulder Pain
- Neck Pain
- Headaches
- Sciatica
- Knee Pain
- Automobile Injuries
- Sports Injuries
- Arthritis
- Body Aches
To treat your conditions and help reduce your pain, chiropractors use time-tested, hands-on techniques to adjust your spine, neck, back, and other joints throughout your body to restore proper function, mobility, and alignment. Once your body is in proper alignment, it functions optimally, leading to improved overall wellness and health.
Unlike some sports rehab clinics in The Garden State, chiropractors from NJ Sports Spine & Wellness work with you one-on-one to develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses your specific goals and needs relating to your pain and ability to live a normal life. Because our team takes a holistic approach to healthcare, we cover all aspects of your health and wellness when developing your chiropractic treatment plan. That way, we increase your chances of living a fulfilling life free of pain and worry about throwing your back out.
What are the Benefits of Seeing a Chiropractor in Neptune City, NJ?
Seeing a chiropractor can quite literally change your life for the better. According to the American Chiropractic Association, in general, chiropractic therapy is a more effective solution for back pain than other treatments like addictive pain pills, surgeries, and yoga. When combined with services like physical therapy, occupational therapy, and acupuncture, chiropractic care may be the key you need to open the door to a pain-free life.
Contact UsSome of the many benefits of seeing a reliable, licensed chiropractor include the following:
Relief from Back Pain
Perhaps the most obvious reason to make an appointment with a chiropractor is for back pain relief. Some people only need to see a chiropractor when they have occasional back pain, such as when they wake up in the morning. Others, such as those who have been in serious car accidents, need regular chiropractic adjustments and therapies, which are often supplemented with techniques like physical therapy and acupuncture.
There are many causes of back pain that range from advanced conditions like having sciatica and herniated discs to everyday issues like poor posture and sleeping in a harmful position. Your chiropractor's job is to pinpoint the cause(s) of your back pain and build a customized plan to address your musculoskeletal conditions. Once that happens, pain relief follows shortly after.
At New Jersey Sports Spine & Wellness, we craft personalized chiropractic plans for every patient we treat, with the goal of avoiding harmful surgeries and addictive medicines.
Relief from Headaches
If you've never experienced a headache in your life, you're exceedingly rare. Just about every American will suffer from a headache at some point or another. For some, headaches only happen occasionally and are not much more than an annoyance. For others, headaches evolve into crippling migraines that can affect quality of life, ability to work, and much more.
If you find yourself digging into a bottle of Aspirin or something stronger when you have a headache, it might be time to visit an NJSSW chiropractor.
Improved Sleep
Do you wake up in the morning feeling like you didn't sleep a wink the previous night? Do you have to take sleep aides like Ambien in order to drift off to dreamland? If you have chronic back pain, getting a full night's rest is easier said than done. From misaligned spines to improper sleeping posture, your chiropractor in Neptune City can use manipulation therapy and other techniques to boost blood flow and align your vertebrae, so your body can heal itself and help you rest better.
Reduced Anxiety and Stress
One of the best things about seeing your chiropractor is that when your session is over, you often feel great. The pain relief feels phenomenal. When you're not in pain, you have a more positive outlook on life, and often enjoy better sleep, blood pressure, and even sexual relations. It makes sense, then, that chiropractic care has been shown to help reduce stress and anxiety, which promotes relaxation and improved mental health.
Athletic Performance
At NJ Sports Spine & Wellness, we work with a long list of athletes who suffer from sports injuries and other problems that can manifest from being active. For professional athletes, having a trustworthy chiropractor to care for them is needed for their careers. But you don't have to be a pro athlete to benefit from chiropractic care. Ordinary people that enjoy active lifestyles can reap tremendous rewards through chiropractic care, such as improved range of motion and relief from compressed discs.
Whether you enjoy impromptu games of tag football or simply want to play with your kids, seeing a chiropractor can help you be healthy and active without fighting back, neck, and joint pain. That's especially true when chiropractic therapy is used in conjunction with acupuncture, physical therapy, or occupational therapy.ies and addictive medicines.
Common Chiropractic Techniques
Your NJ Sports Spine & Wellness chiropractor in Neptune City may use a range of techniques to restore function and alignment in your body. Some of the most common techniques our chiropractors use include:
- Mobilization: This chiropractic strategy uses gentle movements to help restore joint functionality and proper spinal alignment.
- Manipulation: Spinal manipulation uses controlled force and gravity to correct spinal issues and restore healthy alignment.
- Electrical Stimulation: With this therapy, electrical currents are used to stimulate your muscles and help heal injuries faster.
- Soft Tissue Therapy: This type of massage and other hands-on techniques relieve muscle tension while providing pain relief and promoting soft tissue health.
- Trigger Point Therapy: With this therapy, the targeted use of pressure is used to release tension and improve functionality across specific areas of your body.
- Ultrasounds: High-frequency sound waves can break up plaque and help stimulate your body's natural healing processes for injuries and wounds.
Reclaim Your Active Life with Physical Therapy and Chiropractic Care
Life has a habit of being unexpected. Sure, some surprises only hurt your bank account, like last-minute renovations in your home. But severe incidents, like car accidents, can inflict physical injuries that cause you long-term pain. These problems, like neck and back injuries, affect many Americans daily. Even worse, many hardworking people turn to risky surgeries and addictive pain medications, only to find themselves deep in a hole that seems impossible to get out of.
If you suffer from serious range-of-motion issues or you're in chronic pain, it's important to know that you have treatment choices. You don't have to put your health at risk to relieve your pain. One of the most successful non-invasive treatments offered for pain is physical therapy. The main goal of physical therapy is to restore movement and function to patients affected by illness, injury, or disability.
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.
Once our PTs have made headway, they will often use our chiropractic therapy to provide the patient with more relief. Having the option of both chiropractic and physical therapy is often very effective, because your chiropractor in Neptune City can address nerve irritation and joint dysfunction while your physical therapist helps retrain your musculoskeletal system, allowing your body to heal faster.
Some of the biggest benefits of using physical therapy along with chiropractic care include:
- Restoring Mobility After Injury, Surgery, or Illness
- Developing Flexibility and Strength for Physical Activities
- Safe Relief from Chronic Pain
- Improved Spine and Joint Health
- Enhanced Knowledge of Your Body and How to Prevent Injuries
Engage in Activities of Daily Living with Occupational Therapy and Chiropractic Therapy
Occupational therapy, or OT, is to help patients of all ages and abilities engage in activities of daily living, or ADL. Often, that means helping patients reclaim the ability to continue working, going to school, accomplishing day-to-day tasks, or other activities common to daily living.
Occupational therapy can benefit individuals going through many conditions, such as traumatic brain injuries, strokes, spinal cord injuries, autism spectrum disorders, developmental delays, and chronic pain. The end goal of occupational therapy is to help patients achieve the maximum level of independence and participation in their daily lives. If pain, discomfort, weakness, fatigue, or fear prevent you from participating in activities you love, an OT from NJ Sports Spine & Wellness could become the MVP of your wellness journey.
To give our patients the most complete pain relief and recovery options, our doctors and practitioners will often lean on the expertise of both a physical therapist and a chiropractor in Neptune City. By working together, your PT, OT, and chiropractor can provide you with a comprehensive approach to total-body functionality, from your spine and joints to your mind and range of motion.
Some of the most common benefits of using OT with chiropractic care include:
- Chronic Pain Relief
- Improvement of Both Physical and Mental, Emotional, or Developmental Disabilities
- Improved Development of Fine Motor Skills
- Better Spine and Musculoskeletal Health
- Help with Sensory Processing Disorders
- Much More
Boost Self-Healing Processes with Acupuncture and Chiropractic Care
Acupuncture boosts your body's functions and helps improve its ability to heal through anatomic site stimulation - usually called acupuncture points or acupoints. To stimulate these points, acupuncturists at NJ Sports Spine & Wellness insert fine, sterile needles into your skin. Most patients don't feel any pain as needles are applied. Typically, needles are left in the skin up to 30 minutes. After your session, it's normal to feel incredibly relaxed.
While some practitioners still adhere to traditional philosophies, modern acupuncturists take an integrative approach to the therapy. Today, professional acupuncturists use these techniques to stimulate your body's natural healing and pain-fighting processes. When coupled with personalized care from a chiropractor in Neptune City as well as physical or occupational therapy, you can find real relief from the physical and emotional roadblocks holding you back. Some of the most reported benefits of acupuncture treatment include:
- Back, Neck, and General Pain Relief
- Improved Digestion and Relief from IBS and Acid Reflux
- Relief from Menstrual Cramps
- Treatment for Allergies and Asthma
- Enhanced Blood Flow
- Much More
During an acupuncture session, you may feel a slight sensation of warmth or tingling at the needle's site of insertion. Generally speaking, acupuncture is painless and perfectly safe for you to consider. In fact, many practitioners and doctors recommend combining acupuncture with other treatment options like chiropractic adjustments.
Though acupuncture and chiropractic therapies come from different origins, both include non-invasive, holistic, and gentle approaches that don't require drugs to work. They also both facilitate total-body healing by addressing the underlying causes of your symptoms - not just the symptoms themselves.
Because acupuncture is known to release endorphins and improve blood flow, having a session prior to a chiropractic adjustment can be very beneficial. That's because, after acupuncture, your muscles are less stiff, more relaxed, and easier to adjust effectively. Over time, as you combine acupuncture and chiropractic therapy, you'll benefit from less inflammation and less pain as you heal from injuries or musculoskeletal conditions. That same truth applies to patients who undergo serious chiropractic adjustments.
Trust the NJ Sports Spine & Wellness Difference
At NJ Sports Spine & Wellness, our staff consists of licensed and highly-trained professionals, including specialists focusing on:
- Pain Management
- Sports Medicine
- Chiropractic Therapy
- Physical Therapy
- Occupational Therapy
- Acupuncture
Contact Us
732-316-5895
Every member of our team believes that the path to wellness and a pain-free life begins with customized treatment plans that cater to your needs and body. Unlike some chiropractors in Neptune City, we do not treat on-the-surface symptoms with one-size-fits-all therapies. We do not rely on powerful pain medications to mask your pain or invasive surgeries that require weeks of recovery. Instead, we address the root causes of your pain so that we can help you live the happy, healthy life you're craving.
To achieve that goal, we'll conduct an in-depth evaluation to learn about your medical history. We'll also perform diagnostic tests and speak with you one-on-one to get a better sense of your needs. From there, we'll recommend the therapies that can give you a new lease on life and be there for every milestone you hit.
If you're fed up of living with the limits of pain and lack of mobility, we're here to help you break free. Contact our office today to get started.
Latest News in Neptune City, NJ
Neptune City Library announces March events
TAPintohttps://www.tapinto.net/towns/neptune-slash-neptune-city/sections/government/articles/neptune-city-library-announces-march-events
The Neptune City Public Library, located at 106 West Sylvania Ave., has announced its schedule of programming taking place throughout March. Photo Credit: Neptune City Library By Alissa Deleo NEPTUNE CITY, NJ — The Neptune City Public Library, located at 106 West Sylvania Ave., has announced its programming schedule for March.Select events require registration by calling the l...
The Neptune City Public Library, located at 106 West Sylvania Ave., has announced its schedule of programming taking place throughout March. Photo Credit: Neptune City Library
By Alissa Deleo
NEPTUNE CITY, NJ — The Neptune City Public Library, located at 106 West Sylvania Ave., has announced its programming schedule for March.
Select events require registration by calling the library at 732 988 8866.
A Read to A Therapy Dog event is coming to the library on March 4 from 4 to 4:45 p.m. Children ages five and up are welcome to attend.
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The library hosts Baby Toddler Storytime each Monday from 2:30 to 3 p.m. Children ages one to four are welcome to attend with a parent/caregiver present. This program will offer finger plays, songs, stories, bubbles and related activities.
Family Storytime takes place on Mondays from 3:30 to 4 p.m. Children ages five to seven are invited to attend with a parent/caregiver present.
The library will celebrate Read Across America Day on March 4 with a craft on March 11 there will be a St. Patrick’s Day storytime and craft, and on March 18 there will be a spring storytime and craft.
Each of these events features story readings, and hands-on craft projects/activities. Registration is suggested one week before each date by phone or in person.
A reading school-age activity, best for youth ages seven and up, will take place on March 11 from 4:15 to 4:45 p.m.
The library will host a special virtual cartooning program on March 11 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Award-winning cartoonist, Rick Stromoski will provide a lesson on how to draw dinosaurs. Online registration opens on March 1. The Zoom link to the class will be emailed to registered participants.
A science event, best for youth ages 8 and up, will take place on March 18 from 4 to 4:45 p.m. Wild Jersey explores electricity with this hands-on STEM activity sure to inspire future engineers.
The library will host an indoor egg hunt on March 25 from 3:15 to 3:45 p.m. This activity is best for children ages four and up.
A children's craft will take place on March 25 from 3:15 to 3:45 p.m. This program, best for children ages five to eight, will give participants the opportunity to create 3D action cards.
Take ‘n make crafts will be offered throughout the month. Pick up a craft kit to make at home, directions and a themed read are available online here.
Monmouth County Launches ACTS Navigation System
TAPintohttps://www.tapinto.net/towns/neptune-slash-neptune-city/sections/community/articles/monmouth-county-launches-acts-navigation-system
Freehold, NJ – Monmouth County government has recently launched Monmouth ACTS Navigation System, which aims to connect Monmouth County residents with social workers around needs such as immigration, English language barriers, mental health, addiction, transportation, hunger and low income concerns. The design and function of the system are the result of a survey conducted in 2016 which focused on the changed needs and growing population of Monmouth County residents.A fully integrated electronic referral system, residents can cal...
Freehold, NJ – Monmouth County government has recently launched Monmouth ACTS Navigation System, which aims to connect Monmouth County residents with social workers around needs such as immigration, English language barriers, mental health, addiction, transportation, hunger and low income concerns. The design and function of the system are the result of a survey conducted in 2016 which focused on the changed needs and growing population of Monmouth County residents.
A fully integrated electronic referral system, residents can call the Navigation System “Warm Line” at 732-683-8959 Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. to speak to a social worker trained in this area of need. The social worker will ask some questions of the caller, and then refer the caller to potential resources and services across the County. The electronic referral system then allows the social worker to follow up to ensure that the resident’s needs are met.
According to their website, "Monmouth ACTS (Assisting Community Through Services) was created by the Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners in 2018 to carry out the recommendations of a Human Services Needs Assessment. This innovative public-private partnership brings together County divisions from the Department of Human Services and community partners on the Monmouth ACTS Advisory Council (MAAC) to enhance access to services for County residents."
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Community partners as listed on their website include:
Monmouth County Department of Human Services, Monmouth ACTS Advisory Council, Monmouth County Department of Human Services, VNA Health Group, Child Care Resources, Monmouth County Division of Workforce Development, Interfaith Neighbors, Monmouth County Office of Child and Youth Development,180 Turning Lives Around, Neptune Township Department of Senior Services and Senior Center, Monmouth County Department of Human Services – Division on Aging, Disabilities & Veterans Services, LADACIN Network, Bohse & Associates LLC, Brookdale Community College, New Hope-IBHC, Inc., Monmouth University, New Jersey Natural Gas, HABcore, Inc., Lunch Break, Freehold Clergy Association, Community Affairs & Resource Center (CARC), I Beseech Thee Development Corp., Pilgrim Baptist Church of Red Bank, Monmouth County Office of Education, Family and Children’s Service, Monmouth Family Health Center, Bethel AME Church, Fulfill, Brookdale Community College, Affordable Housing Alliance, United Way of Monmouth & Ocean Counties, as well as a number of individuals and Ex-Officio members.
Neptune City’s Brian Thomas “Sleeping Out” for homeless youth
TAPintohttps://www.tapinto.net/towns/neptune-slash-neptune-city/articles/neptune-city-s-brian-thomas-sleeping-out-for-homeless-youth
NEPTUNE CITY, NJ — In what has become an annual way of giving back, Neptune City Councilman Brian J. Thomas is getting ready to take part in Covenant House of New Jersey’s “SleepOut” taking place on Friday, March 1 at the Borough’s Memorial Park from 8:30 p.m. to dawn.Councilman Thomas, who is captain of the “Neptune City Sleepwalkers” team, is hoping to again raise funds for the organization and its Asbury Park Shelter, but more importantly, bring awareness to a serious problem facing childre...
NEPTUNE CITY, NJ — In what has become an annual way of giving back, Neptune City Councilman Brian J. Thomas is getting ready to take part in Covenant House of New Jersey’s “SleepOut” taking place on Friday, March 1 at the Borough’s Memorial Park from 8:30 p.m. to dawn.
Councilman Thomas, who is captain of the “Neptune City Sleepwalkers” team, is hoping to again raise funds for the organization and its Asbury Park Shelter, but more importantly, bring awareness to a serious problem facing children all over New Jersey and the nation as a whole.
“We live in the greatest nation in this world, there is absolutely no reason why any kid should have to worry about not having a roof over their heads. If by sleeping outside for one night in the cold means that soon a kid has the chance to have a warm bed, then it becomes an easy decision to make,” said Councilman Thomas. “Last year, we dealt with a cold, icy night – but it was well worth it. We’re eager to do it all again because we know the positive impact it can have on a young life.”
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The homelessness epidemic facing America has hit a critical level as prices and inflation have wreaked havoc on individuals and families. Unfortunately, this is a longstanding problem which has been exacerbated by current economic trends. Thomas is himself no stranger to the anxiety, stress, and negative effects plaguing children that come facing financial hardships at a young age.
“I come from a single-mother home. My mother fought and clawed for everything to provide for me and my sister. But there are times when, no matter how hard you fight, things don’t work out. If by taking what I experienced growing up and being able to turn it into a positive to help others – then everything was worth it. I made it out, so now I want to give others that opportunity,” explained Thomas.
In total, over 2.5 million children under the age of 18 are homeless in the United States. Here in New Jersey, the numbers hit closer to home, with over 11,000 children considered homeless - 8,600 of those kids being under the age of 6.
“And listen, I don’t do this because I want an award or my name talked about – believe me – unlike most politicians, I’m not looking for a pat on my back for trying to help kids. I do it because I know what it is like to struggle, to worry about not having enough money or where we would have to sleep because things just got overwhelming,” Thomas noted. “The only thing I ask is that people consider donating to our team or Covenant House NJ directly so they can continue to do their amazing work.”
You can help support Covenant House and team “Neptune City Sleepwalkers” by clicking the link here.
TAPinto Launches Local News and Marketing Platform in Neptune Township/Neptune City, New Jersey
Alissa Deleohttps://www.tapinto.net/towns/neptune-slash-neptune-city/sections/business-and-finance/articles/tapinto-launches-local-news-and-marketing-platform-in-neptune-township-neptune-city-new-jersey-be260f2f-3b58-4a86-977b-f3f224e8b7b7
Lauren Albrecht, left, and Alissa Deleo are co-publishers of TAPinto Neptune/Neptune City, which launched on February 1, 2024. Photo Credit: Lauren Albrecht / Alissa DeleoLast UpdatedFebruary 5, 2024 at 6:00 AMMONMOUTH COUNTY, NJ — The local news landscape in Monmouth County is expanding, and residents now have an additional source for daily updates with the launch of TAPinto Neptune/Neptune City.Owned and published by Lauren Albrecht and Alissa Deleo, this local n...
Lauren Albrecht, left, and Alissa Deleo are co-publishers of TAPinto Neptune/Neptune City, which launched on February 1, 2024. Photo Credit: Lauren Albrecht / Alissa Deleo
Last UpdatedFebruary 5, 2024 at 6:00 AM
MONMOUTH COUNTY, NJ — The local news landscape in Monmouth County is expanding, and residents now have an additional source for daily updates with the launch of TAPinto Neptune/Neptune City.
Owned and published by Lauren Albrecht and Alissa Deleo, this local news and digital marketing platform will serve as a dedicated source of daily local news coverage in the community.
Notably, TAPinto Neptune/Neptune City marks the eighth addition to the TAPinto network in Monmouth County, emphasizing the commitment to delivering comprehensive local news coverage throughout the region.
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Lauren Albrecht has been a Monmouth County resident for 30 years, graduating from Ocean Township High School in 1999.
Albrecht, 42, resides in Wall with her family and works in nonprofit, having changed careers after 12 years in healthcare finance.
She is active in several local and statewide political organizations and holds BA's in English and Art History. "I decided I wanted to learn about TAPinto after realizing that hyperlocal coverage is the most effective way to really know my neighbors. Neptune and Neptune City are incredibly diverse, rapidly changing communities with long histories and really interesting dynamics, and they deserve dedicated coverage," Albrecht said.
Alissa Deleo is a journalist and photographer with four years of experience producing news for digital and print media in Monmouth County.
A 2020 graduate of St. John's University with a Bachelor's Degree in Communication Studies, Deleo brings a wealth of expertise in reporting, editing, photography and videography to TAPinto Neptune/Neptune City.
Committed to providing accurate, timely and comprehensive coverage, Deleo emphasized, "The most rewarding aspect of journalism for me is the ability to engage with a diverse range of people and narrate their stories through both my writing and photographs. I am 100 percent dedicated to keeping our readers well-informed and deeply connected to their community."
To get daily e-news from TAPinto Neptune/Neptune City for free in your inbox, sign up here.
Follow Neptune/Neptune City on Facebook, Instagram and on X., formerly known as Twitter to stay connected.
Meet the Leaders: Assemblywoman Margie Donlon
TAPintohttps://www.tapinto.net/towns/neptune-slash-neptune-city/sections/government/articles/meet-the-leaders-assemblywoman-margie-donlon
TAPinto Neptune/Neptune City recently interviewed Assemblywoman Margie Donlon (D-Ocean) of the 11th Legislative District of the New Jersey Legislature.Photo Credit: Margie Donlon By Alissa Deleo PublishedFebruary 22, 2024 at 10:47 PMMONMOUTH COUNTY, NJ — TAPinto Neptune/Neptune City recently interviewed Assemblywoman Dr. Margie Donlon (D-Ocean Township) of the 11th Legislative District of the New Jersey Legislature.Donlon took her oath of of...
TAPinto Neptune/Neptune City recently interviewed Assemblywoman Margie Donlon (D-Ocean) of the 11th Legislative District of the New Jersey Legislature.Photo Credit: Margie Donlon
By Alissa Deleo
PublishedFebruary 22, 2024 at 10:47 PM
MONMOUTH COUNTY, NJ — TAPinto Neptune/Neptune City recently interviewed Assemblywoman Dr. Margie Donlon (D-Ocean Township) of the 11th Legislative District of the New Jersey Legislature.
Donlon took her oath of office entering the 11th Legislative District, which spans 19 municipalities in eastern Monmouth County, on January 9, 2024.
Assemblywoman Donlon has been appointed to the following committees: Health Committee and the Tourism, Gaming and the Arts Committee.
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This committee is responsible for overseeing legislation regarding state tourism, including cultural, historical, heritage and agricultural places of interest and state arts programs, which include museums and the performing arts.
Prior to joining the General Assembly, Donlon served as Deputy Mayor of Ocean Township after completing two terms on the town council. She is a Board-Certified Doctor of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, caring for patients with injuries and disabilities. She served on Gov. Phil Murphy’s Healthcare Transition Advisory Committee in 2017 and was a member of the LD11 Economic Recovery Advisory Council in 2020.
Donlon has made state history as the first woman physician to serve in the legislature.
Tell us about yourself personally and professionally?
I’ve always believed that when we share what we know with others and help people in our community we live happier lives ourselves. That’s one of the reasons I went into medicine. I am a board-certified practicing physician, specializing in caring for patients with injuries and disabilities.
I hold a Masters in Public Health with a focus on Health Policy from Yale University, a Medical Degree from the University of Rochester, and a bachelor's from Middlebury College. I am a mom to two daughters, Amalia and Vera.
I am an avid surfer and actively contribute back to the surfing community. I volunteer with the Surfers Environmental Alliance and the Best Day Foundation, where I teach adaptive surfing to kids with disabilities. I also serve on the Board of the Surfers Medical Association.
What motivated you to pursue a role in government and what do you find most rewarding about serving LD11?
I have always had a passion for connecting my experiences working in health care to policies. When I got my Masters in Public Health from Yale, I concentrated my studies on Health Policy to learn the relationship between the practice of care and the policies that regulate it.
As a physician, I am my patient’s primary advocate to insurance companies and other healthcare professionals.
As an elected official, I get to advocate for my community at a scope greater than just the doctor’s office. I pursued a role in government because I understand what it is like to be a working mom and leader trying to work with a very complicated system.
Bringing tangible changes to my community is what brings me genuine joy, and I find that to be the most rewarding part. Every day, I get to hear from constituents about their lives, and if I can do anything to promote their wellness and alleviate their suffering, I will be fulfilling my life’s mission.
What do you love most about this great state?
I love how New Jersey has something for everyone. I have the Jersey Shore at my fingertips for surfing, but can also go on a hike with my daughters on a mountain trail or even ski in the winter.
New Jersey boasts the best education system in the country, while still having a close knit community to raise my family in. I originally came to New Jersey to complete my residency program, but I stayed because I cannot picture myself living anywhere else. In New Jersey, you can live, work and play in a very special state.
What accomplishments are you most proud of during your time serving on the Ocean Township council and as deputy mayor?
While I served on the Ocean Township council, we were able to reduce our tax rate four years in a row. Affordability is a key concern of mine, and working on the council, I was able to see just how impactful local government is on our lives. I also acted as the Liaison to the Environmental Commission, Shade Tree Commission, and the Green Team.
We updated and passed a new ordinance to promote tree preservation in town and worked on reducing impervious surface coverage to stave off flooding. Speaking up on behalf of protecting and preserving our environment is important to me, so I was really proud to advocate on behalf of our shared spaces.
What legislative initiatives or projects are you currently focused on?
I am currently focused on affordable healthcare, supporting local safety, and prioritizing affordable living initiatives. I just introduced legislation alongside my LD11 teammates, Senator Gopal and Assemblywoman Peterpaul, to support the growth of our volunteer first responders, who are the backbone of serving our community in times of crisis.
We also are working on a bill that would allow accredited clubhouses, like the Shore House in Long Branch, to receive Medicaid reimbursement for mental health rehabilitation services they provide.
How do you plan to address key challenges facing your constituents in LD11?
A key challenge I have heard from constituents is affordability. Many who love New Jersey can no longer call this great state home due to rising living costs. I intend to address affordability from different angles - from healthcare, to property taxes, to childcare.
Serving on the Tourism, Gaming & the Arts Committee, what initiatives do you believe can best enhance tourism in New Jersey?
The tourism industry in New Jersey has been bouncing back since the pandemic, but there is so much room to go. I believe that supporting our local small businesses and ensuring that they are able to cater to tourists as effectively as possible is going to be key in supporting tourism.
New Jersey is home to thousands of mom-and-pop shops, all of which contribute to the vibrant culture of our state and its economy. I am excited to see how the recent updates to brewery restrictions impacts our tourism industry.
We have to create incentives to support our local small business, to make it easier for them to navigate our state agencies and regulations and be successful. Our small business people make New Jersey such a special place to live.
In what ways do you collaborate with fellow committee members to ensure the well-being of the state's residents?
As a member of the Health Committee, I am joined by other healthcare practitioners who understand the patient-physician relationship, and the impact our policies have on the ability to provide care for patients.
As a doctor and a member of the Health Committee, I listen to key stakeholders, activists, and community members about how legislation might impact them, and I’m committed to making legislation that addresses their needs.
How can young people become more engaged in civic activities and make a positive impact?
I highly encourage all young people to volunteer in their communities. Volunteering provides the opportunity to make a positive impact on the community through service. Ask questions about what you are observing. Don’t just accept what you hear. Be proactive in getting to the truth and share it with others.
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