The Many Benefits of Acupuncture
How This Unique Practice Can Help Manage Pain and Restore Function
We strive to treat the whole person at REHABILITY NJ, which is one of the main reasons why we offer a multi-disciplinary approach that integrates physical therapy, chiropractic care, and acupuncture. Of these approaches, however, we’ve found that acupuncture is often the most misunderstood–even though it stands out as an effective and scientifically supported method for reducing pain and improving overall function.
This month, we want to explore the benefits of acupuncture in more depth, including why it pairs so well with our other treatment techniques.
THE REHABILITY NJ CARE TO SHARE PROMOTION!
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The Basics of Acupuncture
Acupuncture has a long history in traditional Chinese medicine. It involves inserting very fine, sterile needles into specific points on the body to stimulate nerves, muscles, and connective tissue. This stimulation encourages natural processes that:
- Increase the release of endorphins, the body’s own pain-relieving chemicals.
- Improve blood circulation, which supports tissue repair.
- Calm the nervous system, reducing stress and muscle tension.
- Regulate inflammatory responses that contribute to chronic pain.
Acupuncture Within Our Team-Based Approach
Although acupuncture offers many wonderful benefits on its own, it really shines when it’s used to enhance the effects of the other services we offer, such as physical therapy and chiropractic care. We’ve found that when we combine these treatments, our patients tend to tolerate rehabilitation better, recover faster, and experience longer-lasting relief.
Here are some of the ways we might utilize acupuncture in our comprehensive treatment programs:
- After chiropractic adjustments or mechanical traction therapies, acupuncture can calm irritated tissues and minimize post-treatment soreness.
- Before manual therapy and therapeutic exercise, acupuncture can reduce muscle guarding, allowing for greater mobility during rehabilitation.
- During overall recovery, acupuncture may help improve sleep, regulate stress hormones, and support the body’s healing rhythms, all factors that influence your overall progress.
Why Choose Integrated Care?
Pain rarely stems from a single cause. Muscles, nerves, and joints often interact in ways that require a combination of approaches. Integrating acupuncture with other treatments can:
- Enhance long-term outcomes by addressing both symptoms and underlying causes
- Shorten recovery time
- Decrease reliance on medication
- Improve mobility and endurance
Conditions That Benefit from Acupuncture
Back and Neck Pain
Helps relax tight muscles and quiet overactive pain signals.
Arthritis
Reduces inflammation and promotes fluid motion in affected joints.
Peripheral Neuropathy
Stimulates nerve function to reduce numbness or tingling in the hands and feet.
Headaches and Migraines
Targets muscle tension and vascular imbalances that contribute to headache-related discomfort.
Post-Surgical Recovery
Assists with pain control as you work to restore strength and mobility.
Sports Injuries
Facilitates tissue healing and reduces swelling.
Peripheral Neuropathy
Stimulates nerve function to relieve numbness or tingling in the hands and feet.
Meet Christian Taschler, L.AC
Christian Taschler, L.Ac., is licensed in the state of New Jersey and board-certified by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine.
Christian grew up in Toms River, New Jersey. He received an undergraduate degree in Environmental and Business Economics from Rutgers University. Thereafter, he developed a passion for eastern medicine and turned to the path of Acupuncture, pursuing Masters Studies at The Eastern School of Acupuncture and Traditional Medicine. The extensive training and knowledge gained enabled him to develop the skills to succeed in treating a multitude of Acupuncture disciplines, including Traditional Chinese Medicine, Kiiko Matsumoto Japanese Acupuncture, and Five Element style Acupuncture.
Christian brings a vast array of treatment experience ranging from (but not limited to), musculoskeletal pain disorders, pain management, digestive issues, anxiety/depression, fatigue, infertility, headaches, stress management, facial rejuvenation, TMJ, Bell’s palsy, asthma, common cold, and allergies.
Christian has become well-versed in the many techniques of meditation and internal healing arts, as well as a practitioner of yoga with twenty years of experience in Tai Chi and Qigong. He also holds a certification in personal training. When Christian isn’t spending time with his family, his hobbies keep him plenty busy, as an avid snowboarder, surfer, and mountain biker.
You Could Be Our Next Success Story!
“Chris is a great acupuncturist!!!! Best hour of my week. So relaxing. I highly recommend!” -Carolanne R.
“The Rehability team is absolutely amazing! Their dedication is superior and lends to outstanding results. The specialists have restored life and vitality back into my life and my overall health has dramatically been enhanced. You are all amazing healers!” -Janet F.
“Professional, effective, love the multi-discipline approach. I find it refreshing to go to a single place to get my treatments. These folks collaborate and that’s important to me. Also, the team seems to really like working with each other and that creates a healing environment.” -Deborah C.
What To Expect From Your Coordinated Treatment Plan
We start by identifying areas of pain, weakness, and restricted movement to help us develop your personalized care plan. We often recommend acupuncture during the early part of your program, as it can help reduce pain, improve movement, and prepare your body for more vigorous treatment, such as therapeutic conditioning.
What Can I Expect From My Acupuncture Sessions?
During your session, our licensed acupuncturist will place the needles at targeted points for 15-30 minutes, depending on your needs and symptoms. Most patients feel minimal discomfort during insertion and often experience deep relaxation afterward.
Our acupuncturist always takes the time to explain each step of the procedure, and we can adjust your treatment time to meet your tolerance and preferences.
Other Treatments We might Suggest
Depending on your needs, we might combine acupuncture with:
- Physical therapy to enhance mobility and function
- Chiropractic care to improve your body’s alignment and restore uninterrupted nerve flow
- Treatment modalities like laser therapy or microVas therapy to facilitate blood flow tissue healing
- Targeted exercises to build strength and stability
We’ll track your progress and adjust as needed, ensuring every technique contributes to your treatment goals.
Let’s Move Toward Better Health
Acupuncture is a valuable part of REHABILITY NJ’s mission to reduce pain, restore function, and help patients achieve their health goals. When paired with physical therapy and chiropractic care, it provides a balanced and effective path toward recovery.
Ready to learn more about how acupuncture can complement your current care plan? Call us today to schedule an appointment with our multidisciplinary team. Together, we’ll create a treatment strategy focused on your health goals, ensuring maximum comfort and enhanced healing.
Recipe of the Month: Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients:
DOUGH
- ¾ cup milk
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 4 tablespoons salted butter, melted and cooled
- 1 large egg plus 1 large egg yolk, at room temperature
- 3 cups bread flour, plus more as needed
- ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
- Extra-virgin olive oil, for greasing the bowl
FILLING
- 4 tablespoons salted butter, softened
- ⅔ cup packed dark brown sugar
- 1 ½ tablespoons ground cinnamon
CREAM CHEESE FROSTING
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons salted butter, softened
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Warm milk in a microwave-safe bowl for 45–60 seconds, until 115°F. Pour into a stand mixer bowl fitted with the paddle attachment and sprinkle yeast on top. Add sugar and let sit until foamy, about 5 minutes. Add melted butter, egg, and egg yolk; mix on medium speed until combined, about 30 seconds. Stir in flour and salt with a wooden spoon until a dough begins to form.
- Attach the dough hook and knead on medium speed until soft and slightly sticky, 8–10 minutes. Add up to 3 tablespoons more flour if needed. (Alternatively, knead by hand on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes.) Warm a clean dish towel in the dryer during this step. Lightly grease a large bowl with olive oil. Transfer dough to the bowl, cover with plastic wrap and the warm towel, and let rise until doubled, 1–1½ hours. Dough is ready when an indentation from a finger does not spring back immediately.
- Dust a surface with flour and roll dough into a 10×14-inch rectangle. Spread softened butter evenly, leaving a ¼-inch margin on one short edge. Mix brown sugar and cinnamon; sprinkle over butter and gently press into it. Roll tightly from the opposite short side, pinch to seal, and place seam-side down. Trim ½ inch off each end. Compact the roll slightly by pressing inward from both ends. Cut into nine 1-inch slices using dental floss or a serrated knife.
- Line a 9-inch round or square pan with parchment. Arrange rolls in the pan, cover with plastic wrap and towel, and let rise until doubled and touching, 45–60 minutes. Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake rolls for 20–25 minutes, until golden on the edges but soft in the center. Cool for 10 minutes.
- In a mixer with the whisk attachment, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, butter, and vanilla on low for 30 seconds, then on medium-high until smooth and fluffy, 1–2 minutes. Spread over warm rolls. Cover pan tightly or place rolls in airtight containers. Refrigerate up to 5 days. Reheat individual rolls in the microwave in 15-second intervals until warm.
