You can embrace a brighter, pain-free future.
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(843) 744-9877
Physical Therpy For Injuries and Pain in Keansburg, NJ
If there's one universal truth in life, it's that it can be unpredictable. Everyone experiences unexpected events that throw us off. While some surprises may only affect our bank accounts, such as home expenses, others can cause physical harm, such as car accidents that result in long-term pain and discomfort. Many Americans suffer from chronic neck and back pain - according to research, half of Americans over 18 develop musculoskeletal injuries that last longer than a year. These injuries often cause a range of mobility issues that make everyday tasks seem hard to do. Unfortunately, many people with chronic pain turn to addictive medications and invasive surgeries for relief, which tends to lead to further complications.
However, if you are experiencing chronic pain or mobility issues, there's good news: Safer and more effective options are available to you. Physical therapy in Keansburg, NJ is one of the best solutions for eradicating pain, maximizing mobility, improving range of motion, building muscle strength, and helping you regain control of your body. At NJ Sports Spine & Wellness, our physical therapists and trainers offer customized programs designed for your body and address your pain symptoms. That way, you have the best possible chance of reclaiming a normal, active life, without surgery or harmful pills.
With the incorporation of therapeutic exercises and manual therapy as well as newer techniques and modalities like AlterG® Anti-Gravity Treadmills and DRX9000 Spinal DecompressionMachines, our physical therapy services can help address conditions such as:
- Sciatica Pain
- Ankle Pain
- Back Pain
- Elbow Pain
- Headaches and Migraines
- Hip Pain
- Knee Pain
- Neck Pain
- Shoulder Pain
- Wrist Pain
- TMJ Pain
Services You Need?
- Physical Therpy For Injuries and Pain in Keansburg, NJ
- Why is Physical Therapy in Keansburg, NJ So Important for Wellness?
- The DRX9000: Relief from Chronic Back and Neck Pain
- Expedite Rehab and Training with the AlterG® Anti-Gravity Treadmill
- Experience Optimized Healing with LiteCure™ Low-Level Laser Therapy
- Freeze Away Pain and Swelling with Ice Compression Therapy
- NormaTec Compression Therapy: A Non-Invasive Option for Enhanced Recovery
- Experience Holistic Wellness with Cupping Therapy in New Jersey
Service Areas
When it comes to physical therapy in New Jersey, few clinics can match the care, compassion, and effective treatment options that NJ Sports Spine & Wellness can provide.
Why is Physical Therapy in Keansburg, NJ So Important for Wellness?
Physical therapy can provide numerous benefits, such as pain reduction, enhanced joint and body movement, improved range of motion, proper alignment, and more. While the main goal of physical therapy is to restore function and facilitate a return to regular activities, these outcomes usually result from a broader rehabilitation process, wherein many patients learn a brand-new way of moving.
At NJ Sports Spine & Wellness, our physical therapists work closely with patients to understand their unique goals, preferences, and abilities. Based on their findings, they create a customized treatment plan that caters to the patient's specific needs.
Here are just a few specific examples of why physical therapy is crucial when recovering from an injury:
- Physical therapy helps restore function and mobility after illness, injury, or surgery.
- Physical therapy promotes healing and pain management by utilizing therapeutic modalities and exercises.
- Physical therapy helps patients suffering from neurological conditions improve their independence.
- Physical therapy helps seniors avoid falls by improving balance.
- Physical therapy can improve flexibility and strength to enhance sports and physical activity performance.
- Physical therapy facilitates injury prevention through education and analysis of proper body mechanics.
Whether you're searching for long-term pain relief or need to improve your strength and balance as you age, physical therapy from NJSSW can help.
Now that you understand why physical therapy is crucial for recovery and wellness, let's take a closer look at some of the most effective treatments at our physical therapy clinic in New Jersey.
The DRX9000: Relief from Chronic Back and Neck Pain
Are you sick of living day-to-day with long-lasting neck or back pain? Have you searched high and low for a safe and effective alternative to surgery? The DRX9000 may be the answer you're looking for.
Beloved by high-level athletes and even celebrities, this advanced medical device employs non-surgical spinal decompression therapy to treat painful conditions such as:
- Bulging Discs
- Herniated Discs
- Spinal Stenosis
- Facet Syndrome
- Sciatica
- Arm Pain from Nerves in Your Neck
The DRX9000 is a device that has been approved by the FDA for treating herniated discs through spinal decompression therapy. This therapy works by applying equal amounts of pressure on your vertebral columns, which stretches your spine and creates a gap between spinal discs. This gap allows for better nutrient flow through your spine, which can help heal injuries gradually with regular treatment sessions. The DRX9000 also utilizes servo motors that rely on nested closed-loop feedback to customize therapy to your unique needs. By using DRX9000, you can often speed up your recovery by addressing your spinal disc issues ASAP.
No Harmful Medications Needed (Do we really need this paragraph or could we just mention it int he beginning about how it is a non-pharmaceutical method)
Perhaps the most significant advantage of the DRX9000 is that it provides a non-pharmaceutical method for relieving pain. With the opioid epidemic affecting the entire nation, many patients are reluctant to take prescription painkillers. The DRX9000 offers a secure and non-addictive alternative for pain relief that does not require medication.
During the course of the treatment, the patient will lie down on a specially designed table that is connected to the machine. The table will then be gently stretched as the machine creates negative pressure within the affected disc. This process will be repeated over a series of sessions, typically ranging from 20 to 30 sessions, depending on the patient's specific condition.
The DRX9000 treatment is considered to be safe and effective for many patients. It is designed to be gentle on the body, and patients usually experience little to no discomfort during their sessions. The machine is also equipped with advanced safety features, including sensors that can detect any sudden movements and stop the machine if necessary.
Expedite Rehab and Training with the AlterG® Anti-Gravity Treadmill
The AlterG® Anti-Gravity Treadmill boasts NASA Differential Air Pressure (DAP) technology, which is a highly accurate air calibration system that leverages your actual body weight to achieve exceptional results in rehab and training. By utilizing a pressurized air chamber, the AlterG allows you to move freely and without pain, as it uniformly reduces gravitational load and body weight by up to 80% in precise 1% increments. This process helps foster improved muscle strength, balance, function, range of motion, and overall fitness.
What Makes the AlterG® Anti-Gravity Treadmill So Effective for Physical Therapy in CItyname, State?
AlterG®'s state-of-the-art treadmill provides an entire range of benefits, such as mimicking natural movement and rhythm without the contrived feel of hydrotherapy or harnesses attempting to imitate real-life strides and motions. Additionally, it's beneficial for speeding up recuperation after orthopedic injuries or surgeries by enabling early mobilization and retaining strength. Furthermore, it's excellent for sports recovery since athletes can utilize it to maintain their physical fitness.
Some of the numerous benefits of using the AlterG® Anti-Gravity Treadmill include:
- Accelerated Recovery Time
- Relief from Impact-Related Pain and Discomfort
- Customized Programs Suited to Your Needs
- Effective Solution for All Ages
- Safe and Controlled Environment
- Improves Motivation and Confidence
- Used by Elite Athletes and Celebrities
The AlterG® Anti-Gravity Treadmill is a revolutionary piece of equipment that has transformed the field of physical therapy. With its list of unique features and superhero-worthy benefits, this anti-gravity treadmill is a game-changer that can help you achieve your fitness and recovery goals while also minimizing the risk of injury.
Experience Optimized Healing with LiteCure™ Low-Level Laser Therapy
After reading the headline above, you might be asking yourself, "Are lasers really used for physical therapy in cityname, state?" The answer to your question would be a resounding "Yes!" This advanced type of laser therapy harnesses the power of light through photobiomodulation (PBM), which is revolutionizing how patients heal and deal with pain.
Photobiomodulation (PBM) is a medical process that utilizes targeted light to activate the body's natural healing mechanisms. By penetrating deep into the tissue, photons interact with mitochondria (the cellular powerhouses in your body) to increase energy production. This interaction triggers a biological cascade that leads to increased cellular metabolism. As a result, PBM can reduce pain, accelerate tissue repair, and enhance overall well-being.
Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) is a non-invasive and painless treatment that utilizes specific wavelengths of light to stimulate healing and reduce pain. It works by penetrating the skin and tissues to promote cellular activity and increase blood flow, which in turn helps to reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and accelerate the healing process.
LLLT has been shown to be effective for a variety of conditions, including musculoskeletal injuries, arthritis, neuropathy, and more. It is a safe and gentle treatment option that can aid in regaining function and mobility from injuries, accidents, surgeries, and other conditions. That makes it a viable and trustworthy addition to your personalized physical therapy plan from NJ Sports Spine & Wellness.
LLLT has shown promising results for challenging conditions that other treatments can't match. Some of the most common conditions treated include:
- Muscle Pain
- Pain from Tendinopathy
- Osteoarthritis Pain
- Swollen Joints
- Myofascial Pain
- Back and Neck Pain
- Pain from TMJ
- Achilles Tendon Injury Pain
- Plantar Fasciitis Pain
If you're slogging through life and suffering from one or more of the conditions above, you should know that there is hope for pain relief. Contact NJ Sports Spine & Wellness today to find out if low-level laser therapy is right for you.
Freeze Away Pain and Swelling with Ice Compression Therapy
Game Ready Ice Compression Therapy is an advanced treatment technique that combines the advantages of modern cryotherapy (ice therapy) with the proven benefits of compression therapy. This clinically proven, synergistic approach is widely used in sports medicine, physical therapy, orthopedics, and post-operative care to speed up recovery, alleviate pain and inflammation, and enhance rehabilitation.
Understanding the Powerful Benefits of Ice Compression Therapy
Game Ready Ice Compression Therapy is an advanced treatment technique that combines the advantages of modern cryotherapy (ice therapy) with the proven benefits of compression therapy. This clinically proven, synergistic approach is widely used in sports medicine, physical therapy, orthopedics, and post-operative care to speed up recovery, alleviate pain and inflammation, and enhance rehabilitation.
The "cold" component of ice compression therapy helps nullify nerve-ending sensitivity, which provides pain relief. The extra compression gives you even more pain relief by reducing swelling and pressure on limbs and other body parts.
By improving lymphatic flow and enhancing blood circulation, compression therapy can help reduce swelling and edema, thereby improving your recovery process and simultaneously reducing pain and discomfort.
The concurrent use of cryotherapy and compression can enhance the body's innate healing mechanisms by reducing inflammation, mitigating tissue damage, and stimulating tissue repair.
Game Ready's combination therapy has been shown to be effective in improving joint flexibility and range of motion by promoting tissue healing. This treatment can be a great option for those looking to alleviate discomfort and improve overall joint health.
Whether you're recovering from surgery or you're trying to manage chronic pain in your back or joints, ice compression therapy may be the advanced treatment you need. Contact NJSSW today to learn more about how this treatment can help you live an active life free of pain.
NormaTec Compression Therapy:
A Non-Invasive Option for Enhanced Recovery
Game Ready Ice Compression Therapy is an advanced treatment technique that combines the advantages of modern cryotherapy (ice therapy) with the proven benefits of compression therapy. This clinically proven, synergistic approach is widely used in sports medicine, physical therapy, orthopedics, and post-operative care to speed up recovery, alleviate pain and inflammation, and enhance rehabilitation.
What Makes NormaTec Compression Therapy Best for Physical Therapy in Cityname, State?
Game Ready Ice Compression Therapy is an advanced treatment technique that combines the advantages of modern cryotherapy (ice therapy) with the proven benefits of compression therapy. This clinically proven, synergistic approach is widely used in sports medicine, physical therapy, orthopedics, and post-operative care to speed up recovery, alleviate pain and inflammation, and enhance rehabilitation.
NormaTec's compression therapy devices have undergone continuous refinement and improvement since their inception. The adjustable settings of their system enable users to regulate the intensity, duration, and pattern of compression, thereby enabling our skilled providers to tailor treatment to suit the specific requirements and comfort levels of each patient.
Experience Holistic Wellness with Cupping Therapy in New Jersey
In the realm of holistic wellness, cupping therapy is a venerable and time-honored practice that has proven to be an effective technique for managing pain and enhancing blood flow. At NJ Sports Spine & Wellness, we recognize the diverse benefits of cupping therapy, which we offer at both our Matawan and Marlboro, NJ locations.
This ancient technique creates suction on your skin using specialized cups that help promote blood flow, muscle relaxation, and pain relief.
Why is Cupping Therapy Helpful for Physical Therapy in CItyname, State?
At NJ Sports Spine & Wellness, we believe that incorporating holistic treatments into physical therapy can greatly benefit our patients. As part of our efforts to alleviate stress and manage chronic pain or conditions, we offer cupping therapy as one of those holistic treatments. This modality has been proven effective and offers numerous benefits for physical therapy, which include:
Cupping therapy can help release muscle tension and relieve back pain. The suction from the cups releases fascial restrictions, decreases muscle tightness, and relieves muscle knots, providing relief from pain caused by muscular tightness or strain.
Our skilled practitioners and physical therapists use modern cupping devices and techniques to create consistent suction on the skin, which stimulates blood flow and encourages oxygen-rich blood to flow into muscles and tissues. This improved circulation can reduce inflammation, remove toxins, and promote healing.
Cupping therapy can relieve back pain by improving circulation, reducing muscle tension, and increasing lymphatic drainage. It's a natural and non-invasive approach that can improve mobility and quality of life.
Cupping therapy uses a gentle suction and pulling sensation that helps ease back pain and reduces stress by creating a calming effect on the body and mind, promoting physical and mental healing.
Reclaim Your Mobility with Physical Therapy in Keansburg, NJ
At NJ Sports Spine & Wellness, we always prioritize your well-being and offer comprehensive care tailored to your needs. With customized physical therapy tailored to your specific needs, we provide a drug-free, non-invasive, and highly effective treatment path for pain relief and recovery. From tried-and-true techniques to cutting-edge treatments, we're New Jersey's top choice for innovative physical therapy.
Take the first step towards a pain-free, vibrant life by contacting our office today. It all starts by scheduling your initial consultation. With our highly-trained and licensed specialists by your side, you can embrace a brighter, pain-free future.
Schedule An Appointment
Latest News in Keansburg, NJ
N.J. football All-State, All-Group teams and full postseason honors for 2023
Nj.comhttps://highschoolsports.nj.com/school/keansburg-keansburg/football/season/2023-2024
Search Football Be a Part of Our Unstoppable Momentum Luis Torres | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com | Luis Torres | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com | ...
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Be a Part of Our Unstoppable Momentum
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Kevin Minnick | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com |
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Kevin Minnick | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com |
Kevin Minnick | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com |
Kevin Minnick | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com |
Joe Zedalis | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com |
Kevin Minnick | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com |
High school football summer snapshot: Keansburg feeling more explosive
Jerry Carinohttps://www.app.com/story/sports/high-school/football/redzone/2023/08/24/keansburg-nj-high-school-football-preview-2023-dj-deangelo-john-gilliland/70637804007/
The Keansburg High School football team needed a change of pace after last fall’s two-win campaign.Can a new quarterback provide it?That’s the hope as junior James Valle takes over the Titans’ spread offense.“He was our JV quarterback last year and he’s been doing very well this season,” head coach Jim Reid said. “He had a great 7-on-7 season.”The 7-on-7 season takes place during the summer and is a more wide-open game focusing on the skill position pl...
The Keansburg High School football team needed a change of pace after last fall’s two-win campaign.
Can a new quarterback provide it?
That’s the hope as junior James Valle takes over the Titans’ spread offense.
“He was our JV quarterback last year and he’s been doing very well this season,” head coach Jim Reid said. “He had a great 7-on-7 season.”
The 7-on-7 season takes place during the summer and is a more wide-open game focusing on the skill position players and less on activity in the trenches.
“I think he will be a good addition,” senior center DJ DeAngelo said of Valle. “He’s shown a lot of leadership. He’s been more adaptable (to running or throwing).”
Led by DeAngelo, Keansburg returns three starting offensive linemen, but just about all of the skill players are stepping into the varsity lineup for the first time. There have been positive signs throughout training camp; they outscored Neptune and Highland Park in two preseason scrimmages.
“We have some very athletic, explosive kids,” Reid said.
A total of 46 players are out for the team – a good number for a small school.
Shore Conference Patriot Division
Keansburg High School football: Top Performers
DJ DeAngelo, Sr., C/DL
DeAngelo is a wrestler in the winter and shadowed the school’s athletic trainer in the spring – he’s interested in studying physical therapy in college. After starting at center last fall, he becomes a two-way starter as a senior, lining up at nose guard on the defensive end.
“He’s doing a great job on the offensive and defensive lines,” Reid said.
John Gilliland, Sr., OL/LB
A three-sport athlete who also plays basketball and baseball, Gilliland is a returning two-way starter who is moving from the defensive line to inside linebacker.
Keansburg High School football: Program Players
Reed Holland, Sr., OL/DL
A returning starter on the offensive line.
Matt Rock, Jr., LB
Returning starter who will lead the defense.
Dom Terracciano, Sr., RB/DB
Will start at safety and see time offensively in the backfield and in the slot.
Keansburg High School football: Names to Know
Jabdiel Borges, Sr., WR/DB
“Really like his explosiveness and his route running,” Reid said.
Julio Elvay, Sr., OL/DL
“He’s been doing a fantastic job,” Reid said.
James Valle, Jr., QB/DB
Valle, who stands, 5-foot-10, also plays baseball.
Zion Cooper, Jr., RB/DB
Will be the primary running back.
Malachi Gary, So., WR/DB
Milan Mraz, So., RB/LB
Sha’Born Allen, So., RB/LB
Nick Pisano, So., WR/DB
Sean Retta, So., OL/DL
Preston Smith, Jr., WR/DB
Jazier Wynn, Jr., TE/LB
A’son Young, So, WR/DB
Keansburg High School football 2023 Schedule
Jerry Carino has covered the New Jersey sports scene since 1996. Contact him at jcarino@gannettnj.com.
Keansburg Amusement Park urgently needs workers, especially older teens, for 2023 summer
Jerry Carinohttps://www.app.com/story/money/business/2023/05/09/keansburg-amusement-park-needs-employees-for-2023-season/70184153007/
KEANSBURG - The appeals have gone out numerous times on social media and through word of mouth, but a month before the summer season begins, Keansburg Amusement Park & Runaway Rapids has only about half of the staffing it needs to be fully operational.Applicants must be at least 14 years old.“We are hiring for all positions still, but we are mostly getting the younger crowd (those aged 14),” marketing director Emily Mayes said. “We still have some positions for that — food service, games, ticket boot...
KEANSBURG - The appeals have gone out numerous times on social media and through word of mouth, but a month before the summer season begins, Keansburg Amusement Park & Runaway Rapids has only about half of the staffing it needs to be fully operational.
Applicants must be at least 14 years old.
“We are hiring for all positions still, but we are mostly getting the younger crowd (those aged 14),” marketing director Emily Mayes said. “We still have some positions for that — food service, games, ticket booths. But we are in need of 15-plus and 16-plus for the lifeguard and ride-operating positions. We are having trouble getting the older ages to apply.”
This has been a problem since the pandemic summer of 2020.
Why is student absenteeism up?Shore schools cite COVID as root of problem
“We’ve been getting less applicants since COVID,” Mayes said. “We’ve been open on weekends since early April (this year), and the crowds seem bigger than usual so far, so that’s a good sign for a good season.”
The amusement park opens daily starting June 2, with the adjacent Runaway Rapids Waterpark opening on weekends starting May 27 and daily starting June 17. If staffing isn’t adequate by then, “everything will still be working and available, but the issue is that staff will then have to rotate (stations), so wait times could be longer," Mayes explained. "It will make busy days a little harder.”
NJ jobs shrink? Employers still hiring?Making sense out of economic crystal ball
Keansburg Amusement Park was founded in 1904. It has a few new features for this summer:
For more information about job opportunities at KeansburRunaway Rapids, visit www.keansburgamusementpark.com/employment or email Info@KeansburgAmusementPark.com.
Jerry Carino is community columnist for the Asbury Park Press, focusing on the Jersey Shore’s interesting people, inspiring stories and pressing issues. Contact him at jcarino@gannettnj.com.
New Easter Offerings At Dixie Lee Bakery In Keansburg
Carly Baldwinhttps://patch.com/new-jersey/middletown-nj/new-easter-offerings-dixie-lee-bakery-keansburg
KEANSBURG, NJ — Place your Easter pastry orders now from Dixie Lee Bakery in Keansburg!When New Jersey celeb chef David Burke took over Keansburg's beloved Dixie Lee Bakery last May, he promised to preserve the 100-year-old bakery’s hometown vibe.That's why longtime Dixie Lee customers will still find their favorite traditional pastries, such as crumb cake, their East...
KEANSBURG, NJ — Place your Easter pastry orders now from Dixie Lee Bakery in Keansburg!
When New Jersey celeb chef David Burke took over Keansburg's beloved Dixie Lee Bakery last May, he promised to preserve the 100-year-old bakery’s hometown vibe.
That's why longtime Dixie Lee customers will still find their favorite traditional pastries, such as crumb cake, their Easter Hot Cross Buns and decorated carrot cakes.
But new for this Easter, Burke has new offerings, such as his whimsical Easter Cupcakes decorated with Peeps.
Other Easter baked goods are braided Challah Bread decorated with colorful Easter Eggs, Giant Peeps Donuts, Easter Cupcakes with Bunnies and Chick Peeps, plus Egg and Rabbit-shaped frosted cookies.
Find out what's happening in Middletownwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
He's also now selling mugs and reusable tote bags from Dixie Lee. Fans can now purchase Dixie Lee's iconic black & white cookies and have them shipped within the continental U.S.A. too; order online at www.dixieleebakerybydb.com
Specialty Easter items range in price from $2.50 for cupcakes to $35 for their 7-inch decorated Easter Cakes.
New this spring is that Dixie Lee also has longer opening hours. The new hours are 6 a.m. – 6 p.m. Tuesday – Sunday. Easter Sunday hours will be 6 a.m. – noon. Pre-ordering is encouraged by calling (732) 787-0674 or by visiting the bakery.
“We’ve been amazingly busy,” said Burke, who grew up in Hazlet and currently lives in Atlantic Highlands. “I was surprised at how many customers are connected to Dixie Lee through multiple generations. It’s been very rewarding. We honor the bakery’s rich past while continually making improvements."
Last April, Burke purchased Dixie Lee from the couple who founded it, Justine and Joseph Slovenz, who opened the bakery in 1933. They named it after Bing Crosby’s first wife, Dixie Lee, a popular actress, singer and dancer of the day.
"People are really embracing the bakery and the changes we’ve made. Many thank me for buying the bakery and love the changes," said Burke this week. "We’re having a lot of fun.”
David Burke's Dixie Lee Bakery 303 Main Street, Keansburg, NJ (732) 787-0674 www.dixieleebakerybydb.com
@chefdavidburke
@DixieLeeBakerybyDB
Keansburg Teacher Sings Through Brain Surgery At Jersey Shore Medical Center (Video)
Monmouth Daily Voicehttps://dailyvoice.com/new-jersey/monmouth/keansburg-teacher-sings-through-brain-surgery-at-jersey-shore-medical-center-video/
No, this wasn't a karaoke bar. This was brain surgery.Vied, a 30-year-old preschool teacher from Keansburg, was diagnosed with epilepsy years ago, but was having breakthrough seizures despite being on anti-seizure medication.An MRI found Vied had a brain tumor, and she was referred to Hackensack Meridian Neuroscience Institute at Jersey Shore University Medical Center neuro-oncologist, Shama Farooq, M.D., and Nitesh V Patel, M.D., Co-Director of Neurosurgical Oncology.Patel, a Jersey City native who completed undergrad a...
No, this wasn't a karaoke bar. This was brain surgery.
Vied, a 30-year-old preschool teacher from Keansburg, was diagnosed with epilepsy years ago, but was having breakthrough seizures despite being on anti-seizure medication.
An MRI found Vied had a brain tumor, and she was referred to Hackensack Meridian Neuroscience Institute at Jersey Shore University Medical Center neuro-oncologist, Shama Farooq, M.D., and Nitesh V Patel, M.D., Co-Director of Neurosurgical Oncology.
Patel, a Jersey City native who completed undergrad and medical school at Rutgers University, explained to Vied last spring that the tumor was likely to become malignant, and had to come out.
The best course of action? Brain surgery. Awake.
"In every one of these cases, as long as we're selective with patients, they do invariably well," said Patel, who was featured on the hit Netflix documentary "Lenox Hill," alongside some of the top neurosurgeons in the world.
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Hackensack Meridian Health
Hackensack Meridian Health
Vied's tumor was in a high-risk part of her brain that controls speech. So, Patel developed a plan to remove the tumor using Quicktome brain mapping.
Patel's initial idea was to have Vied converse through surgery in order to preserve her speech. But then, he had a better idea.
"Kristina loves karaoke," Patel said on a call with Daily Voice. "She loves to sing."
And so, that's exactly what she did as she went under the knife on May 16, at Jersey Shore Medical Center.
Patel laid out the plan for Vied so that she felt comfortable going into surgery.
First, she'd come into the operating room and be put to sleep without a breathing tube. Then, she'd be placed on a light sleep setting, as physicians numbed her scalp including everything above the eyebrow line, like a halo around her head, Patel explained.
Once everything was numb, Patel would make his incision. Before he opened the covering of the brain, though, he'd have the anesthesiologist wake Vied.
"We give patients five minutes and get them to relax," he said. "At that point, they're a little drowsy, but they're up in a couple of minutes. Then we have a conversation and explain what we're going to do. At that point they’re awake, and that’s how we get them through surgery."
That's exactly how it went with Vied, and once she was ready, she was warming up her pipes.
They started off with some Neil Diamond and John Denver, then moved on to Vied's picks: Songs from the "Moana" soundtrack.
"For this 20- to 25-minute process of removing the tumor, Krystina was singing," the doctor said.
View this post on Instagram
While entertaining, the singing served a major purpose, Patel explained: "We were able to pick up on problem areas through her speech."
Delays in speech and errors in pronunciation were some of the cues that Patel was listening for.
"If a patient starts mispronouncing words, or pitch and rhythm changes, we're suspicious," Patel said.
For Vied, that happened about 90 percent of the way through surgery.
Patel stimulated the area of the tumor with an electrical probe, and if that elicited an electrical response, he knew it was a critical area and that it was time to end surgery as not to compromise any of Vied's brain function.
"We accomplished more than our goal," Patel said. "The rest will be battled with chemo and radiation."
Vied stayed awake through the remainder of the surgery, which Patel said helped with her recovery rate. She was home within 24 hours.
"I try to avoid putting the patient back to sleep after resecting the tumor," Patel said. "I'd rather keep them awake because this calms the patient more, so by the time I'm done with the surgery, they're fully awake and feeling good."
Patel has seen Vied three times since her procedure and said she's doing well. Not only is she eager to get back to work, but she hasn't had any seizures.
With the help of Farooq and Patel's team, Krystina is enrolling as one of the first patients worldwide into a clinical trial to continue to combat the remaining tumor.
"There's something about being there for patients in this excruciating time of need and offering them a pillar of support and guidance that felt right for me," said Patel on his decision to go into neurosurgery and brain tumor removal.
"I love this job and I love coming to work every day."
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