What Our Patients Say

Childhood Tic Disorder
My son Jack is nine years old and has been receiving chiropractic care from Dr. Bret and Dr. Tami for just about six months now. His results have been overwhelmingly positive. I sought out chiropractic treatment when Jack was diagnosed with a tic disorder and severe insomnia. Jack was physically and emotionally affected by these issues and needed intervention. We had been to many, many doctors and tried traditional medication and treatment. All we ended up with was nothing but negative side effects. After hours and hours of research on alternative treatments, I discovered that chiropractic could be the answer I was searching for.
I reached out to Total Wellness of NJ and was quickly and warmly welcomed to the practice. We first saw Dr. Bret, who gave us his undivided attention and said right away they would be able to help. He couldn’t have been more right. After just a short time of receiving treatment, I started to see a significant change in Jack. He was able to fall asleep easier and stay asleep longer. His motor tics began to change as well. We were no longer seeing massive whole body involuntary movements but rather small concentrated facial tics. Those slowly began to disappear as well.
Currently, Jack is no longer taking medication and the tics are extremely mild. I have the utmost confidence that with continued chiropractic care we will put an end to the tics once and for all. Dr. Bret and Dr. Tami have also opened my eyes to a whole new world of holistic care. I no longer depend on traditional medicine to treat and cure but rather utilize chiropractic and natural supplementation to prevent illness. I am happy to say that at a time of year where Jack typically misses several days of school due to illness, he could not be healthier. He has not one missed day of school this year. So needless to say I am thrilled with Jack’s treatment at Total Wellness of NJ. Dr. Bret and Dr. Tami have certainly delivered what so many other doctors could not. And, as Jack would so proudly confess, he has never pitched a baseball better in his life!
Jack's Mom
Back and Hip Pain
I first learned the benefits of chiropractic care after throwing my back out 20 years ago. At the time, I thought of it as a short-term solution. Since then, I have been to several area practices, some for prolonged periods of time, when I had pain or other issues. But none were ever a great fit for my needs, so I eventually stopped going at all. For the last five years, I have plodded along, trying to forget my increasing pain and deteriorating health. When it was almost impossible for me to perform my duties at work anymore (after 30 years of standing all day), I finally realized I needed help. I scheduled various doctors appointments for consultations, with the first on my list being a top-notch chiropractor.
Thank goodness I was steered in Total Wellness of NJ’s direction. They gave me a thorough evaluation, allowing me ample time for all questions and concerns. Proper x-rays were taken and my present health situation was addressed. My posture was poor, which had thrown my entire body out of whack; I was constantly standing slumped to one side. Plus, for the past eight months, I had been having hip pain, because I had been favoring that one side.
Immediately, the doctors attacked my problem areas and, within one month, I realized the hip pain was about gone. Dr. Bret has suggested ways to keep me active at work and in everyday activities and has helped me combat chronic foot pain. Also, the doctors helped me understand that chiropractic treatments don’t have to be a short-term fix, but, when followed consistently, can support lifelong improved health.
Most of all, the welcoming and positive environment at Total Wellness of NJ has been a motivating factor for me. For years, I gave up hope of ever standing/walking without pain. In fact, I had gained over 50 pounds, which certainly wasn’t helping my conditions. And each consultation I had with other doctors met with the same recommendation: lose some weight and see if your symptoms subside. Easier said than done!
The staff immediately supported me in my up-til-then fruitless quest to finally lose weight. Upon their recommendation, I am currently using the “Medifast” program and have actually lost weight and begun to turn the corner. With Leah and Amy’s constant coaching and support, as well as the doctors’ positive and personal approach to his patients, I feel I am not alone in these health predicaments anymore.
The upbeat feeling in this office is infectious. When speaking with the doctors and their staff, you realize that there is hope after all. Their goal is to treat all their patients like family, giving each and every one the time and personal attention necessary to achieve better long-term health!
Thank you!
Richard D.
Comfortable Pregnancy
When I first became pregnant with my fourth child, I was referred to Total Wellness of NJ by my midwives. From the first phone call to Total Wellness’ office, I knew that I was making the right decision. The office staff was extremely kind and helpful in booking my consultation, making sure I received an appointment that worked for me.
My first appointment, I was made to feel completely comfortable. I met with Dr. Tami and she went over the areas that she felt she could help me with in preparation for my birth. Her adjustments are gentle and I always left feeling relief.
I never thought that I could have a pregnancy where I did not have back pain. I was amazed after several adjustments how much better I felt. I am now eight months pregnant and I have virtually zero back pain. In fact, I feel fabulous! I wish that I had known with my other pregnancies how good chiropractic care would make me feel, and I am so pleased that I decided to see a chiropractor during this pregnancy.
I highly recommend Total Wellness of NJ if you are interested in having the most comfortable pregnancy possible.
Nancy Dixon
Family Health
We met Dr. Tami and the staff at a health fair at the Rockaway Mall in January 2002 and decided to switch from our old chiropractor to Total Wellness of NJ. Dr. Tami’s approach was different than our previous chiropractor in that she encouraged our entire family to come to Total Wellness of NJ. My husband was getting adjustments for his neck and I was getting them for my sciatic pain, and I didn’t initially understand why I should bring my daughter, who had no symptoms. It was then that I learned the real benefit of chiropractic as a wellness tool, as well as the importance of not being subluxated and having a healthy nervous system.
Since coming to Total Wellness of NJ, I feel we have all been healthier. My husband’s condition has improved and I no longer have sciatic pain. My digestion is better and we really feel like we have more energy after our adjustments. But, most importantly, my daughter has not missed a day of school since the fourth grade (she is now a senior in high school). She can fight off colds quickly and is an “A” student in school. My only wish is that I would have known about chiropractic before she had received all her vaccinations. We decided to change pediatricians after being told that she must receive the Gardasil and Hepatitis A vaccinations, despite our objections.
We also feel like family when we come here. We have watched Dr. Tami and Dr. Bret get married, start families, and become involved with the community. And we really appreciate their flexibility with our crazy schedules in changing appointments so we can get our adjustments. Thank you, Dr. Tami, Dr. Bret, and the staff at Total Wellness of NJ for keeping us healthy and making our lives better.
Debbie, Joe, and Jean Marsicovete
Infant Acid Reflux
My son was born six weeks early and was in the NICU for three weeks without any significant complications except for slow weight gain. Once we brought him home, I noticed he was always arching his back, had trouble latching on when nursing, and would cry when we laid him flat on his back. I started sleeping sitting up and holding him because that was the only way he would actually stay asleep. But he continued to have difficulty and discomfort.
My daughter, who was older, had had the same symptoms and was diagnosed with acid reflux at two months, so we sought the guidance of our pediatrician. He prescribed Zantac. We tried it, but our little guy continued to have the same issues. We then went to a pediatric gastroenterologist, who recommended Prevacid. This medication had worked for our daughter, but two days after starting it with our son, his spit-up was red! I was in tears, afraid it was blood.
I spoke with the pediatric gastroenterologist’s nurse, who recommended a plan of action: start Zantac again, stop eating soy (I had already eliminated dairy) and “pump and dump” for a weekend while introducing formula. This seemed incredibly extreme to me and I was worried about how that would affect my son’s interest in nursing if I gave him formula and started him on bottles. My husband and I strongly believed in the health benefits of breast milk and did not want to compromise our nursing relationship.
I decided I would start the Zantac but wasn’t comfortable with following the other recommendations. Then, through a friend, I learned about pediatric chiropractors and the research on subluxations and reflux. At first, I was leery. I had been to a chiropractor for TMJ but I had no idea that babies saw chiropractors, especially a two-month-old.
I did some research on my own and ended up finding Total Wellness of NJ. I spoke with Leah, who was compassionate and reassuring. My husband, daughter, son, and I all met with Dr. Tami to learn more about the treatment approach. After a few adjustments, my son’s symptoms were almost gone. We saw the gastroenterologist and he recommended discontinuing the Zantac. We did, and all of his symptoms have resolved. We began to witness our son become incredibly happy little baby boy. Everyone always comments on how happy he is and he loves to give smiles to all who around him. We are so thrilled that he is feeling better and medication free!
A few weeks later, I developed a pinched nerve and began seeing Drs. Tami and Bret. Then my daughter began to suffer from constipation and started getting adjusted. We are quite happy with the results of the care we are receiving, especially knowing that my son isn’t taking medication any longer, but is feeling 100% better! We are happy to tell others about pediatric chiropractors and especially enjoy sharing our son’s success story with skeptical friends and family! When we share that both of our children go to a chiropractor most people look at us as if we are crazy but hopefully we are opening some minds to a healthier, less invasive model of care.
Lisa Hahn
Chronic Congestion and Cough
My son had been suffering from a chronic runny nose and cough since the age of about two. After hundreds of trips to the pediatrician and various allergists (as well as more antibiotics than I can count) he was diagnosed with allergies. But after painful skin testing, no one could tell me what he was allergic to. By age two, he had been on every known allergy medication and was, at that time, taking three different medications twice a day. He was miserable, grumpy, and never felt well. He also coughed through most of every night and was tired all the time. He was tested for asthma because of the coughing, but the tests were negative. We were referred to an Ear, Nose, and Throat specialist who immediately told us that he needed to have his tonsils and adenoids removed. Once he healed from the surgery, my son was again congested and coughing. The doctors told me to continue with the three allergy medications twice a day and hope that he would grow out of it. He developed chronic sinus infections and was continuously on antibiotics.
As all of this was happening with my son, my daughter was suffering from chronic ear infections and had tubes put in when she was three years old. That seemed to help with the ear infections, but she became congested and started having chronic sinus infections and was an antibiotic about once a month. Eventually, the tubes fell out and the ear infections started again. Our out-of-pocket prescription drug costs for 2008 alone was almost $3,000.
My family began chiropractic care in September of 2009. I was not convinced this was the answer to their health issues, but I figured it couldn’t hurt and Drs. Bret and Tami were the only ones who told me my children did not have to live this way–they offered HOPE! We followed (exactly) the care that was outlined, and by November, my son was off all allergy medication and was congestion-free for the first time in six years!!!!! By January, my daughter had not had one round of antibiotics in three months–that was a record!!! As of today, three years since starting chiropractic care, neither child has needed a medication or required a trip to the pediatrician or allergist for ANYTHING!!!!
We will be chiropractic patients for life!
Laura Laurie & Family
Clearer Thinking and a Competitive Edge
Romans 7:25 “…So then, with the mind I myself serve the law of God…” A clear mind is a better channel to serve God. I began chiropractic care in the summer of 2013 and it was not without reservation. My wife and I went to the chiropractor’s office to correct an issue in her hip, which we feared would cause her problems during her pregnancy. I was intrigued by the information I heard from the people at the doctor’s office, but it was their upbeat and happy attitude that won me over. At first, I was very keen to prove the claims I heard people share at the office. People said things like, “Regular chiropractic care will help you think more clearly.”
That was something I experienced immediately! I chaired two board meetings the weekend following my first chiropractic visit, and the difference in clarity of thought and problem resolution was absolutely outstanding. My mind was certainly clearer and I was quick to solve problems I had previously not been able to tackle. This was my first evidence that chiropractic care is not a luxury, but a necessity. I thank God for the Total Wellness of NJ, and especially for Dr. Tami Hartman and Dr. Bret Hartman. It has been my experience that with a clearer mind, I am a better Christian. In other words, I am a better Christian because of regular chiropractic care.
Clearer neurological channels have made me a much better athlete. This summer, I began to compete in the Spartan Races. These races are the ultimate test in physical, mental, and emotional fitness. In July, before my first chiropractic visit, I competed in a five-mile sprint. I’ve been an athlete for many years, and I’m not new to the competition scene. However, in the July competition, although I had trained extensively, my body did not respond as I had hoped.
On September 8th of the same year, I competed in another race. This time it was the Super Spartan, which is an eight-mile race with more than 20 obstacles. I had been receiving regular chiropractic care throughout the entire month of August and during the week prior to my race. This race was decisive, as it would not only prove my fitness level but it would prove whether or not the regular visits to the chiropractor had made a difference in the way my body performed in intense competition. The day of the race I was very pleasantly surprised. Not only did I perform better in the race, with less training, but also I dominated the terrain. I began the race unaware that I would not only finish the race, but also do so with ease!
Now, this would have been sufficient proof for me that the chiropractic care I had been receiving was the only explanation, but I received further proof after the race. After two hours of intense competition I emerged a Super Spartan Champion and decided I wanted to challenge myself further. I entered an onsite competition for a chance to win a free entry to the next race, the Spartan Beast, a thirteen-mile race with more than 25 obstacles, held in the intimidating Mt. Killington in Vermont. I won my free pass and outperformed the other athletes in the competition.
It was not my training, it was not my unbreakable spirit; it was regular chiropractic care that gave me the edge. Like I said, I have been an athlete a very long time and I know my body. I recommend chiropractic care to any athlete, especially those who want to perform to the best of their abilities. Receiving regular chiropractic care has transformed my life. I cannot say I am the same since I began this journey with Dr. Tami and Dr. Bret. I believe God led me to them in a time when I needed it the most and I am very thankful to Him for His guidance in this very important matter.
Regular chiropractic care has made a notable difference in my mental and spiritual capacities, and it has also taken my body’s healing and competitive abilities further than they have ever been before. I am certain that, with time, there will be more proof to show that thanks to the regular care I have also become a better husband, father, brother, friend, and even pastor. I hope your journey is also blessed and that you may reap the bounty of regular chiropractic care.
Jorge C. Coxa
Neck Pain
I woke up one morning unable to move my neck and suffering from a great deal of pain. I thought my neck would loosen up after a couple of days, but instead of improving, the pain and lack of movement kept reoccurring every few days, keeping me from activities I enjoyed as well as walks with my energetic dogs and the sound sleep I am used to getting. After two weeks of misery, and a lot of ibuprofen, I finally decided to try something new.
A little online research led me to Total Wellness of NJ. Amy was kind enough to provide me with information and set up a convenient appointment for scans and x-rays that fit with my schedule. After reviewing the results with Dr. Bret, I began a care plan of adjustments. Relief began almost immediately, and after a few weeks of visits I started to forget what even brought me there in the first place. Fortunately, the warm, welcoming staff at Total Wellness of NJ kept my weekly visits from becoming a chore.
Sitting in front of a computer every day has caused my posture to suffer. After four months of visiting the Total Wellness of NJ team, my posture has improved. I am also back to my usual sleeping habits–a sound, restorative rest each night. I have more energy, better concentration, and, I like to think, a little more patience. Although they have not disappeared altogether, I also find myself suffering from far fewer migraine days.
Stress is powerful element in life and, unfortunately, one we cannot avoid. Adjustments have helped my body handle stress better and improved my quality of life.
Jess Mojkowski
Chronic, Intractable Pain
In October 2009, I was diagnosed with a herniated disc in the cervical region. I initially saw my PCP, who gave me various anti-inflammatory and pain medications. After taking them for a couple of weeks, I did not feel the relief I had hoped for. My PCP then referred me to an orthopedic doctor. He, too, prescribed various pain relievers and oral steroids. During this time, I went to the ER three times because the pain was unbearable and again I received more pain medications. I was very frustrated because I could not sleep well, and on top of it all, I had two children under the age of four at the time. My orthopedic doctor referred me to a pain management doctor, who administered seven cervical epidurals over a 21-month period of time. I felt that they initially helped relieve the pain, but I still suffered from flare-ups and had to resort to pain medications to get relief. The longest span of pain relief I experienced was about ten months, but after that another flare-up developed. At that point, I went for my last cervical epidural and had about one month of relief.
By November 2011, I was at my wit’s end. I decided not to take pain medications or have any more steroid shots. Two of my friends encouraged me to visit Total Wellness of NJ, and after much debate, I decided to try it. I was very skeptical about chiropractors, but I truly wanted to try a different approach to my care. Besides meds, I had not tried anything else, so this was all new to me. I went into my first appointment and had a scan, x-ray, and consultation with Dr. Bret and Leah.
At that point I began my adjustments of two to three times per week. In the beginning, I admit it was rough, as during my first couple of treatments I had shooting pains down the opposite side of my neck and arm. Feeling frustrated, I told the doctor I wanted to stop treatment, but after a couple of days, I went back, because I really wanted to give chiropractic a chance.
I’m so thrilled I did, because after almost three months of adjustments, I’m feeling wonderful!!! I have not taken any pain medications (besides Advil here and there) and could not have done this without the care from Dr. Bret and his wonderful and caring staff–Leah and Amy. I thank each one of you from the bottom of my heart. I feel better and happier, have noticed an increase in my flexibility during my yoga classes, and am sleeping better, too.
Thank you for changing my life and opening my eyes to the world of chiropractic. I truly hope others will read this and try this approach before going to more extreme measures to help ease their pain. I can now say to others that giving chiropractic a chance can really make a world of difference.
Dorene Daher
Infant Torticollis
My twins, Nicholas and Julia, were just three months old when I started to bring them to Total Wellness of NJ. My son was miserable from torticollis and his head was flattening in the back from not being able to turn it properly. Within weeks things got a lot better for Nicholas; he was able to to turn his head and was crying much less. I could only assume he was feeling much better since his neck was no longer so stiff! The twins are 21 months old now, and they love going to get adjusted! My only regret is not recognizing my son’s condition sooner and taking him to get adjusted immediately after he was born.
Jamie DeSantis
Mother and Baby
We first came to know the Total Wellness of NJ family when I was pregnant with our first child. I had been seeing a different chiropractor previously, but I was shocked at how harshly he was adjusting me while I was pregnant and dealing with morning sickness. My midwives suggested I see Dr. Tami. Both my husband and I were blown away by how deeply Drs. Tami and Bret care about us, our health, and our well-being. They were professional in every way. They were a great resource throughout my pregnancy and continue to be now that we are parents.
The biggest difference I noticed with their chiropractic care during my pregnancy was that I never suffered from back pain or hip pain. I loved being pregnant up until the day our child was born. It intrigued me that of all the pregnant women Dr. Bret and Dr. Tami treated, none of them had a breech baby.
Once our baby was born, he started getting adjusted regularly. His adjustments have helped with his overall mood and health as well as his bowel movements. A prime example of chiropractic care aiding in his health is that during the peak of cold and flu season, he and I had to fly back to Wisconsin. We traveled through three airports. Before, during, and after our trip, neither one of us suffered from so much as a runny nose. (At the time, he was also exclusively breastfed.) As for it helping his mood, I remember a specific day we went to get adjusted. All day he had been fussy and not much fun to be around. After the adjustment, he was calm, smiley, and pleasant.
Claire Schauland
Back Pain
Dr. Tami has saved my life. Truly, she has. For twenty years I was racked with back pain, and I always needed to roll over on my side to try and get out of bed. I did not want to go–I did not believe in chiropractors. But it was either go under the knife or try going to see Dr. Tami. I was scared! The first day I came to the office, I tried to back out at the last minute, thinking to myself, “I am not going to do this.” But I was encouraged by the office staff to stay, and was escorted into a room. I was very upfront with Dr. Tami. I told her I thought she was a quack who was just looking to take all of my money.
I’m so glad that I stayed. Today, I can get out of bed as normal people do, and, while I do get pains once in a while, I can finally live as I did before my back accident.
I thank God everyday for Dr. Tami, Dr. Bret, and all of the wonderful people at Total Wellness of NJ. They are a special breed of people who, many days, actually make my day!
Thank you!
Joan Chadwick
Neck Pain, Shoulder Pain, and Overall Health
Originally, I started chiropractic care because of neck stiffness and pain. But, at the chiropractor I was seeing previously, only the neck was adjusted and I was sent home.
I have since switched to Total Wellness of NJ, where the doctors work on the total spine because “it’s all connected.” As a result, I have been in exceptionally good health for the past three years. Before I started at Total Wellness, I had saw a medical doctor for antibiotics and/or drugs several times a year. But now, I have no reason to visit that doctor.
One time, when I developed a shoulder problem, an orthopedic surgeon told me I would need surgery and months of rehabilitation to correct it. Dr. Bret manipulated the shoulder for about 6 weeks, and the problem was solved.
Besides great health, my flexibility has increased to the point where my golf game has actually improved in recent years–not bad for a 77-year-old!
Currently, three generations of my family are all enjoying the benefits of regular chiropractic care.
Don Baumann
Pregnancy
It was one year ago yesterday that I came in for what would be my last adjustment while pregnant! I was a few days past my due date, so Dr. Bret added some extra special acupressure to the usual adjustments. Sure enough, my labor began about 36 hours later, and I had my baby girl in my arms shortly afterwards! I have no doubt that chiropractic was an integral part of my healthy pregnancy and easy (relatively speaking) home birth! Thank you, Drs. Tami and Bret, as well as Leah and Amy, for being there during the amazing journey!
Alyssa Eisner