Non-surgical Solutions including Chiropractic care, massage therapy, and more.
Formerly Patel Family Chiropractic in Montclair, NJ in 2007, we have now relocated to a larger location eight minutes away in Bloomfield, NJ and have rebranded to Ascend Spine Center to better reflect the expanded services we will be offering to cover all your holistic healthcare needs. The new office features a larger space, ample free parking, and is conveniently located only a short drive away from the old office.
Chiropractic care helps people who suffer from a variety of health issues including improving back and neck pain. Our patients have also experienced significant relief from a variety of other problems including allergies, sciatica, pinched nerves, and much more. We offer non-surgical spinal decompression for people with herniated discs and this highly effective treatment has helped countless patients feel better quickly and avoid surgery. Chiropractic is safe, natural, and it works!
We're thrilled to announce that We're expanding our services to offer Massage Therapy and Physical Therapy.
We proudly serve Essex and Bergen Counties in Northern NJ including Bloomfield, Montclair, Nutley, Clifton, Belleville, & Paramus. We look forward to providing you with efficient, affordable chiropractic care and meeting you soon.
About Dr. Patel
Board-certified Chiropractor.
Dr. Harsha Patel is a board-certified chiropractor located in Bloomfield, NJ and has been serving the community for over 13 years. She graduated with honors from Life University in Atlanta, Georgia with a Doctorate of Chiropractic degree.
Her approach to you is unique in the sense that she is committed to providing you with the highest quality of health care with clinical expertise, compassion, and integrity. Her mission is to get people off of harmful medications and away from unnecessary surgeries...Naturally!
Those who know Dr. Patel knows that her passion and excitement is in caring for children as most geriatric consequences are a result of pediatric problems. As a result, she has been trained to deal with children of all ages and disabilities.
Welcome to Ascend Spine Center...where miracles happen.
Chiropractic doctors practice natural, drugless, non-invasive health care and rely on the body's ability to self-heal. Sounds ideal, but just how does it work?
We look at the whole picture.
Like other health-care providers, we follow a standard routine to gain information about the patient. We consult, review the case history, conduct a physical examination, and we may request laboratory analyses and/or x-rays. Unlike other health-care providers, however, chiropractic physicians also conduct a careful analysis of the patient's structure and pay particular attention to the spine. We also ask you about your life— Do you eat well? Exercise at all? How do you deal with stress? Do you have children? What do you do for work? And so on.
We seek the origin of the problem.
Using this information, a diagnosis is made. Included in the diagnosis is the probable reason for your pain or discomfort. It is important to note that chiropractors seek the origin of the illness in order to eliminate it-we do not simply treat the symptoms. If your roof is leaking, do you simply catch the drips in a bucket for years on end, or do you repair the roof to prevent it from leaking? Similarly, if the migraine headache you've had all week is being caused by misaligned vertebra and an irritated nerve, do you continue to take pain killers indefinitely, or do you realign the vertebra to prevent the pain? You get the picture.
We fix the origin of the problem.
Chiropractors have a term for misalignments: subluxations. A vertebral subluxation is a misalignment of the bones that protect the spinal cord. It's a leak in the roof. Or a kink in the wiring of your nervous system. The severity of the subluxation can vary, and there are a number of potential contributing factors that can be physical, emotional, mental, or chemical. The subluxation can be caused by any number of incidents, from birth trauma to an auto accident to simple repetition or over-use.
Chiropractic Services
How we can help you
Chiropractic Care
Adjustments, or manipulation as they're sometimes referred to, are the minor movement of vertebrae in the spine.
Intersegmental traction table or roller table is used in chiropractic care and this table helps in gently re-establishing the normal ranges of the body's spine
Adjustments, or manipulation as they're sometimes referred to, are the minor movement of vertebrae in the spine. The objective of this movement is to realign vertebrae that have moved out of place for a number of reasons ranging from normal daily activity to trauma such as a car accident.
When these vertebrae are out of place, it has an overall systemic effect from muscular to the central nervous system. Without proper alignment and flow of all nerves and systems in the body from the brain, we can't function at our peak.
An adjustment is often a pressure from the chiropractor utilizing the hands or an instrument to move a vertebrae back into place. This happens with a quick movement and is often without discomfort. You may hear a noise that sounds like you're cracking your knuckles referred to as joint cavitation. It is the release of gases such as oxygen and nitrogen from the joint.
Overall, adjustments are an excellent way to keep the body functioning at its highest level. When the body is in alignment, the body is able to respond and perform as it was designed to.
UltraSound
Ultrasound is a therapy that is utilized in the office to handle injuries related to joints, muscle spasms, as well as most soft tissues. While it shares the same name, this ultrasound is not the same as the type of ultrasound utilized diagnostically to screen internally in the body. This ultrasound creates small sound waves that in effect vibrate and massage soft tissues and muscle. These sound waves do an excellent job in facilitating the body's healing process in addition to decreasing scar tissue formation.
Certain ultrasounds also create a heating effect to help relax the muscles or tightness in the body. This heat combined with the overall features of the ultrasound help to start the healing process at the most basic cellular level speeding up your road to recovery.
Electrical Muscle Stimulation
Electrical Muscle Stimulation is an exceptional way to help the body in the healing process. This is accomplished by sending a very small electrical current into the affected soft tissue injury or muscle spasm. The therapy utilizes this current in an effort to help reduce swelling and release trigger points that may have the muscle locked up. It does this by helping the body to release natural relievers of pain often referred to as endorphins.
This is a great therapy if there is a spasm in a back or neck muscle. It works well in relaxing the muscle and allowing it to return to its normal state rather quickly. Short therapy sessions are excellent at facilitating healing from acute and chronic pain.
Intersegmental Traction Roller Table
Intersegmental traction table or roller table is used in chiropractic care. This table helps in gently re-establishing the normal ranges of the body's spine. Intersegmental traction table helps in relaxing the muscles and reducing the muscle spasms. Using Intersegmental traction table daily promotes recovery and healing process from a back injury. The intersegmental traction table or roller table allows changing the contact pressure of the roller either manually or electrically. Intersegmental traction tables are very beneficial in providing relaxation to a patient and are very useful devices for any chiropractor.
The intersegmental traction table gently elongates the postural muscles of the spine in a comfortable and uniform manner so that the normal joint movement, mobility and circulation are restored. The patient lies supine or face up on the table which has rollers beneath the surface. These rollers slowly move up and down the length of the spine.
The table also helps in re-establishing the normal range of motion of the spine in a very gentle and effective manner. It also aids in reducing the muscle spasms thus providing relaxation to the muscles.
Please contact us to learn how we can help you achieve optimal health.
Testimonials
Dr. Patel has been trusted by the adjusted since 1992!
For the first time in 32 years, I have slept straight through the night since coming to Dr. Patel's office. After my first visit, I have been more mobile and comfortable walking my dog. Previously, I was not able to stand up for long or walk without having to sit down somewhere.
Eileen P. Patient, age 75+
Highly recommend Dr. Harsha Patel as a Chiropractor. My family has been getting adjusted by her for the past 3 years (my littlest one since she was born). I go once a week and the kids and hubby get adjusted once a month. We go to her for preventive care (none of us have any medical conditions).
Kanan C.
Dr Harsha takes care of my entire family! My newest edition was adjusted at 20hrs old and my toddler "gets her bad guys out" regularly. Love love love!! Highly recommend her!!
Paige S. Patient
Dr. Harsha Patel is very personable and has great bedside manner. She treats all her patients well and I feel so good every time I go there.
SV P. Patient
I was introduced to Dr. Patel by another friend over five years ago and I’ve been going to her ever since. She knows her profession well and she also has such good energy! I recommend her highly for all your chiropractic needs!
Pat C. Patient
I recommend everyone I know to go to Dr. Patel.I feel better every time I walk out of her door.
Julie D. Patient
I feel like myself again. Dr. Patel did such a remarkable job on me. I used to have a stiff feeling on the left side of my neck and left side of my arm. I felt dull and had a very clouded mind. I have visited so many doctors, but nothing had changed. All my symptoms were still there. On a scale of 1-20 it felt like a 20! The pain was so bad; I couldn’t give people proper massages. My health improved drastically. She’s brilliant and cares so much about my issues and me. I fully recommend her to any of my clients and personal friends.
Benjaporn K. Patient
Of course I’d recommend Dr. Harsha Patel! She is such an extraordinary chiropractor with such a unique gift. With ease she was able to diagnose me and make the proper adjustment to my body as needed. My nasal congestion has significantly improved because of the work she had done. Thank you Dr. Patel for your inspiration, care, education, and the genuine joy in caring for others.
Bill B. Patient
I have always had pain and stiffness from scoliosis. Harsha has been so helpful in customizing my adjustments each week that specifically target my pains. I feel 100% better after each adjustment. The maintenance and regular care has kept me pain free so I am now able to enjoy my active life again. Dr. Patel has such a beautiful spirit and energy. I recommend her to everyone!
Bella G. Patient
Morgan Larson, LMT
Hi! My name is Morgan Larson.
I'm a certified massage therapist &
I'm here to help YOU on the road to better health.
Morgan Larson LMT has been a professional massage practitioner for nearly three years. She studied massage and bodywork, as well as oncology and geriatric massage, at the Institute for Therapeutic Massage.
Morgan has worked with many different populations, from professional athletes to the chronically ill to cancer survivors.
In her spare time, she enjoys reading, writing, knitting, powerlifting, and hanging out with her cats.
You know that post-massage feeling. Your mind is clear and your body is relaxed. An occasional massage leaves you feeling great, but regular massage can do so much more. The work your therapist does in each session builds on itself, helping your body maintain its relaxed state and your muscles to remain loose even during times of physical and mental stress.
Natural
Drugless
Non-Invasive
Safe
What exactly are the benefits of receiving massage or bodywork treatments?
Useful for all of the conditions listed below and more, massage can:
Alleviate low-back pain and improve range of motion.
Assist with shorter, easier labor for expectant mothers and shorten maternity hospital stays.
Ease medication dependence.
Enhance immunity by stimulating lymph flow—the body's natural defense system.
Exercise and stretch weak, tight, or atrophied muscles.
Help athletes of any level prepare for, and recover from, strenuous workouts.
Improve the condition of the body's largest organ—the skin.
Increase joint flexibility.
Lessen depression and anxiety.
Promote tissue regeneration, reducing scar tissue and stretch marks.
Pump oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs, improving circulation.
Reduce postsurgery adhesions and swelling.
Reduce spasms and cramping.
Relax and soften injured, tired, and overused muscles.
Release endorphins—amino acids that work as the body's natural painkiller.
Relieve migraine pain.
A Powerful Ally
There's no denying the power of bodywork. Regardless of the adjectives we assign to it (pampering, rejuvenating, therapeutic) or the reasons we seek it out (a luxurious treat, stress relief, pain management), massage therapy can be a powerful ally in your healthcare regimen.
Experts estimate that upwards of ninety percent of disease is stress related. And perhaps nothing ages us faster, internally and externally, than high stress. While eliminating anxiety and pressure altogether in this fast-paced world may be idealistic, massage can, without a doubt, help manage stress. This translates into:
Decreased anxiety.
Enhanced sleep quality.
Greater energy.
Improved concentration.
Increased circulation.
Reduced fatigue.
Furthermore, clients often report a sense of perspective and clarity after receiving a massage. The emotional balance bodywork provides can often be just as vital and valuable as the more tangible physical benefits.
Profound Effects
In response to massage, specific physiological and chemical changes cascade throughout the body, with profound effects. Research shows that with massage:
Arthritis sufferers note fewer aches and less stiffness and pain.
Asthmatic children show better pulmonary function and increased peak air flow.
Burn injury patients report reduced pain, itching, and anxiety.
High blood pressure patients demonstrate lower diastolic blood pressure, anxiety, and stress hormones.
Premenstrual syndrome sufferers have decreased water retention and cramping.
Preterm infants have improved weight gain.
Research continues to show the enormous benefits of touch—which range from treating chronic diseases, neurological disorders, and injuries, to alleviating the tensions of modern lifestyles. Consequently, the medical community is actively embracing bodywork, and massage is becoming an integral part of hospice care and neonatal intensive care units. Many hospitals are also incorporating on-site massage practitioners and even spas to treat postsurgery or pain patients as part of the recovery process.
Increase the Benefits with Frequent Visits
Getting a massage can do you a world of good. And getting massage frequently can do even more. This is the beauty of bodywork. Taking part in this form of regularly scheduled self-care can play a huge part in how healthy you'll be and how youthful you'll remain with each passing year. Budgeting time and money for bodywork at consistent intervals is truly an investment in your health. And remember: just because massage feels like a pampering treat doesn't mean it is any less therapeutic. Consider massage appointments a necessary piece of your health and wellness plan, and you'll work with Morgan to establish a treatment schedule that best meets your needs.
Myofascial Release is a safe and very effective hands-on technique that involves applying gentle sustained pressure into the Myofascial connective tissue restrictions to eliminate pain and restore motion.
Convenient, Free parking lot available to patients onsite!
Bloomfield Office Hours:
Monday - 9:00am - 6:00pm Tuesday - 3:00pm - 7:00pm Wednesday - 9:00am - 6:00pm Thursday - 3:00pm - 7:00pm Friday - By Appointment Only Saturday 11 am - 1 pm, by Appointment Only. Additional hours available by appointment.
Follow Us!
Office Holiday Closing
Happy Holidays! The office will be closed for the holidays from December 23, 2017 until January 3, 2018. The office will reopen on Thursday, January 4, 2018.
Prenatal Massage
Massage therapy during pregnancy is a fantastic complementary choice for prenatal care. It is a healthy way to reduce stress and promote overall wellness. Massage relieves many of the typical discomforts experienced during pregnancy, such as backaches, stiff neck, leg cramps, headaches and edema (or swelling).
Also, massage for pregnant women reduces stress on weight-bearing joints, encourages blood and lymph circulation, helps to relax nervous tension, which aids in better sleep and can help relieve depression or anxiety caused by hormonal changes.
DURING THE PRENATAL MASSAGE
Morgan takes extra care to ensure her pregnancy massage clients are comfortable. Sideline positioning with supportive, soft cushions is used to alleviate the additional strain on the lower back and pelvic areas when the pressure of massage techniques are applied. Extra tension in these areas can cause unnecessary back or abdominal pain, so naturally, we want to avoid any potential discomfort.
Through the second trimester, you may prefer to lie on your back with a small, cushioned wedge placed under one hip to provide a slight elevation. Depending on where you are in your pregnancy, your therapist may utilize such massage techniques as reflexology, Swedish massage or specific techniques that address your specific requests and needs.
RELIEF OF EVERYDAY SYMPTOMS
Massage for pregnant women offers many benefits, and it's always a good idea to discuss with your therapist any common symptoms you'd like to see relieved. Those might include:
Headaches can be relieved by massage focusing on the head, neck, and shoulders. Also, maintaining optimal levels of stress relief through massage reduces the chances of migraines or tension headaches by relaxing trigger points and muscle spasms. Muscle tension created by carrying the extra weight of a baby can be relieved by encouraging blood flow to the afflicted areas which provides more nutrient-rich oxygen and also increases the flow of lymphatic fluid, which sweeps away toxins and metabolic waste.
Fatigue, backaches, leg cramps and swelling/edema can all be relieved through various types of massage for pregnant women. The release of serotonin, your body's natural anti-pain chemical, which is stimulated by massage, counter the ordinary aches and pains of pregnancy.
While a massage can't promise that your newborn will sleep through the night, it can provide you with a better night's sleep both during pregnancy and afterward. Regular massage therapy not only helps diminish anxiety and discomfort but boosts relaxation as well, and ultimately can lead to improved sleep patterns.
Also, the serotonin, endorphins, and dopamine released by your body in response to massage provide an extra helping of those natural chemicals.
STAYING HEALTHY
Women with regular, low-risk pregnancies can benefit significantly from the variety of massage techniques offered by a Morgan. However, women in high-risk pregnancies should consult their doctor or midwife before beginning one of our massage therapy programs. If you experience discomfort at any time during the pregnancy massage, tell your therapist immediately.
Postnatal Massage
Postpartum massage can be as important and beneficial as massage during pregnancy. Postpartum bodywork is an effective and holistic approach for the many adjustments to motherhood. You may be surprised to receive much more than a spa retreat.
Massage is well known for relaxation, stress reduction, pain relief and other health benefits. Unique postpartum benefits include hormone regulation, reduced swelling, better sleep and improved breastfeeding. More advanced therapy helps restore your body to its pre-pregnancy condition, speeds healing and assists with C-section recovery.
Postpartum massage has been shown to be effective for a quicker recovery and better health. Integration of maternal bodywork may add welcome value to your healing journey and transition to motherhood.
Relaxation and Stress Reduction
Massage relaxes muscles, increases circulation and lowers stress hormones, bringing relaxation and stress relief. All body systems appreciate treatment after nine months of change, culminating with the delivery of the greatest miracle in life.
Some women prefer lighter pampering massage while others enjoy deeper techniques to work out the knots. Adding myofascial release and craniosacral therapy reaches deeper into the body for more complete healing. Any of these massage styles will bring relaxation and stress reduction.
Anxiety and depression respond very well to skilled therapy. About two-thirds of new moms experience temporary postpartum blues related to hormonal changes, new responsibilities and adjustment frustrations. Emotional support and the other benefits of massage can help during this transition.
Postpartum depression is a more serious, longer-lasting condition that affects 10-15% of mothers. Studies show massage to be beneficial for treating postpartum depression. Don’t hesitate to consult healthcare providers for assistance, including a postpartum body worker.
Pain Relief
Residual body aches from pregnancy are normal. Adding breastfeeding and childcare can intensify arm, shoulder and back pain. Massage is an effective holistic approach that relaxes muscles and relieves pain without medication. A skilled therapist may also resolve even associated numbness and tingling. Chronic or severe pain may require multiple sessions for resolution.
Hormone Regulation
Massage greatly improves postpartum hormone balance. Estrogen and progesterone hormone levels are very high during pregnancy and decrease after delivery. Prolactin and oxytocin hormone levels rise to facilitate breastfeeding. Studies indicate that massage reduces the stress hormone cortisol. Certain essential oils may also bring hormone and mood balance.
Massage also reduces naturally occurring biochemicals associated with depression (dopamine and serotonin) and cardiovascular problems (norepinephrine), supporting Mom with the challenges of motherhood.
Decreased Swelling
Body fluids need to find balance after pregnancy, in which there was an increase of about 50% in fluid volume. Massage increases circulation and lymphatic drainage to facilitate elimination of excess fluids and waste products. Tissue stimulation assists your body to shift water to the right places.
Swelling is also affected by hormones, which go through major changes after delivery. Massage helps hormone regulation, which also decreases swelling (see Hormone Regulation). Continue your high fluid intake for healing and lactation, even though you may still have swelling.
Better Sleep
Most new moms feel exhausted after labor and delivery, complicated with around-the-clock baby care. Massage will ease the fatigue, promote relaxation and assist with sleep. Studies have shown an increase in delta brain waves (those that accompany deep sleep) with massage therapy.
That is why it is very common to fall asleep during a massage. Getting enough sleep is key to postpartum recovery. Everything improves when you feel rested! Arrange some help and get regular massages for better rest and sleep. One study correlated better sleep with losing the baby fat on the tummy!
Improved Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is a beautiful gift to your newborn, but can also be a challenge for some moms. Massage therapy relaxes the body, increases circulation and increases milk production. Studies show that massage increases prolactin levels, a lactation hormone.
Relaxation in the chest muscles opens the shoulders and improves lactation. New research indicates that breast massage helps relieve breast pain, decreases breast milk sodium and improves newborn suckling. Consult with your therapist about this service as work directly on the breasts may not be legal in some areas.
Swedish Massage
Swedish massage therapy is the modality that comes to mind when most people think about massage. As the best-known type of bodywork performed today, one of the primary goals of the Swedish massage technique is to relax the entire body. This is accomplished by rubbing the muscles with long gliding strokes in the direction of blood returning to the heart. But Swedish massage therapy goes beyond relaxation. Swedish massage is exceptionally beneficial for increasing the level of oxygen in the blood, decreasing muscle toxins, improving circulation and flexibility while easing tension.
A study conducted by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, and published in The New York Times, found that volunteers who received a 45-minute Swedish massage experienced significant decreases in levels of the stress hormone cortisol, as well as arginine vasopressin-a hormone that can lead to increases in cortisol. Volunteers also had increases in the number of lymphocytes, white blood cells that are part of the immune system, and a boost in the immune cells that may help fight colds and the flu.
Swedish massage techniques include circular pressure applied by the hands and palms, firm kneading, percussion-like tapping, bending and stretching.
Oncology Massage
Oncology massage is the modification of existing massage therapy techniques to safely work with complications of cancer and cancer treatment. Anyone who has ever received cancer treatment, from those in active treatment to those in recovery or survivorship, as well as those at the end of life, are best served by a massage therapist who has received training in oncology massage.
Essential aspects of an oncology massage therapist's skill set are an informed understanding of the disease itself and the many ways it can affect the human body. The side effects of cancer treatments, such as medications, surgery, chemotherapy and radiation; and the ability to modify massage techniques to adapt for these side effects, as well as for the disease.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage
Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) is a massage technique created by the Danish therapist Dr. Emil Vodder in the 1930’s. MLD stimulates the movement of fluids in the lymphatic system and is effective in treating a wide variety of conditions such as lymphedema, strains and sprains, ulceration, dermatological issues, circulatory disturbances, burns, pre and post-surgery, post-cancer treatment healing, headaches, constipation, stress disorders, sports injuries and more. The lymphatic system plays a vital role in maintaining radiant health and beauty and is an essential part of the body’s immune system. It functions as a transport system carrying fluids and nutrients through the lymph vessels to the body while ensuring that excess fluids and proteins are drained out of the tissues. After flowing through the lymph vessels, lymphatic fluids go into lymph nodes where harmful microorganisms are filtered out and destroyed.
MLD is characterized by a series of light rhythmical massage movements that stimulate lymph circulation throughout the body to create a reduction of swelling and pain as well as deep relaxation. Receiving MLD treatments is appropriate for most people suffering from pain or swelling of many kinds or for those looking to relax or detoxify. A consultation with the MLD practitioner may be necessary before scheduling a treatment for those who have had a recent surgery, cancer or other serious health condition to ensure safety and quality of care.
Deep Tissue Massage
Deep tissue massage therapy is similar to Swedish massage, but the deeper pressure is beneficial in releasing chronic muscle tension. The focus is on the deepest layers of muscle tissue, tendons and fascia (the protective layer surrounding muscles, bones and joints).
A study in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that people's blood pressure fell after a single 45 to 60 minute deep tissue massage. Additionally, a 2010 meta-analysis in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry found that massage modalities like deep tissue reduce stress hormone levels and heart rate while boosting mood and relaxation by triggering the release of oxytocin and serotonin.
Myofascial Release
Myofascial Release is a safe and very effective hands-on technique that involves applying gentle sustained pressure into the Myofascial connective tissue restrictions to eliminate pain and restore motion. This essential “time element” has to do with the viscous flow and the piezoelectric phenomenon: a low load (gentle pressure) applied slowly will allow a viscoelastic medium (fascia) to elongate.
Trauma, inflammatory responses, and/or surgical procedures create Myofascial restrictions that can produce tensile pressures of approximately 2,000 pounds per square inch on pain sensitive structures that do not show up in many of the standard tests (x-rays, myelograms, CAT scans, electromyography, etc.)
The use of Myofascial Release allows us to look at each patient as a unique individual. Our one-on-one therapy sessions are hands-on treatments during which our therapists use a multitude of Myofascial Release techniques and movement therapy. We promote independence through education in proper body mechanics and movement, self treatment instruction, enhancement of strength, improved flexibility, and postural and movement awareness.
Hands-On Treatment
Each Myofascial Release Treatment session is performed directly on skin without oils, creams or machinery. This enables the therapist to accurately detect fascial restrictions and apply the appropriate amount of sustained pressure to facilitate release of the fascia.
