Hackensack—Teaneck resident and community member Dr. Matthew Leffel, a chiropractic physician, has recently opened an office for chiropractic care and sports medicine in Hackensack, near Route 4 and Cedar Lane, with close proximity to Teaneck, Bergenfield, Englewood and Tenafly. He is board certified and aims to provide a holistic approach to healing utilizing a multitude of innovative methods including spinal manipulation, rehabilitation techniques, a variety of modalities and more. Using both chiropractic and athletic training approaches, Dr. Leffel aims to find the root of the problem and treat it instead of only addressing the symptoms. All of the treatments are noninvasive and safe for the whole family. Dr. Leffel accepts most insurances, including in-network for Horizon, United and Oxford. He expects to also be in-network with Cigna shortly.
Dr. Leffel said that many ailments could be addressed naturally and quickly. The body has immense power to heal itself. It’s just a matter of discovering the true cause of the problem and addressing it. “I favor a non-invasive approach first to help the patient heal,” he said. “I carefully listen to the chief complaint, evaluate thoroughly, and come up with a comprehensive treatment plan that aims to heal the problem in as little time as possible so the person can get back to a regular activity,” he said. Dr. Leffel also said he believes that in severe cases, medicine and surgery could be used as an integrative tool to treat patients as a whole.
Chiropractic care that Dr. Leffel provides include spinal manipulation or pushing certain joints and muscles that are out of place back in place. By doing so, not only is the skeletal structure put back to its original state but the nervous system that runs through the entire body, from the brain to the fingertips and toes, resumes its optimal function. In addition, muscles relax and functionality improves. “By pushing on your spine, I reduce pain, increase motion and make you feel better. And adding manual therapy, such as icing and massage, and working on the muscles, I help restore muscle strength, increase endurance and stability,” he said.
Dr. Leffel graduated from University of Bridgeport College of Chiropractic and received his undergraduate degree from William Patterson University, in athletic training. He combines both ideologies to diagnose and deliver the most effective treatment plan to his patients. Dr. Leffel told the Jewish Link that both degrees give him a unique edge. Whereas athletic training focuses on muscles that make up your hands, feet, arms and legs, chiropractic takes it a step further and focuses on the spine and the nervous system – specifically the brain. Together, athletic training and chiropractic techniques help treat the whole body.
“My background gives me a comprehensive understanding of how the whole body works, how injuries occur, pain management techniques and a variety of treatment protocols that help an individual heal optimally. My goal is to work on getting the patient back to everyday activities as quickly, safely and effectively as possible,” he added.
Dr. Leffel was always involved in sports at Yavneh Academy and Kushner Yeshiva High School and he always had an innate desire to heal people. He is married to Larisa and they belong to the Chabad of Teaneck. Dr. Leffel continuously updates and improves his skills by being on top of the latest research and by attending varying post-graduate courses. His ultimate goal is to provide patients the best possible treatment with outstanding results.
Dr. Leffel sees patients by appointment only. Evening and Sunday appointments are available as well. To schedule a consultation, call 201.646.2500 or email [email protected]. His office is at 15 Emerald Street, Suite F1, Hackensack, NJ 07601 right off Hackensack Avenue between Target and Rt 4.
By Elizabeth Kratz
