Hands-On Healing: Empowering Local Wellness

Local Practitioners Share How Chiropractic Care, Massage Therapy and Acupuncture Support Whole-Body Wellness

Chiropractic Care

Dr. Justin Napotnik of Hamlin Chiropractic treats a variety of conditions including neck, back, shoulder and knee pain, headaches, sciatica, bulging/herniated discs, migraines and plantar fasciitis.

“We have seen everyone from day-old infants to advanced age patients,” Napotnik said.

His path to chiropractic care began with personal experience.

“Initially I wanted to be a dermatologist but after injuring my back playing high school football and beginning chiropractic care, I immediately knew this was the profession for me,” Napotnik explained. “I had amazing support from my mentor, Dr. Matt Joseph, and attribute chiropractic care for keeping me healthy while playing sports in high school and college football.”

Napotnik moved to Windermere in 2013 to work at Windermere Medical Center until opening Hamlin Chiropractic.

“I have seen all the growth in Hamlin and really fell in love with the family-oriented vibe and community feel of

the area, which really fits with my vision of Hamlin Chiropractic as we pride ourselves in providing personalized

service,” Napotnik continued. “We are family owned as my wife, who is a chiropractor as well, manages the office and our oldest daughter, Ella, runs our social media. We want patients to feel as if they are coming to our home with a warm, welcoming environment.”

In addition to chiropractic care, the practice offers spinal decompression for bulging or herniated discs, nutritional supplementation, hypnotherapy, red light therapy and hyperbaric oxygen therapy.

“Our approach to healing focuses on the body’s natural ability to heal itself, with chiropractic care at the center of removing the stress on the nervous system — the master control system of the body, allowing the body to function at its best, heal itself and feel the best,” he said.

In his more than 18 years of practice, Napotnik has witnessed several misconceptions regarding chiropractic care.

“One of these I hear is that once you go to a chiropractor, you always have to go,” he said. “And the short

answer is yes, I do promote chiropractic care as a pillar of health for a lifetime. We go to a dentist our entire

lives and we can replace your teeth if they go bad but there is no replacing your spine and nervous system.”

Massage Therapy

Imani Mitchell, general manager of The NOW Massage Winter Garden, often sees guests dealing with stress, anxiety, poor posture, muscle tension and the physical effects of long work hours or active lifestyles.

The NOW Massage team was drawn to the Hamlin area for its community values.

“Hamlin is a thriving, wellness-conscious community that values health, lifestyle and personal growth,” Mitchell said. “It’s a beautiful and growing area with residents who prioritize balance and self-care — making it the perfect fit for The NOW’s philosophy.”

Their treatment philosophy is simple: accessible luxury and mindful healing. “We believe in the power of consistent self-care and creating intentional spaces for relaxation and reconnection,” Mitchell explained. “Our massage modalities are designed to promote physical healing while also creating a calming, sensory-rich environment that

allows the mind and body to rest.”

One common misconception is that massage is just a luxury or occasional indulgence.

“In reality, it can be a powerful form of regular self-care and preventive health,” Mitchell said. “Another is that massage is only for pain or injury, when in fact, it can benefit mental health, immune function and emotional well-being too.”

Acupuncture

Lisa Lapwig, acupuncturist at Indigo Spa, frequently treats patients seeking relief from pain, allergies, gut disturbances, irregular cycles and headaches.

For Lapwig, personal healing inspired her career path. “Acupuncture cured my chronic back pain and it gave

me relief from Hashimoto’s symptoms after nothing else did,” Lapwig said. “This inspired me to learn how to perform this potent yet gentle medicine for others who suffer the same as I did.”

After moving to the area in 2020, Lapwig was working in downtown Orlando.

“I wanted to heal those around me, not miles away so I moved my practice here, where I feel at home and

can care for the members of my home community,” she continued.

Her treatment philosophy centers on treating every patient with compassion, empathy and genuineness

while integrating Eastern and Western medicine to bring a more balanced, holistic and comprehensive

approach to their overall well-being.

Two major misconceptions persist about acupuncture:

“That it hurts. It doesn’t,” Lapwig said. “The needles are very thin and fine. The experience is not like getting an injection with a hypodermic needle. Also, that they don’t think acupuncture can work for them.

Nearly everyone is a good candidate and it’s worth at least consulting with an acupuncture physician to find

out how we can help you.”

Napotnik, Mitchell and Lapwig represent the growing movement of hands-on healing professionals who

believe in the power of human touch to restore balance and promote wellness right here in Horizon West.