By Debra Wallace

Nearly 20 years ago, when chiropractors Dr. Jason Sonners and his wife, Dr. Melissa Sommers, started Core Therapies Family Wellness Center, they were focused on whole body alignment while helping the patients’ variety of needs and concerns.

Their innovative vision was to bring together a wide range of like-minded practitioners, representing a variety of health care fields and modalities, and create an environment to collaborate together for the benefit of one another’s clients. This would help connect patients with their healthcare team, allowing improved communication among the providers.

These practitioners include chiropractors, massage therapists, acupuncturists, functional medicine providers and mental health counseling and a team approach for each client/patient to know that their providers are working together on their behalf. It also happens to make the process far more successful and convenient as a “one stop shop”.

“Often our patients will go to one town or practice for acupuncture, another for massage, and a third for chiropractic care,” Dr. Jason explained. “We wanted to build something where all of the practitioners know one another, work together, talk about the variety of issues the patient is going through,” he said. “So as a team, we can come up with a meaningful plan. It also serves as a series of reminders, and accountability that makes sure people are staying on top of their care.”

Core Therapies aims to educate its patients about chiropractic care, functional medicine and other natural solutions to common health problems in order to motivate them to take a more active and responsible role in restoring their health.

In the original plan, which has been more than realized, they vetted and brought together practitioners “we knew we could trust to our 7,500-square-foot office that combines a variety of holistic and traditional medical techniques.”

“We wanted to help the entire family with pediatric, sports and athletic injuries, geriatric care, and everything in between,” said Dr. Jason. “So, we created this thriving environment that helps families. We can move the needle health-wise in the direction that we all want it to go.”

He said that it is important for patients to understand that more than one person may be diagnosed with the same condition, but each of them responds differently to treatments. As a result, Core Therapies tailors its treatment to a specific plan of action to meet the specific needs, goals, and unique medical and physical condition of each patient. 

Finding a provider who understands that health care needs to evolve and that the most current techniques and approaches to addressing health problems can be a daunting task. The practice hopes that patients understand the various natural healthcare treatments being offered and the ways they improve the quality of our lives.

The Core Therapies offered include, but are not limited to:

·         Chiropractic care for adults and children

·         Acupuncture and massage therapy

·         Cold laser, red-light, and hyperbaric oxygen therapies

·         Pre-natal and postpartum care

·         Functional nutrition and functional medicine

·         IV nutritional therapy

·         Mental health counseling

·         Much more…

How Dr. Melissa Sonners Helps Others Heal

Dr. Melissa, the loving mother of three children ages 8, 12, and 14, fondly looks back at when their practice began.

“Our initial goal in starting Core Therapies was to create a space where families could become healthier and more empowered versions of themselves,” she explained. “We wanted to build trust, ensuring that the providers delivered the best care while also equipping clients with tools to positively impact their health outside of the office. We envisioned a one-stop shop to guide families on their path to becoming their best selves.”

The experience at Core Therapies has greatly improved the health, wellness, and self-care of their patients.

“Over the years, I’ve learned the importance of leading by example and taking a realistic, humble approach to living a healthy life,” Dr. Melissa said.

“To me, that means finding harmony, allowing space for imperfections and forgiveness. It’s about showing what I do when I fall short because the truth is, we all do at times,” she added.

“I believe in being authentic, and that unfiltered approach is vital, not just for our clients, but also at home with our three children,” she said. “It’s a way of reminding everyone that health and wellness are about progress, not perfection.”

Core Therapies is a chiropractic office that combines cutting-edge, science-backed technologies with time-honored natural healing modalities.

While the staff continually brings in the latest research-proven tools to accelerate healing, enhance recovery, and support healthy aging, everyone remains deeply committed to the natural methods that have been effective since the beginning of time.

“The concept of ‘alternative medicine’ is really the original form of medicine—it’s the approach that prioritizes the body’s innate ability to heal itself.,” Dr. Melissa said. “We believe these natural modalities should be the first option people turn to, supported by the best of modern science to create truly holistic care.”

The entire staff is looking forward to celebrating Core Therapies 19th Anniversary on Black Friday, although it is being called ‘Red Friday!’

“We’ll be hosting a red-light event with huge sales, epic giveaways, samplers, and so much more. Instead of spending the day after Thanksgiving rushing through stores, come relax with us and enjoy modalities designed to help you unwind and balance the holiday stress,” Dr. Melissa explained. “Plus, patients and community members can take advantage of great savings on future packages to keep you feeling your best all season long,” she said. “Be sure to check out the November issue of Natural Awakenings when we take over the cover to highlight this event. “

Medical Trends Over the Years

During the past two decades in practice, Dr. Jason has seen many trends when it comes to holistic and complementary medicine. A major one is that each of us is in charge of our health and navigating the complexities of our care. “More people do not want to sit idly by for whatever issue comes up.

“For example, massage is not just to relax. Since I understand that stress is a major cause of disease, I know that keeping my body relaxed and nourished is important,” said Dr. Jason.

As many of us imagine our aging parents and grandparents, the image we see is of failing health, and we would like to replace that picture in our minds, especially when it comes to the health of ourselves and our loved ones.

So, the earlier that each of us start proactive care the better. I don’t want to be 80, 90, or 100+ unless I have my health and independence—to walk, ride a bike, and enjoy my life.,” Dr. Jason continued. “I’m not going to wait for my traditional doctor to let me know what traditional disease I have. I would rather take control of my life and my health now…I want to look forward to being 10 years and 20 years older, and yet still healthier than I’ve ever been. I believe that this is possible for nearly all of us.”

Patients come in with specific ailments or are currently feeling well, and want to know what else they can do to improve their health.

“We offer a non-competitive atmosphere for people to reach out for their specific issues and goals. In addition to the convenience we offer, we have assembled an amazing team of medical professionals in a variety of specialties, with a collaborative mindset, who can help you right now,” Dr. Jason said. “We always want to service our patient’s health from a variety of angles. We know that everyone’s needs change and we are constantly trying to match those needs.”

When Dr. Jason, Dr. Melissa, and their team hear from pleased patients that their therapy or treatment has been life-changing for themselves and the family members they referred to the practice, there is no greater sense of pride.

“It is enormously reaffirming. It’s comforting to know that what we set out to do nearly 20 years ago is being received in such a positive way,” he explained.

“I am proud to say that the feedback we receive gets better every year. We are constantly redefining who we are and adding to our list of services and practitioners,” Dr. Jason added.

“We are always sure that we are on top of the next thing to keep pushing the needle for each of our patient’s health and wellness.,” he said. “That’s exactly what we are here for.”

Core Therapies Family Wellness Center is located at 17 Hanover Rd., #300 in Florham Park. For more information on their multiple therapies, call 973-240-7251 and visit NewJerseyHBot.com and CoreTherapies.net. See ad, page 2.

Debra Wallace is an award-winning contributing writer with Natural Awakenings.