The DeFabio Difference

DeFabio Chiropractic — Spine and sports injury care built on an accurate diagnosis for RAPID Results

Now offering regenerative physical medicine

Sports, chiropractic, non-surgical orthopedics, and rehab care from a third generation family practice built around one operating principle: Giving YOU the care YOU need with the service YOU expect.

5.0 · 110+ Google reviews
Donald C. DeFabio, DC, DACRB, DACBSP, DABCO
Board Certified in Chiropractic Physical Rehab, Sports, and Orthopedics
ACA Rehab Council Doctor of the Year 2023 · NJ Top Docs

Where is your pain?

Tap where it hurts. We’ll show you what we treat there.

Most pain has a driver somewhere other than where you feel it. Select a region to see the conditions Dr. DeFabio evaluates and treats — then book an accurate diagnosis.

Conditions We Treat

Lower Back

  • Disc bulge or herniation
  • Sciatica
  • Sacroiliac (SI) joint pain
  • Facet joint irritation
  • Lumbar spinal stenosis
Learn More
Full-body anatomical illustration — DeFabio Chiropractic treatment regions from head to feet

Meet the doctors

Third-generation care, modern sports rehab.

The practice carries a family legacy that bridges an “old school family doctor” approach with modern techniques and technology to address the demands of today’s active patients.

In practice since 1984

Dr. Donald DeFabio, DC

Dr. Donald DeFabio brings decades of chiropractic, non-surgical orthopedics, and sports injury management experience to the practice.

  • 2nd chiropractor in the USA with dual board certification in Chiropractic Orthopedics and Sports Injury Management.
  • Non-surgical orthopedics — diagnosis-driven care for spine, joint, and sports injury conditions.
  • The only chiropractor triple board certified in orthopedics, sports injury, and physical rehabilitation.
  • Sideline experience with Ironman athletes and programs connected to Rutgers U and Drew U, plus US Paralympics.
  • Clinical approach centered on diagnosis, targeted intervention, and measurable progression.
  • A Chiropractic influencer and known as “The Doctor’s Doctor” amongst his colleagues.

Third generation

Dr. Christopher “CJ” DeFabio, DC

Dr. Christopher “CJ” DeFabio graduated from the same chiropractic school as his grandfather (National in Chicago, IL) and grew up inside this practice. He now works alongside Dr. Donald in Berkeley Heights, bringing an active-recovery approach to spine care, sports rehabilitation, and injury management. Dr. CJ brings the family tradition to another level with his Webster certification in pre-natal pediatric chiropractic while continuing the tradition of root-cause thinking into every patient encounter. He brings his own patient-centered energy to the next generation of care in Berkeley Heights.

Services

Built for spine, sport, and recovery.

Our treatment mix spans manual care, technology assisted therapies, physical modalities, strength and conditioning, nutritional counseling, aesthetics, and regenerative physical medicine techniques

Spine

Spinal decompression

Non-surgical traction therapy that gently reduces pressure on compressed discs and nerves — effective for disc bulges, herniations, and joint (facet) related pain confirmed by exam.

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Tissue

Shockwave therapy

High-energy acoustic wave treatment that stimulates healing in stubborn tendon injuries, plantar fasciitis, and calcific conditions — paired with a progressive loading corrective exercise program.

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Hands-on

Chiropractic care

Joint manipulation and spinal adjustment guided by orthopedic testing to address pain at the source and restore nervous system balance.

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TECAR

Winback TECAR Therapy

TECAR energy therapy — an advanced regenerative therapy that promotes deep tissue circulation and recovery — used for post-injury inflammation, joint mobility, and tissue repair alongside your rehab plan.

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Body composition

Aesthetics

Non-invasive body sculpting to reduce localized fat and tone muscle, integrated into a broader fitness and wellness plan.

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Physical Modalities

Physical rehabilitation

Targeted movement, mobility, and strength programming designed around your exam findings and return-to-activity goals.

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Light therapy

Laser

Therapeutic laser is a regenerative modality that uses focused light for pain and irritated, inflamed tissue. We use it when the exam says it fits, as part of an individualized, multi-modal treatment plan for you to feel better, get better and stay better, alongside the movement or strength work needed for the bigger problem.

Call or text about Laser →
Performance

Sports & nutrition counseling

Practical functional medicine guidance on nutrition, recovery strategies and sports performance to recover, heal and stay well. Training habits, recovery strategies and nutrition fundamentals to support sustainable performance and reduce re-injury risk.

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Fitness

Personal training

Structured strength and conditioning for patients ready to build long-term durability and performance beyond the treatment room.

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Recovery options

Regenerative Medicine

Jumpstart your healing with non-invasive regenerative therapies to repair and regenerate damaged muscles, tendons, ligaments, and joints.

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Teaching the next generation

He doesn’t just treat patients. He teaches chiropractors.

The DeFabio Difference is a nationally recognized rehabilitation certification program that trains practicing chiropractors in the clinical methods developed over decades at this practice.

The curriculum he built covers the Active Care Model, head-to-toe orthopedic evaluation, and posture assessment, and is now taught to DCs across the country. Amongst his colleagues he is known as “The Doctor’s Doctor.”

Learn about the certification
Dr. Donald DeFabio conducting a clinical examination at DeFabio Chiropractic in Berkeley Heights NJ
NJ Top Docs — Dr. Donald DeFabio recognized since 2011

The DeFabio Difference

The Difference is real.

“DeFabio Chiropractic Spine & Sports Rehab has served Berkeley Heights for over 40 years with a practice model of a dialed-in diagnosis treated with hands-on care, emerging technologies, and performance progression under one roof.”

5.0
110+ verified reviews

Patient story

Erica’s Story: The Difference is Real.

Dr. DeFabio reviewing posture and progress with a patient at the DeFabio Difference wall in Berkeley Heights, NJ

“I had been dealing with chronic pain for years and had seen multiple providers without real answers. What made the DeFabio practice different was that they actually investigated — they didn’t just treat the symptom. Within a few months of targeted care, I was back to activities I had written off. The difference is real.”

— Erica, Berkeley Heights patient

DeFabio Chiropractic has served Berkeley Heights families, weekend athletes, and competitive performers since 1985. Most patients come seeking relief. Many leave with capacity they didn’t expect.

★★★★★

“‘Skills’ are where the DeFabio team excels. From the first visit, it was obvious that the doctors and staff possessed a natural, intuitive ability and compassion in addressing their patients’ needs. I only wish I had found them long ago. They’re the best.”

— Richard Titus Google review · 5 months ago
★★★★★

“5 stars is not enough!! The DeFabio team is amazing. Dr. CJ & his team fixed my vertigo, and I’ve been vertigo-free for over a year. Highly recommend.”

— Lori Ayers Google review · 5 months ago
★★★★★

“DeFabio’s is the best. They helped me with my sore back and knees, and now they’re helping me with strength training and an exercise program. Everyone there is very friendly, helpful and supportive.”

— Lisa Duyckinck Google review · 5 months ago
★★★★★

“A true life-changer. Dr. Don DeFabio and Dr. C.J. DeFabio took the time to listen, truly understand my history… their approach was about identifying the root cause and developing a plan tailored specifically for me. They have systematically given me back my life.”

— Carl Beltran Google review · 1 year ago
★★★★★

“This place is absolutely awesome! Great staff that really take their time and effort into each patient. My body feels much better and I’m able to work out like I used to years ago. Highly recommend!”

— Isaiah Rodriguez Google review
★★★★★

“I have gone to Dr. Don for two issues over the past few years — he fixed my very hurtful neck and just recently my very immobile shoulder. He and his total staff are wonderful and caring — you actually look forward to going to your appointment! I highly recommend them to all.”

— Jim Ryan Patient review
★★★★★

“I’m an active soldier who always scored a minimum of 285 on my Army fitness test, until a debilitating knee injury. I thought my military career was over until I met Dr. DeFabio. After 4–5 months of treatment, I’ve started running again.”

— Krishna Subbaraj Patient review
★★★★★

“Two years ago I had a hard time even walking into Dr. DeFabio’s office. After extensive therapy, my quality of life was restored! Incredible personal care from Dr. DeFabio and his awesome, friendly staff!”

— Gary N. Montemurno Patient review
★★★★★

“Best doc around! As a D-1 track and field athlete, my health is a very important factor to a successful season. That’s why I made the 45-minute drive to see the only doc who gets me back on the track every time.”

— Tom Carr Patient review
★★★★★

“The staff is outstanding and the doctors are personable and competent. Our daughter is even a patient! We love them and recommend them for the whole family!”

— Debbie Remig Terrero Patient review

Get Influenced

Get Influenced from decades of clinical experience.

Dr. DeFabio doesn’t just treat — he teaches. He is recognized as a Chiropractic Influencer. His long running video series covers diet, exercises, nutrition, sports recovery, neck and back pain, sleep, and even cooking recipes! Tune in to find out the answers to questions his patients didn't know to ask.

Clinical Insights

Spine, sport, and recovery — from the practice.

Evidence-based perspectives drawn from decades of chiropractic, sports rehabilitation, and injury management at the Berkeley Heights practice.

Dr. D’s tips and biohacks - from the practice

Your resource for recovery and wellness: Dr. D.’s evidenced based perspectives blended with decades of clinical experience.

Spinal decompression treatment — DeFabio Chiropractic back pain care
Spine

When back pain needs more than rest

Rest is often the first instinct — but for many back pain patterns, waiting without an accurate diagnosis allows the underlying driver to persist. Here's why early assessment changes outcomes.

Read article →
Shockwave therapy device — tendon pain treatment at DeFabio Chiropractic
Sports rehab

Shockwave vs. cortisone for tendon pain

Two common approaches, very different mechanisms. Shockwave therapy paired with progressive rehab loading may deliver more durable results than a single injection — for the right presentation.

Read article →
Winback TECAR Therapy — sports rehabilitation at DeFabio Chiropractic
Return to sport

Returning to sport after a disc injury

A clear progression from pain relief to mobility, strength, and full load tolerance. Athletes who follow structured milestones — not a calendar — return faster and stay healthier.

Read article →

View all posts

Questions about any of these topics? Call us at (908) 771-0220.

FAQ

What patients ask before the first visit.

For appointment-specific questions, call the Berkeley Heights office directly. The team can confirm scheduling, visit preparation, and whether a service is appropriate for your case.

Start with the diagnosis.

Call or text the office and we’ll help route you to the right next step.

Call or Text
Is chiropractic care safe?

Yes. Chiropractic care is widely recognized as one of the safest drug-free, non-invasive approaches to spine and joint complaints. Every plan here starts with a thorough exam and an accurate diagnosis, so treatment is matched to your specific findings — and if your case calls for a different kind of care, we tell you and point you to the right provider.

Do adjustments hurt?

Adjustments are generally not painful — most patients find them relieving. You may feel brief pressure or hear a joint release, and some people notice mild, short-lived soreness afterward, similar to starting a new exercise. Techniques are always adapted to your comfort, age, and condition.

How many visits will I need?

It depends on your diagnosis, how long the problem has existed, and your goals. After the exam you’ll get a clear, personalized care plan with expected milestones — and progress is measured and re-evaluated, not left on autopilot.

Will insurance cover treatment? (Financial options)

Many plans cover chiropractic and rehabilitation care. The front desk verifies your benefits before care begins and reviews financial options with you up front, so there are no surprises. See Insurance & Billing for coverage and self-pay details.

What happens at my first appointment?

Your first visit typically takes 45–60 minutes. The doctors start with a thorough health history followed by a comprehensive physical and orthopedic exam — including movement and neurological testing — to arrive at an accurate diagnosis before any treatment begins. You’ll leave with a clear, personalized care plan. Bring your insurance card, any prior imaging or diagnostic tests (X-rays, MRI), and recent lab results. Treatment often begins on the first visit to get you feeling better fast!

What to expect during your first visit?

Expect a thorough health history followed by a comprehensive physical and orthopedic exam, including movement and neurological testing. The doctors use those findings to arrive at an accurate diagnosis and outline a clear, personalized care plan.

Are emergency and same day appointments available?

Yes. Urgent care and same day appointments are accepted based on availability.

What conditions do we treat?

Low back pain (with and without sciatica), neck pain, plantar fasciitis and sports related joint pains are treated every day in our office. We evaluate and treat headaches and TMJ conditions, too. All with a non-surgical approach.

Can children see a chiropractor?

Yes. Dr. CJ DeFabio holds Webster certification in pre-natal and pediatric chiropractic, and care for children is always gentle and age-appropriate.

Is chiropractic safe during pregnancy?

Yes — with the right training and techniques. Webster-certified prenatal care uses positioning and methods designed specifically for pregnancy, helping manage back and pelvic discomfort as the body changes.

How long is an appointment?

Initial visits typically run 45–60 minutes for the full exam and diagnosis. Follow-up visits are shorter; the front desk will confirm timing when you schedule so you can plan your day.

What should I wear?

Comfortable, loose-fitting clothing you can move in — athletic wear is perfect. If your visit involves movement testing or rehab exercises, sneakers are a good idea.

Why choose our office?

If you want a comprehensive and honest assessment of your condition and treatment, including medical options. If you want the benefit of over 40 years of clinical experience. If you are looking for a natural, drugless, non-surgical approach to treatment including nutrition and exercise recommendations. If you want fast recovery for muscle, nerve and joint pain.

When can I get an appointment?

Our office hours are Monday and Thursday 9:30am -7pm, and Tuesday and Friday from 8:30am – 6pm.

Serving nearby towns

Spine and sports rehab for patients across the area.

The office is at 308 Springfield Ave in Berkeley Heights and serves patients from nearby communities. Read the page for your town.

Call or text

Tell us what’s going on. We’ll take it from there.

Send us a few details and the Berkeley Heights office will reach out to get you scheduled with the right provider — usually same or next business day. Prefer to talk now?

Call or Text (908) 771-0220

Your information is used only to contact you about care. We never share it.

By submitting you agree to be contacted about your care. No spam, ever.

Thank you — we’ve got it.

The Berkeley Heights office will reach out shortly to confirm your appointment. For anything urgent, call (908) 771-0220.

Awards & recognition

Credentials you can verify.

Four decades of results, recognized by New Jersey’s medical community and trusted by athletes at every level.

2011

NJ Top Doc

Recognized among New Jersey’s top physicians every year since.

2013

ANJC Chiropractor of the Year

Named New Jersey Doctor of the Year by the Association of NJ Chiropractors.

Trusted in the care of athletes at

Ironman — DeFabio sports rehabilitation affiliation
Rutgers University — collegiate sports program connection
Drew University — athlete care affiliation
US Paralympics — adaptive sports medicine connection
Call or Text (908) 771-0220