Dr. Paul Lewandowski has made quite a few adjustments in his life.
It’s all in a day’s work for a chiropractor—especially one who has treated elite athletes, holds a post-doctoral diplomate in sports injuries, and earned a master’s degree in physical chemistry.
The magic happens at his namesake practice in Boonton Township, where state-of-the-art, computer-assisted technology analyzes the spine and precisely targets problem areas. This, complemented by other physiotherapeutic modalities such as computerized spinal decompression and non-surgical laser treatments, keeps the practice on the cutting edge of modern care.
His patients range from professional athletes to weekend warriors and those managing mobility challenges. He’s also treated countless high school and middle school athletes, with his age spectrum spanning from a 102-year-old to a two-month-old—“for colic,” he noted with a smile.
“If you have a spine, I can treat you,” he quipped.
Lewandowski’s path to chiropractic care began with his own story as an aspiring professional athlete. In high school, he was recruited by the prestigious New York Athletic Club to train and compete—a unique program where former Olympic and national-level athletes volunteer to mentor the next generation.
He later joined Saint Francis College in Brooklyn, where he swam and played water polo, competing in butterfly, individual medley, and distance freestyle events. But during his sophomore year, an injury changed the course of his life.
“Nobody could figure out my problem,” he recalled. “I continued to swim and still left college with a back problem.”
Outside of the pool, he was awarded a research fellowship from the American Diabetic Association and conducted research at Long Island College Hospital in Brooklyn, which led him into a pharmacology program. But when the curriculum’s animal research component conflicted with his values, he pivoted.
He earned a master’s degree in physical chemistry from Montclair State University, and during that time, a visit to a chiropractor for his lingering back injury changed everything.
“The results I experienced sparked my interest in the field,” he revealed.
He soon found his calling in helping others heal as he had. Graduating from New York Chiropractic College in 1984, Lewandowski launched what would become a four-decade-long career rooted in innovation, compassion, and community.
His first practice was at Central Park South, as part of the New York Athletic Club, where he treated Olympic hopefuls and professional athletes.
“I liked the facility but I lived in Mountain Lakes and it took a long time to get to the city, only to spend a short time with the patient,” he explained.
So, he traded city skyscrapers for suburban serenity, establishing Lewandowski Chiropractic in Boonton Township, where most know him simply as ‘Dr. Paul.’
Lewandowski’s claims to fame include traveling with the U.S. Water Polo Team, a whirlwind globe-trotting venture that took him to Europe, China, and Canada.
An endurance athlete at heart, Lewandowski has completed nine swims around Manhattan and understands the mindset that drives his like-minded patients.
He also works across specialties when referrals are necessary, and gains referrals in return. “People should try nonsurgical options first because you can’t undo a surgery,” he said. “But I’m mostly able to provide the care in-house.”
With decades of experience, Lewandowski also mentors students completing externships or exploring the chiropractic field.
A thriving practice and a large blended family behind him, Lewandowski continues to serve his community with heart.
“My dad was a New York City fireman and his firehouse had a toy drive for underprivileged kids,” he said. “I would deliver toys with him and when my sons were born, I carried on the tradition and wanted them to teach them about helping someone.”
That legacy lives on through his own toy drive, now in its 38th year, benefiting children at Saint Peter’s. He also supports JBWS by collecting toiletries and gift cards, which are discreetly distributed through anonymous drop-off stations.
During the holidays, it’s all hands on deck—staff, volunteers, and even patients join together to spread joy throughout the community.
Lewandowski has also served as president of the board of directors for the Lakeland Hills Family YMCA, has earned NJ Top-Doc recognition several years in a row, and remains a respected figure in the sports medicine field.
And in case you’re wondering—yes, he’s even treated animals. “A friend’s horse once developed an impediment after its saddle slipped,” he said. “It was limping, and once I finished adjusting the horse, the limp was gone."
When he’s not making adjustments, swimming laps, or organizing community drives, Dr. Paul enjoys spending time with his large blended family, including his six children—three sons, two stepsons, a stepdaughter—and two grandchildren.
For Dr. Paul, chiropractic care has always been about more than alignment—it’s about connection. His commitment to helping others, both in health and in life, shines brightest during the holiday season, when giving back becomes a family tradition. In every sense, his practice is built on gratitude, service, and heart.
To schedule an appointment or learn more about Lewandowski Chiropractic, call (973) 402-1331.
“The results I experienced [from a chiropractor] sparked my interest in the field."