None of us on the Jersey Shore can doubt the health benefits of living so close to the ocean. I think the advantages are two-fold: the reduction in stress that most people feel when they are close to water, as well as an increased number of options for being active.
I was thinking of this the other day while driving through Atlantic Highlands. It was a warmer day than we’ve been having lately and I caught the hint of that great saltwater smell that always makes me think of summertime. Immediately I felt more relaxed, at peace, and hopeful—and there can be no doubt that peace of mind is always good for your health.
This is certainly not a new idea. In fact, the restoration of health is one of the many reasons that areas like Atlantic Highlands became so popular in the late 19th century. During this time, it was common practice for wealthy individuals affected with tuberculosis to leave the city and take advantage of Jersey Shore towns such as Atlantic Highlands. Today, we’re all too familiar with the exodus and influx that occurs every summer when those living in urban areas try to find some measure of peace near the ocean.
In addition to reducing stress (which is always necessary for good health), being near the beach offers a number of healthy activities such as surfing, swimming, walking, etc. I know that going for a run along the boardwalk is a favorite for many athletes. Unfortunately, many of us are lacking in such options now that the winter has us all feeling a little trapped inside and in need of movement. What’s worse is that this winter malaise perpetuates a cycle of inactivity/excessive activity that can lead to a variety of painful conditions.
I’d like to stress the idea that staying in shape during the winter is the best way to prevent sports injuries and pain during the summer months. When such injuries do occur, however, Monmouth Pain and Rehabilitation Center is available all year long to help patients with both painful injuries and debilitating illnesses.
Our office has a Medical Doctor prepared to diagnose and treat the types of conditions that may be caused by injury or illness and that often lead to inactivity. Such conditions might include lower back pain, sciatica symptoms, disc injuries, knee injuries, tendonitis, and more. In some cases, patients may require injections of a corticosteroid or anesthetic; these are provided in our facility.
Additionally, physical therapy is a necessary component to rehabilitation. Using both active exercise techniques as well as passive healing therapies, physical therapy can help patients regain or maintain movement and strength while reducing pain.
Because we are dedicated to using a healthy approach to pain management and rehabilitation, our office also incorporates acupuncture. By taking advantage of the many positive effects of acupuncture, we’ve really widened the scope and nature of conditions that can be treated. For example, acupuncture can help patients to deal with a lot of the emotional aspects that accompany suffering from painful conditions. It’s useful in boosting the immune system and is also a fantastic, drug-free, and proven method of reducing pain.
As a Doctor of Chiropractic, I can recommend chiropractic care as an excellent and (again) healthy means of rehabiltiation. By locating and correcting issues within the spine, a number of conditions can be treated.
To learn more about chiropractic care, acupuncture, physical therapy, or medical care for pain management in Atlantic Highlands, feel free to contact our office today. And remember that year-round activity is important not only for good health, but also for avoiding injury.
