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Here at Denville Medical, our commitment is to you and your health. We are committed to improving your quality of life by effective treatment and therapy, catered specifically to your needs. Unlike some of our competition, we take a team approach to your treatment plan working together as a unit to provide the best possible care for our patients.
It's easy to start your healing journey at Denville Medical. It all starts when you contact our office to make an appointment. From there, we set you on a course to recovery through a three-step process:
Meet the Doctor: During your initial doctor consultation, we will talk at length about what challenges you're currently facing. From there, we will speak about your goals and what you want to accomplish together. The first conversation with your doctor is crucial and lays the groundwork for a life-changing experience at Denville Medical.
Craft a Customized Treatment Plan for Your Recovery: Some medical and rehabilitation centers in New Jersey apply the same treatments to all patients, regardless of their needs and goals. At Denville Medical, we don't subscribe to the "one size fits all" model. Instead, we rely on our seasoned team of doctors and physical therapists, chiropractors, acupuncturists and specialists to find the right solution to your unique situation.
Start Feeling the Relief: Our hard work and commitment to recovery will pay off through our personalized work together. With the help of our skilled doctors and chiropractors, you can finally start living the life you want to live - all on your own terms.
At Denville Medical & Sports Rehabilitation Center, we are proud to provide holistic and wellness care that changes lives. Whether your body needs Chiropractor, physical therapy, acupuncture, or needs to see a specialist, we can help.
Here are just a few of the customized therapy services we offer to help our patients live with passion and confidence:
At Denville Medical, your licensed physical therapist's goal is to maximize your body's structure and increase its overall function for long-term health. To accomplish this, our physical therapists combine traditional and innovative techniques focused on increasing muscle strength and improving the body's range of motion. Our goal is to discover the root cause of your pain or mobility problems. That way, we can address the true reason why you need physical therapy, and work towards achieving long-lasting relief.
Of course, we understand that every patient is different. Your doctor can provide expert care in an encouraging environment by creating a customized treatment plan for you using modern, evidence-based research.
Chiropractor is a common service offered at Denville Medical, often combined with our physical therapy, sports medicine, and acupuncture treatments. When delivering a whole wellness and body approach, chiropractic treatments generally focus on the musculoskeletal and nervous systems. Our chiropractor's primary focus is to aid in adjusting your body's proper structure by improving nerve function and removing imbalances.
Our goal is to work together as a team to get you maximum medical improvement. To determine which chiropractic techniques and treatments are suitable for you, our chiropractors will conduct an initial evaluation to dig deep into your medical history, previous treatments, diagnostic tests, and current conditions. During your first consultation, be sure to ask any questions you may have. Once we agree on your customized chiropractic program, we will begin treatment as soon as possible.
Our patients typically feel relief during their initial visit. Although a reduction in pain is not an indication that the condition is gone, relief is the first step. As the chiropractor adjusts and manipulates your spine and joints, many feel a sense of relief as circulation is restored. A number of our patients admit to experiencing an increased range of motion after their first visit and increased function as they continue their care.
A single migraine can ruin your entire day. Migraines stem from irregular muscle contractions in the neck and head area. Anything from loud music to a bright computer screen can trigger these painful headaches. Fortunately, your chiropractor may be able to help provide an escape from the pain without surgery or drugs. Migraine symptoms include:
After speaking with your Doctor of Chiropractic, he or she may recommend treatments like trigger point therapy, which is a neuromuscular massage. Trigger point therapy boosts blood flow and releases pressure from compressed nerves in your body.
Whether you work in an office 40 hours a week or have to lift heavy items in a warehouse, neck pain is common across all people and professions. Neck pain is debilitating and can be caused by a range of issues like poor posture, work injuries, and harmful sleeping positions. These issues often strain your neck muscles. If you notice any of these symptoms, it could be time to consult with a chiropractor:
Chiropractor helps by relieving nerve and disc pressure. These nerves and discs are located between your vertebrae. After identifying the underlying cause of your pain, your chiropractor may use a combination of treatments to provide relief.
Have you been suffering from sharp pain that shoots down your back to your lower legs? If so, you might have sciatica. Your sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in your body. Sciatic pain begins when your sciatic nerve is pinched or trapped, or you have underlying conditions like spinal stenosis or a herniated disc. Symptoms of Sciatica often include:
Proper Chiropractor can relieve your pain in a gentle, natural way. Since your pain is unique, your treatment plan should be too. Therapies include ultrasounds to reduce swelling, cold therapies to minimize inflammation, and adjustments to restore your vertebrae's alignment.
Joint pain from conditions like Arthritis can strip the joy out of simple activities that we enjoy every day. Fortunately, if you're looking for a non-invasive way to ease joint pain, your chiropractor may be able to help. Great Chiropractor will maximize the functionality of your joints with techniques like ultrasounds, cold laser therapies, and joint manipulation. Usually caused by various forms of Arthritis, age, and injuries, symptoms of joint pain include:
If joint pain affects your daily life, contact a licensed chiropractor to begin treatment ASAP. Your chiropractor will develop a customized plan around your pain to address the root cause of your discomfort.
Our hips serve many functions, from bearing weight to running. Since they're engaged in just about every way we move, hip problems can have serious consequences. Like neck pain, hip pain is very common – so much so that more than 58% of Americans are living with it, according to the CDC. Hip problems are usually caused by injuries or osteoarthritis, though normal wear and tear over time is also a contributing factor. If you notice any of these symptoms, an appointment with a chiropractor may be in order:
Since any joint in the body can be misaligned, like your hip joint, working with a chiropractor could be best for long-term relief. Any joint in the body can be out of alignment, including the hip joint, and it can cause severe pain, discomfort, and limited range of motion. Treatments in your personalized plan may include chiropractic adjustments, stretching, and exercise therapy.
Your spine comprises a litany of moving parts that must work together for healthy mobility. Spinal discs are just one of these parts, which act as cushions between your vertebrae. When you have a herniated disc, the bones in your spine grind against each other, causing intense pain. Also called a slipped disc, this back problem is very common and can be caused by wear and tear with age or traumatic events like car accidents. Keep an eye out for the following symptoms of a herniated disc:
After your chiropractor evaluates your spine for overall functionality, they will develop a personalized treatment plan for ongoing care. Common treatments for herniated discs include spinal manipulation techniques like flexion-distraction and therapeutic exercises.
At Denville Medical, we aim to serve you with long-lasting quality of life through personalized chiropractic treatments in New Jersey. The path to a pain-free life begins with a customized treatment plan tailored to your body and needs. We start with your first evaluation, where our experts dig deep into your medical history, current condition, your overall health goals and perform diagnostic tests. From there, we'll create your plan and help you hit your milestones every step of the way until your quality of life is improved.
If you're sick and tired of living with painful limitations, we're here to help you break free. No surgery. No addictive medicine. Only comprehensive Chiropractor, crafted with health and happiness in mind.
Answer : While some chiropractors rely on outdated techniques to treat patients, our team uses a combination of tried-and-true methods and modern strategies, including:
Answer : During your first visit with our physical therapist, we will complete a series of tests and screenings to establish a baseline for your care. You can expect to complete stability screenings, strength tests, and computerized range of motion tests. These tests ensure your doctor understands how your muscles are functioning. Once complete, your therapist will create a custom treatment plan for your physical therapy, so we can move forward with your care. During your time at Denville Medical, you should expect adjustments to your treatment plan as you make progress.
Answer : We get this question a lot, and we can certainly understand why. Unfortunately, we cannot provide you with an exact answer because every patient has different needs relating to their injuries and issues. Your level of stability and functionality depends on your condition, your goals, and your motivation to heal. For acute pain, patients typically experience relief in 2-3 weeks. Patients with forms of chronic pain usually feel optimal results after their first full course of therapy (4-6 weeks). Since our goal is to achieve maximum medical improvement, our doctors continuously monitor your progress and adjust treatment accordingly.
If we could offer you one piece of advice, it would be not to settle for mediocre medical treatment and therapeutic options. If you're looking for a team of doctors and therapists who work together and take an interdisciplinary approach to healing, Denville Medical & Sports Rehabilitation is here for you. Contact our office today to learn more about how we can help you achieve your chiropractic goals and live your life, pain-free.
973-627-7888
Heather Shelby and her family, who lived at 91 Woodland Road in Madison since 1976, made the difficult decision to sell the home after her mother was diagnosed with dementia.“My mother first forgot who I was five years ago,” said Heather Shelby. “I lost any lucid time she had left during the pandemic when her care facility went into complete isolation.”It was a tumultuous time, worsened by the fact that their home — known as the Wingate House — was historic, built in the 18th century. As the ...
Heather Shelby and her family, who lived at 91 Woodland Road in Madison since 1976, made the difficult decision to sell the home after her mother was diagnosed with dementia.
“My mother first forgot who I was five years ago,” said Heather Shelby. “I lost any lucid time she had left during the pandemic when her care facility went into complete isolation.”
It was a tumultuous time, worsened by the fact that their home — known as the Wingate House — was historic, built in the 18th century. As the eighth family that had ever lived there, the Shelbys not only believed they were caretakers of a local landmark, but some of their best memories of their mother were bound to the home. They sought a buyer that would promise to preserve the Colonial-era home where some believe General George Washington marched by en route to ending the war in Yorktown, Virginia.
“Mentally she‘s not here. But I always thought as long as the house is there a piece of her would always be there,” Shelby said.
So the Shelby family sold the home this past April to Steve McCann, owner of Historic Homes by McCann, a development company that specializes in restoration. All seemed to go according to plan. However, Madison’s town historian Scott Spelker informed her family weeks ago that the new owner had applied for a demolition permit. Needless to say, the Shelby family felt betrayed.
“We left antiques with them, including an antique cradle my mom used to rock us in because they had just had a baby,” Shelby said. “We left a doll that my mom had handmade.”
Madison has a small collection of surviving 18th-century homes. One of them — the Sayre House at 31 Ridgedale Avenue — is individually listed on the National Register. Five others on Ridgedale Ave, have landmark protection as part of the Bottle Hill Historic District.
The Wingate Home was never landmarked, although the family had considered it. “We talked about that as a family and we were concerned about how much time it would take,” Shelby said. “We had to put time and money toward my mom’s care. If we weren’t facing what we were facing, we would have.”
Shelby also said that, because the house was in need of repairs, she feared a landmark designation could scare off potential suitors who might not want to deal with a preservation commission’s oversight.
“It didn’t seem like the best way to get the house sold,” Shelby said.
A handful of homes in Morris County share a common history as places where Revolutionary War soldiers and generals were quartered. New Jersey was a major battleground because it was located between the two strongholds, Philadelphia and New York City. At the Sayre House, there is evidence that General Anthony Wayne was billeted there. Most famous is Jockey Hollow in Morristown where General George Washington overwintered. The Shelbys believe the Wingate House could have been used as an inoculation clinic based on a painting that was commissioned by the home’s first owner. Though that claim hasn’t been substantiated yet.
Without a local, state, or national landmark designation, there is no legal maneuver that can prevent the demolition. The town historian Spelker, who organized an online petition, has been trying to persuade McCann, even inviting him to a public forum.
“I was just trying to appeal to him that he could go down in history as the guy who saved a Revolutionary War house in Madison,” Spelker said. “I want to put the word out there for everyone to know. Because with enough groundswell of support maybe, just maybe, the builder will decide not to tear it down.”
The news of this proposed demolition comes in the wake of the loss of an 18th-century home in Maplewood, Jersey Digs reported. Spelker, who is a realtor, said that tearing down a historic home on a large acreage for the purpose of building a subdivision is common. But tearing down one a small lot and replacing it with a newly built one is a fairly new phenomenon in real estate.
“It doesn’t usually make financial sense to tear them down,” Spelker said.
8/26/23 Update:
Since publication, Mayor Richard Conley published a statement claiming that the township worked with McCann to save the home, but said township’s construction official “determined the house was stucturally unsound and unsafe.”
“The poor structural integrity also made relocating the house to another site impossible,” Conley said.
McCann told the Madison Eagle that after two different inspections, it was determined that the historic building didn’t comply with the current building code, meaning the renovations “would be so extensive that any historical components of the house would be lost.”
MADISON, NJ - The Joseph Wingate House, one of the few remaining Madison homes that was constructed during the time of the American Revolution, is currently slated for demolition. According to local historian Mr. Scott Spelker, demolition will most likely occur next week. As a long-standing resident of Madison, Mr. Spelker wants to preserve as much of the town’s history as possible.In April, the Wingate House was sold to Mr. Steve McCann of Historic Homes by McCann, LLC. Ms. Heather Shelby, the home’s previous owner, was u...
MADISON, NJ - The Joseph Wingate House, one of the few remaining Madison homes that was constructed during the time of the American Revolution, is currently slated for demolition. According to local historian Mr. Scott Spelker, demolition will most likely occur next week. As a long-standing resident of Madison, Mr. Spelker wants to preserve as much of the town’s history as possible.
In April, the Wingate House was sold to Mr. Steve McCann of Historic Homes by McCann, LLC. Ms. Heather Shelby, the home’s previous owner, was under the pretense that the Wingate House would be properly maintained. Instead, the house will be replaced with a new home. Since there was nothing put in writing to prevent the demolition, Mr. McCann is within his right to remove the home “When you buy a house, it’s yours to do what you want with it,” acknowledged Mr. Spelker.
According to Mr. Spelker, the Wingate House has major historical significance. During the winter of 1779-1780, Geroge Washington’s troops were encamped in Morristown’s Jockey Hollow. Given the home’s proximity, it is likely that some of Washington’s men stayed there. “This area was the heart of the campaign,” said Mr. Spelker. If the Wingate House is not preserved, Mr. Spelker believes that it will pave the way for other local historical sites be destroyed “You’ll wake up one day and this town will be completely different.”
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To demonstrate public support, Mr. Spelker created an online petition. Presently, almost 1,000 people have signed, which surpasses the handful of signatures that were anticipated. As more support is garnered, Mr. Spelker hopes that Mr. McCann will become convinced that the Wingate House is worth saving “I think it really starts with spreading awareness.”
Mr. Spelker brainstormed potential solutions that could satisfy both parties. Instead of destroying the Wingate House, Mr. Spelker proposes either providing Mr. McCann with tax credit to build his new home elsewhere or relocating the Wingate House to an open space “I understand that nobody likes change or to see older homes replaced.”
On Friday August 18, Mayor Conley and Stephen McCann issued a statement regarding the home.
"The Wingate House, located at 91 Woodland Road, has been a pillar of the neighborhood since it was constructed in 1770. Originally intended to be restored, after the sale it was determined that the house, although historic in nature, had underlying structural issues that were deemed beyond the scope of the intended repairs necessary to make the home habitable. Working with the Borough, McCann and officials explored opportunities to preserve the house. Similar to the Luke Miller property, one option was for the Borough to purchase the house, place a deed restriction on it and sell it. After an inspection by the Madison Construction Code Official, it was determined that the house was structurally unsound and unsafe. The repairs, if even possible, would have been extensive and would have eliminated the remaining historical features of the structure. As such, that option was not feasible. The poor structural integrity also made relocating the house to another site impossible", stated Mayor Conley.
"I think Steve for sitting down with myself and members of the administration to explore options to preserve the Wingate house. I am sad that preserving the home is not feasible. We are currently researching proactive voluntary solutions that would hopefully save other historic homes in Madison without severely restricting the property owner's rights. We hope to discuss this at an upcoming council meeting", Conley stated.
"It is an unfortunate situation where the original plans of preserving this house had to change due to the nature and extent of repairs and replacements necessary to make the house habitable", said McCann. "I am grateful to the Borough for reaching out and working with me to see if there was any solution possible to preserve the house.
More information about the history of Madison, including the Wingate House, can be found here.
Patch has your complete guide to Independence Day fireworks shows, parades and other celebrations around Madison. MADISON, NJ — Independence Day is quickly approaching, which means it's time to fire up that barbecue and find out what Fourth of July fireworks and festivities are going on in and around Madison for 2023.We gathered up all the fireworks shows, parades and festivals happening in and around the area so you can start planning now.Here's what's in store this July 4 in and around Madison:July 4 Fes...
MADISON, NJ — Independence Day is quickly approaching, which means it's time to fire up that barbecue and find out what Fourth of July fireworks and festivities are going on in and around Madison for 2023.
We gathered up all the fireworks shows, parades and festivals happening in and around the area so you can start planning now.
Here's what's in store this July 4 in and around Madison:
July 4 Festivities
Mendham Township Fireworks:
Mendham Township will celebrate the Fourth of July with a bang! On Friday, June 30, beginning at 6:30 p.m., join them for fireworks, entertainment, food, and tons of community fun at Mosle Field.
Entertainment:
In addition to the scheduled entertainment, there will be a bounce house and obstacle course for the kids to enjoy. Kids can use the bounce house and run through the obstacle course for $10.
Gates open at 6 p.m., so make sure to arrive early for a good parking spot.
Fireworks in Parsippany-Troy Hills:
The Parsippany-Troy Hills concert will begin at 7 p.m. on July 4, followed by a fireworks display. The rain date is July 5. The event will take place at Parsippany Hills High School.
Chatham Borough Fireworks:
In Chatham Borough, the Fourth of July parade begins at 10:30 a.m., followed by fireworks at 9:30 p.m.
Morristown National Historical Park:
Morristown National Historical Park and the Washington Association of New Jersey will celebrate the park's 90th anniversary and Independence Week with a variety of programs from July 4 to 9, all at the park's Washington Headquarters.
Celebrate the Declaration of Independence with July Fourth activities beginning at noon on July 4 at the park's Washington's Headquarters grounds with a "Warm-Up for the Declaration" featuring eighteenth-century stories, jokes, and riddles, followed by the Declaration's reading at 1 p.m. on the grounds of the Washington’s Headquarters Museum.
For more information, click here.
Lake Hopatcong Fireworks:
More Details: The fireworks in Lake Hopatcong are being launched from the Lake Hopatcong Yacht Club, with the club having hosted its yearly display since the 1950s. Residents around and visitors to the state's largest lake, like to drop their anchors for a view within the yacht club; or at restaurants on the water.
Town of Dover Fireworks:
More Details: Food will be available for purchase, and seating will be limited to the bleachers or track.
East Hanover Fireworks:
More Details: Food trucks will be available starting at 7 p.m., and the fireworks show will begin at dusk.
Randolph fireworks:
On July 8, Randolph will host a fireworks display at the County College of Morris. The overall event, which includes rides, games, food trucks, and more, runs from 6 to 11 p.m., with fireworks starting at 9:45 p.m. The rain date is set for July 9.
RIDGEWOOD — Mark Schwarz, superintendent of the five-school, 2,560-student Madison school district in Morris County, has been named superintendent of the Ridgewood school district, the largest in Bergen County, with 10 schools and 5,705 students.Board of Education President Michael Lembo announced the appointment at Monday's meeting. Schwarz will join the district July 1. His starting salary is $260,000.Schwarz, 43, will succeed Thomas Gorman, who announced his resignation from the district in March 2022 to...
RIDGEWOOD — Mark Schwarz, superintendent of the five-school, 2,560-student Madison school district in Morris County, has been named superintendent of the Ridgewood school district, the largest in Bergen County, with 10 schools and 5,705 students.
Board of Education President Michael Lembo announced the appointment at Monday's meeting. Schwarz will join the district July 1. His starting salary is $260,000.
Schwarz, 43, will succeed Thomas Gorman, who announced his resignation from the district in March 2022 to become superintendent of the Montville school district, ironically in Morris County. Leonard Fitts was named interim superintendent in Ridgewood in May 2022 and has been serving in that capacity since July, its first Black superintendent.
The announcement comes a month after the Ridgewood Board of Education voted to initiate a "later school start" for its high school students next fall, among the few in Bergen County to undertake this still-debated policy, which was embraced this past fall by the entire state of California.
Schwarz grew up in Green and Lafayette townships in Sussex County and was a shared-time high school student between High Point High School and Sussex County Vocational Technical School.
Schwarz has a bachelor's degree from Ramapo College of New Jersey and a master's from Seton Hall University, where he is also a doctoral candidate.
SUPERINTENDENT RESIGNSRidgewood schools superintendent is leaving to run Montville district
He has served as superintendent of Madison Public Schools since August 2017. He previously served the Rockaway Borough Board of Education in Morris County for five years: as vice principal from July 2012 to June 2013, principal from June 2013 to June 2015, and superintendent from July 2015 to August 2017.
Previously, Schwarz served Jefferson Township Public Schools for nine years as a high school teacher; the K-12 supervisor of social studies, visual art, and technology; and the founding head coach of the district’s volleyball programs.
Schwarz is married with two children.
LATER START APPROVEDRidgewood approves later start time for high school this fall, schedule details to follow
The Ridgewood district has been debating a later school start for middle school and high school students for the last year, part of a national trend based on recommendations dating back to an American Academy of Pediatrics September 2014 paper "School Start Times for Adolescents."
The report argued that adolescents go through a temporary disruption of their circadian sleep rhythms, need to sleep later, and benefit from starting middle school classes no earlier than 8 a.m. and high school no earlier than 8:30 a.m.
Ridgewood is not the first to adopt a later start. Tenafly converted in 2019. Chatham High School in Morris County and Princeton High School in Mercer County have also switched to later starts.
The US Open, a grand slam tennis tournament which features some of the greatest tennis players in the world continues on Thursday, September 7, 2023 (9/7/23) with the women’s semifinals taking place at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Queens, New York.Fans who want to watch the Aryna Sabalenka vs. Madison Keys semifinals match can do so for free via ...
The US Open, a grand slam tennis tournament which features some of the greatest tennis players in the world continues on Thursday, September 7, 2023 (9/7/23) with the women’s semifinals taking place at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Queens, New York.
Fans who want to watch the Aryna Sabalenka vs. Madison Keys semifinals match can do so for free via DirecTV Stream or fuboTV. The match will be played on ESPN at 8:15 p.m. ET.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: 2023 US Open, semifinals
Who: Aryna Sabalenka vs. Madison Keys
When: Thursday, September 7, 2023
Where: USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center
Time: 8:15 p.m. ET
TV: ESPN
Live stream: (DirecTV Stream, free trial) (fuboTV, free trial), Sling TV (50% off the first month)
Channel finder: Verizon Fios, Comcast Xfinity,Spectrum/Charter,Optimum/Altice,Cox,DIRECTV,Dish,Hulu,fuboTV,Sling.
***
Here’s a recent AP story on the US Open:
NEW YORK (AP) — Novak Djokovic considers his mental state just as important as his physical condition when it comes to being prepared to play his best at age 36.
“Mentally there is probably a lot more that I’m dealing with in my private life than was the case 10 years ago. But that’s the beauty of life. Things are evolving, moving on,” said Djokovic, who will try to take another step toward what would be a 24th Grand Slam title when he faces Ben Shelton in the U.S. Open semifinals Friday.
“I just feel that there is always, I guess, an extra gear that you have inside of you and you can find when you dig deep to handle and manage energy levels, on and off the court,” Djokovic said, “if you’re really devoted to that and if you care about it, if you pay attention to that mental aspect as much as physical, of course.”
By the time players arrive at Flushing Meadows for the last major tournament of a long season — one that began in late December and will carry on into November — the ailments and injuries that are part of any professional athlete’s existence can make things tough. Some competing at the U.S. Open, which concludes this weekend, say the wear and tear on the mind can be just as hard to deal with as whatever might be wrong with one’s body.
“We’re already smashed. Completely,” said Daria Kasatkina, a 26-year-old from Russia who reached the fourth round in New York.
Stress comes from a variety of sources. The desire to win each match, of course. The importance of earning, and defending, rankings points. The fact that there is no annual salary in a sport where every competitor is an independent contractor who needs to pay for travel expenses and, in most cases, a personal coach, physiotherapist and other members of their “team.”
“At a Slam, tension is always there. A few days before it’s starting, you’re already feeling it. ... You have to accept it and, maybe even round by round, it’s getting worse and worse,” said Kasatkina, a 2022 French Open semifinalist. “It’s part of the game. It’s part of this show. And we’re all in the same situation, all the players.”
U.S. Davis Cup captain Bob Bryan, who won 16 Grand Slam doubles titles with his twin, Mike, recalls how that would set in for some in Flushing Meadows.
And he recalls how it could alter on-court performance.
“There’s times where you just get out there and mentally you just can’t push because you’re so exhausted. And you don’t deal with the adversity well. Your thoughts turn negative and you’re not opportunistic and optimistic on the court. And that will definitely affect your game,” Bryan said. “There’s a lot of players that never figured that out during their career. A lot of great champions and a lot of Hall of Famers ran out of gas here in New York.”
Not everyone deals with mental fatigue — or, if they do, acknowledges it.
“Physically, mentally, I feel ready,” Aryna Sabalenka, who was scheduled to play Madison Keys in the semifinals Thursday night, said before the start of the U.S. Open. “I feel motivated. I feel strong.”
Professional athletes offering frank thoughts on mental health is still a relatively recent development. A tennis player, Naomi Osaka, was one of the first stars to come forward and discuss feelings of anxiety and depression, doing so after withdrawing from the 2021 French Open.
She didn’t set out to change perceptions on the topic or encourage others to seek help.
“It was a little selfish,” Osaka said Wednesday at the U.S. Open, where she participated with retired Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps in a panel discussion about mental health in sports. “I wasn’t thinking about everyone else, to be 100% honest.”
But she did help spur the discourse.
“For quite a few years, actually, mental training was not really talked about much, generally, in the tennis world. And mental health is a subject that is quite talked about in the last, I would say, three, four years, which I’m glad. It needs to be out there,” Djokovic said.
“It needs to be addressed in a proper way, so that the players have proper understanding of what they are going through and then have help and guidance, necessary guidance, for them to overcome certain obstacles,” he said. “Because in the end of the day, we are also people that have to deal with the private issues that everyone has.”
The ways players try to cope differs.
Some travel with a sports psychologist, for example.
Some make sure to manage their schedule to figure out when it’s possible to get a bit of a breather.
Some just accept that there aren’t many opportunities to recharge.
“The season is so long that there are so many ups and downs,” said 2021 U.S. Open champion Daniil Medvedev, who faces defending champion Carlos Alcaraz on Friday. “You just keep going, keep playing. I don’t think I have been on vacation in the offseason for three years. ... You just try to manage this physical and mental fatigue the best you can with experience, and usually I feel like I’m doing this not too bad.”
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161 East Main Street, Route 53, Denville, New Jersey 07834
(973) 627-7040
