Meet Our Scouted Chiropractors

If wellness is a part of your personal goals in 2023, you need to meet Dr. Mike Merkt and Dr. Nateja Tomsin of The Specific and The Collective Chiropractic in Naples. This Scouted duo focuses on identifying and treating the root cause of common complaints, like migraines and back pain, but also neurological issues, like depression or anxiety. We sat down in their relaxing and thoughtfully curated office to discuss the methodology behind their work, quick tips for centering yourself on a daily basis, and, of course, their favorite hidden gems in Naples.

What led you to fall in love with this field, and how has it shaped your mindset surrounding wellness? 

Dr. Mike Merkt: I first experienced chiropractic when I was in high school and actively participated in racing motocross, a physically demanding sport where crashes are common. After seeing a friend’s dad who was a chiropractor, I realized that my back pain got better, but there was also relief from chronic headaches and an improvement in digestion. I was amazed at the impact chiropractic had on my wellness without requiring medications. It really showed me the true potential that the human body has and how much potential everyone is truly capable of.

Dr. Nateja Tomsin: My dad is a chiropractor, so it has always been my primary form of healthcare. I have always been passionate about health and helping people, but it wasn’t until I was home from college one summer and I was working in my dad’s office that it just hit me. People were transforming right in front of my eyes. It was amazing, and that is when I knew this was what I was meant for. This work continually keeps me in awe of the body and its capacity to heal. What I find to be most unique with our method of nervous system-centered chiropractic care is we are activating the body’s own innate intelligence and resources for health and healing. When we are able to get people’s nervous systems in balance and functioning how they were designed, it can affect our health in every area: physically, mentally, and emotionally. I truly believe we are born with everything we need to heal and thrive, right within us. 

When picking a location for your practice, why Naples?

MM: I lived in Wisconsin, and after our engagement and a few years of long distance, Dr. Nateja and I knew something needed to change. After exploring a few coastal cities, including Tampa and St. Petersburg, we fell in love with Naples during a visit with friends. We knew this is where we needed to be. We were in awe of the beauty and lifestyle of this town!

NT: We wanted to find a place and community that aligned with our values. We chose Florida because of the freedom, family values, and, of course, its beauty. When we came to Naples for the first time, we both instantly fell in love. It’s obviously one of the most beautiful places to live, but we both loved that it still holds a small-town, community vibe. We have been welcomed with such kindness that we know we chose the right place.

What are the most common issues you see in your practice? 

MM: The most common things I see are chronic pain and issues like headaches and migraines… but also things that most people don’t think are related, like anxiety, depression, ADD/ADHD, and autism. It really comes down to regulating the nervous system, as a lot of people are stuck in a fight or flight state. It’s my mission to help get them out of that and back into a mode of consistently thriving. I see a lot of kids with these conditions as well, and they can experience huge benefits from the care we provide.

NT: I primarily work with women and kids. I see a lot of pregnant women or women who are struggling with things like anxiety and depression, infertility, painful cycles, and irregularities. For kids and babies, the most common issues are colic, latching, constipation, and ADHD. We also see a lot of wellness clients—families who want to be proactive in their health and make sure their kids have that strong foundation. I practice Network Spinal, which is a very gentle chiropractic technique that works with the nervous system, which controls and coordinates all other systems of the body. Because we are working with the nervous system, it can affect all aspects of our health.

At what age do you recommend clients to begin to see you? 

MM: I think it is important for people to know that chiropractic is for everyone, and, often, the sooner we can get someone’s nervous system checked, the better. With that being said, we do see babies in our office as the birth process can be a traumatic event for the baby, and what we do can help with colic, breast feeding issues, ear infections, and more. The biggest thing is getting people’s nervous systems checked to make sure that everything is working correctly before symptoms start. 

NT: We see people of all ages, from newborns to grandparents. The birthing process can be traumatic to baby and mom, so getting checked within the first few weeks is best. This way, we are able to set the foundation for proper neurodevelopment and can prevent a lot of the issues that we see from a dysregulated nervous system down the line. 

Quick tip for including one daily wellness hack into your routine? 

MM: One thing that can make a huge difference in someone’s health and the functioning of their nervous system are cold showers or ice baths. They aren’t easy, but it helps tremendously with inflammation, mindfulness, and in calming the nervous system. 

NT: Connecting with your breath. It is one of the most simple things you can do that will have the most impact.  

For first-time clients… where to start?
NT: A consultation and exam is where we start. We want to make sure our clients are in the right place and that we are the best office to help them. We don’t do quick fixes here. We want real, sustainable change in their health, so making sure it’s a fit is so important to us. 

Outside of work, what’s a Naples hidden gem that you love?

MM: My favorite Naples hidden gem is Born to Moto Cafe, as I’m into vintage Harley motorcycles and choppers. They have a really cool bike night every Tuesday and Thursday with a great group of guys!

NT: Catching the sunset at the beach is our favorite thing to do. Nothing can beat that for us.

Ready to prioritize your health? Get in touch with these Naples chiropractic experts to learn more about how to improve the functionality of your nervous system and, in turn, your daily life. Call 239.610.1442 or 239.610.3378, or visit them online.

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