Welcoming Megan Desjardins to Pittwater Chiro
We’re excited to introduce the newest member of our team at Pittwater Chiro, Megan Desjardins. With a strong foundation in movement science and a calm, Megan is passionate about helping people better understand their bodies. Originally from Canada, Megan was drawn to Australia — and the Northern Beaches in particular — for its natural beauty and active lifestyle. She is excited to support the local community to stay active, manage pain, and continue enjoying everything this area has to offer. A journey shaped by movement From a young age, Megan developed an appreciation for movement and looking after the body. Growing up, she remembers watching her dad do callisthenics at the park and wanting to copy everything he did. That early exposure stayed with her and gradually shaped the way she views health and movement today. As Megan explains, we often don’t think about everything our bodies do for us until something starts to hurt or stops working properly. This awareness drew her to chiropractic — a profession that combines movement, function, and hands-on care in a meaningful way. She values helping people shift their mindset from frustration toward appreciation of what their body is capable of. Education and clinical training Megan completed her undergraduate degree in Kinesiology in Canada, where she developed a strong foundation in human movement, biomechanics, and exercise science. She then went on to complete her Master of Chiropractic at Macquarie University, receiving extensive training in musculoskeletal assessment, manual therapy, rehabilitation, and evidence-based patient care. Now in her early years of clinical practice, Megan is looking forward to continuing her professional development while supporting patients with their musculoskeletal health. A special interest in chronic and complex pain Megan has a particular interest in working with people experiencing chronic pain, whether involving the spine or extremities. These cases are often complex and require a deeper understanding of the bigger picture — something that suits the way she approaches care. Having family members who have lived with chronic pain has given Megan insight into how discouraging and draining long-term pain can be. As she puts it, pain doesn’t just affect the body — it can impact confidence and outlook too. Being able to support someone who has been struggling for a long time and help them begin to feel improvement again is what Megan finds most rewarding. One of her most meaningful experiences involved assisting an older gentleman with ongoing knee pain. Through care focused on pain management, movement, and strength, his walking distance and overall quality of life improved, helping him maintain greater independence in daily life. Megan’s approach to care Megan takes a structured yet supportive approach to patient care. She begins by addressing the main issue that brings someone into the clinic, to help them feel better as early as possible. From there, she focuses on identifying and addressing the underlying cause, rather than simply managing symptoms. As things improve, care gradually shifts toward active rehabilitation and self-management. Megan’s goal is for patients to feel confident managing their condition independently, while also recognising the value of maintenance care when appropriate — much like servicing a car to keep it running well over time. What to expect in your first appointment Patients seeing Megan for the first time can expect a calm, thorough, and unhurried appointment. She takes the time to understand what’s been going on through a detailed history and physical examination, ensuring everything is clearly explained along the way. Open communication is a key part of Megan’s care. Patients are encouraged to ask questions at any stage, to leave their first appointment feeling informed, comfortable, and reassured about their care plan and next steps. Why Pittwater Chiro? Megan was drawn to Pittwater Chiro because of how closely the clinic’s philosophy aligns with her own approach to care. She enjoys working in a clinic that is well-equipped with a range of treatment options and is particularly excited to integrate shockwave therapy into patient care. She is also looking forward to being part of a vibrant, supportive team and learning from colleagues who are passionate about helping people move and feel better. Techniques and services Megan offers Megan enjoys delivering care that combines: All care is tailored to the individual, taking into account comfort, goals, and personal preferences. For those new to chiropractic, Megan encourages open communication and involvement in the process. Manual adjustments are just one tool available, and patients are always supported to make informed decisions about their health. Supporting the local community Being part of the Northern Beaches community inspires Megan to help people move well in their everyday lives. She hopes to support the local community through education, preventative care, and encouraging active lifestyles. She is an approachable and trusted healthcare provider that people feel comfortable turning to. We’re excited for you to meet Megan Desjardins and experience her calm, considered approach to chiropractic care. To celebrate Megan joining the Pittwater Chiro team, both new and existing patients can enjoy 50% off their first appointment with Megan. Book online: pittwaterchiro.com/contact Take the first step toward moving better and feeling more confident.
From Absolute Health Solutions to Pittwater Chiro: Honouring the Past and Building the Future
In June 2024, Absolute Health Solutions was bought by Pittwater Chiro, a professional and friendly chiropractic clinic with main location in Mona Vale, owned by husband and wife team Todd and Cath Stephenson. After a successful initial six months, with growing popularity amongst the local community and upgrades to the clinic facilities and services offered, Cath and Todd are taking the step to rename the clinic to “Pittwater Chiro”, honouring their brand and family business. We recap what happened so far, give an update on how the past six months went, and talk a bit more about the new name of the clinic. Pittwater Chiro’s Acquisition of Absolute Health Solutions After 14 joyous years in business, previous owner, Dr Andrew Ullo decided to sell his beloved clinic. His decision was driven by personal reasons: to move up to Newcastle to be closer to family. Andrew had not only spent over a decade looking after the health and well-being of his clients. He had also built genuine connections and life-long friendships. Andrew was determined to make sure the clinic was in the hands of someone who would provide the same level of care. Pittwater Chiro For all the reasons above, Andrew picked us. Andrew and co-owner Cath have been friends for years. They met while studying for a Master of Chiropractic at Macquarie University. Knowing each other personally and professionally for a long time eased his worry about the future of Absolute Health Solutions. “Pittwater Chiro has a similar model and approach to myself. This is something I strongly wanted for my clients. I knew Cath from university, so there was already an established relationship and trust there. I am confident that Cath, Todd, and their team will continue to uphold the high standards of care and dedication that my patients have come to expect,” Andrew says. Pittwater Chiro’s approach and practices are rooted in the same values as Absolute Health Solutions. The team prides itself on getting to know its clients and nurturing long-lasting relationships while providing the best-tailored care. Pittwater Chiro has its doors open to everyone, from the everyday person to professional athletes. Their team of seasoned professionals uses the latest scientific methods to ensure clients receive the most suitable, evidence-based treatment available. This allows the patients to get back to doing what they love ASAP. This like-mindedness in vision and values, as well as their ambition to grow Pittwater Chiro, is why Cath and Todd decided to buy Absolute Health Solutions. What happened over the past 6 months The first six months after the acquisition have gone smoothly. Cath and Todd have been delighted to witness a good follow-up of the regular clients of Absolute Health Solutions and have started building connections with the new community. They are both grateful for the trust shown by the patients, determined to do what is needed to live up to their expectations, and most importantly, meet their health and well-being needs. “We are loving the transition and really enjoying getting to know everyone. It is a big deal to try another chiropractor. We appreciate the trust that they are giving us,” Todd says. Pittwater Chiro work hard on upholding the high standards they set for themselves. For them, offering the best support and space for healing to all their patients is a non-negotiable. So far, the patients’ reviews have been very positive, which has brought a lot of joy to the new owners. Todd hopes to meet many more of Absolute Health Solutions’ regular clients in the upcoming months. “The last 6 months have been a good learning experience. We have loved meeting Andrew’s previous patients and clients, hearing their stories and getting to know them. A lot of the patients have been super happy with the result. They’re happy to keep coming back to a familiar environment” says Todd. Has anything changed? At the time of acquisition, Cath and Todd didn’t envision changing much in the clinic. In terms of facilities, they have repaired the ceilings, added new lighting, upgraded the shockwave machinery, and extended their product ranges. They wanted to keep the transition as smooth as possible and minimise changes for the regular patients. This also motivated the new additions to the team. Cath and Todd focused on bringing people who would be aligned with the values of Pittwater Chiro. The team but would also be able to offer services that the local community had sought in the past. Our growing team In the past six months, Todd has brought on chiropractors Dr Braeden Melmer and Dr Candice Chapple and massage therapist, Lisa. This has formed a well-rounded team with varied expertise to suit every need. Braedan specialises in treating sports and postural work injuries. He also offers golf biomechanics assessments and has been running workshops with local golf clubs. Candice has a particular interest in women’s health and paediatrics, whose skill set complements the team perfectly. Her expertise enables Pittwater Chiro to offer services meeting the needs of Kristin’s previous patients. This ensures they continue receiving the same level of care. All three chiropractors use dry needling and soft tissue techniques along with exercise rehab. A wide range of procedures is suited for all types of people. From sports professionals to mums who want to be cared for through their pregnancies, post-partum and who want care for their new baby. If you’re interested in trying a new massage therapist, whether remedial or relaxing, you can check out Lisa’s profile. An experienced massage therapist, she offers various techniques and adapts her approach depending on the individual’s therapeutic needs. The new chiropractors and massage therapists have been very positively received. Cath and Todd are hoping to extend the services provided in 2025. Rebranding to Pittwater Chiro The biggest and only planned upcoming change is the renaming of the clinic from “Absolute Health Solutions” to “Pittwater Chiro”. This, however, would not affect the services or offerings in any way. It is simply an opportunity for the new owners to
Welcome Our New Chiropractor: Dr Candice Chapple
We’re excited to introduce the newest member of our team at Pittwater Chiro: Dr Candice Chapple. With a passion for helping others and a dedication to her patients, she’s ready to guide you on your journey to getting back to doing what you love. A journey of curiosity From a young age, Candice was captivated by the intricacies of the human body. “I’ve always been drawn to allied health professions,” she shares. “My experiences with chiropractic care sparked my interest in the field. I admired how chiropractors address the root causes of pain rather than just treating symptoms.” Having graduated with both a Bachelor and Master of Chiropractic from Macquarie University, she is eager to apply her knowledge and make a positive impact in our community. Specialisations that matter Dr Candice Chapple specialises in: One of her most memorable success stories involved a patient who came to her suffering from chronic numbness and tingling in his fingers. “This condition had significantly impacted his quality of life,” she recalls. “Over the course of five weeks of treatment, we witnessed a remarkable transformation. His symptoms dramatically reduced, allowing him to return to his normal routines without pain. It was a pivotal moment for me; I knew I was in the right career.” A holistic approach to care When it comes to patient care, Dr Candice Chapple believes in a tailored approach. “I recognize that each person is unique,” she explains. “My goal is to enhance mobility and help patients return to what they love doing—pain-free.” During your first visit, you can expect an in-depth discussion about your health goals, lifestyle, and medical history. “I want to understand not just your symptoms but the whole person,” she says. This will be followed by a comprehensive physical examination to develop a personalised treatment plan just for you. Staying Current and Engaged To ensure she provides the best care possible, Dr Candice Chapple actively engages in ongoing education through post-graduate courses, online seminars, research papers, and podcasts. “Staying updated with the latest advancements is essential,” she notes. Engaging with the Community Beyond her work in the clinic, Dr Candice Chapple is eager to connect with the local community. “I’d love to collaborate with local gyms, pilates studios, and run clubs,” she shares. Her goal is to foster a sense of wellness and support within the community. Help us welcome Candice to Pittwater Chiro We’re excited for you to meet Dr Candice Chapple and experience her dedicated care firsthand. To celebrate her arrival, we’re offering 50% off for your first appointment with Candice for November. Just write “Welcome, Candice” in the appointment notes. Don’t wait—start your journey towards an active, happy and healthy summer today! Schedule your appointment by calling us at (02) 9948 2826 or book online.
Welcome to Pittwater Chiro
Founded by husband and wife Todd and Cath, Pittwater Chiro is not your standard chiropractic clinic. Located on the Northern Beaches of Sydney, it is a professional and friendly space. Bringing clients the best tailored care while nurturing long-lasting relationships is their focus. Pittwater Chiro serves as a facilitator to better physical health and wellbeing. A consistent point of contact, a place people can always visit for health help and advice. Our team of professionals uses the latest scientific methods to allow clients to enjoy life to the fullest. “We offer our patients a safe and welcoming space where they can come and share their stories”, co-founder Cath says. An injury is so much more than physical pain. It affects all areas of life. Pittwater Chiro deeply understands that and invests the time needed to help its clients adjust and manage the change that physical pain can inflict. Clients spend a small fraction of their week in our clinic. The majority of their time is spent at home, at work, anywhere they need to be. In order to facilitate proper recovery, clients have to learn how to manage their health once they step out of the clinic’s door. The professionals at Pittwater Chiro believe in the importance of independence and are invested in guiding their patients on the healing journey. They teach clients techniques to improve their pain and injuries and minimise the impact on their everyday lives. Todd’s Vision for Pittwater Chiro “I would like our clinic to be seen as the go-to space within our community to help families not only overcome acute injuries but as a place they seek when they need health support. We would love to help them feel better, move better and be better educated on how to accommodate their health needs without compromising on their lifestyle. We work to remove the fear that may be associated with injury and pain. This can weigh people down or stop them from achieving their goals.” The Pittwater Chiro Rebrand Pittwater Chiro has undergone a recent rebranding. Todd bought the company, formerly known as Life Works Chiropractic, in 2015. Today, Todd and Cath have rebranded to ensure the clinic reflects their values and make it fully their own. “We wanted to have a brand that our community could identify with. Clean, direct, local, professional and modern”, Todd says. Compassion, equality, balance, empathy, freedom and curiosity are the values that built Pittwater Chiro. Cath and Todd are forever striving to make the clinic better. Their ethics are enshrined in everything they do. They believe in transparent communication, actively prompting clients to make their own choices while offering professional opinions and support. Why the Northern Beaches? When asked why they chose the Northern Beaches, Cath says with a smile, “We love the Northern Beaches. Our home is in North Narrabeen and love the community feel. We chat with all our neighbours and everyone waves and smiles at each other. As owners of a chiropractic clinic, we run into patients all the time. But we love this! Little interactions like this make us feel at home and happy to be here. The area also stunningly beautiful, with a gorgeous coastline that we can run along once a week. There are so many local parks where our kids, Max and Lena, happily play and easily make new friends. I can’t wait to see what the next decade of life on the Northern Beaches brings us.” Come say hello! If you’d like to see the new branding and meet the team, you can book an appointment here.
Welcome Our New Chiropractor: Dr Braeden Melmer
We are thrilled to introduce our newest team member at Pittwater Chiro, Dr Braeden Melmer. With a deep passion for chiropractic and a wealth of experience, Dr Braeden Melmer is eager to start treating the patients in the Balgowlah and Mona Vale community. Personal Background Dr. Braeden Melmer was inspired to pursue chiropractic by his own experiences with injuries growing up in Canada. As an avid ice hockey player, he frequently found himself in need of treatment. His chiropractor, Dr. Leonard Jay, was instrumental in helping him recover and return to the sport that he loved. This early exposure to the benefits of chiropractic sparked a fascination, he recalls thinking, “How great would it be to have this kind of knowledge to help people get back to what they love doing?” His educational journey began with a degree in Biomechanics from Guelph University, completed in 2010. He then attended the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College (CMCC) in Toronto, where he earned his Doctor of Chiropractic degree in 2014. Dr. Braeden Melmer didn’t stop there; he furthered his expertise by obtaining a diploma in acupuncture from McMaster University. Outside of his professional life, Dr Braeden Melmer enjoys spending time with his girlfriend, Kim and Labrador, Lando. He keeps active by playing ice hockey, strength training, golf, and surfing. These hobbies keep him connected to the sports world and cement his passion for health and fitness. Professional Experience With a decade of experience as a chiropractor, Dr. Braeden Melmer specialises in treating sports and postural work injuries. His holistic and individualised approach to patient care ensures that each patient receives a tailored treatment plan. “No one-size-fits-all solution exists,” he emphasises. One of the standout moments of his career was being invited to speak at the annual Massage and Myotherapy Sports Conference in Brisbane, highlighting his expertise and dedication to his field. Philosophy and Approach Dr Braeden Melmer’s philosophy centres on a unique and holistic approach to patient care individualised for each person. He stays updated with the latest advancements in chiropractic techniques through research databases, podcasts, and collaborations with colleagues. Patients meeting Dr Braeden Melmer for the first time can expect a welcoming and relaxed environment. The initial visit involves getting to know each other, conducting a thorough history, and performing an individualised assessment to determine a diagnosis and a tailored management plan. At Pittwater Chiro Joining the team at Pittwater Chiro excites Dr Braeden Melmer because of the shared ideals and philosophies on patient care. He looks forward to being part of a prestigious clinic, well-established as the “go-to” within the local community. Dr. Braeden Melmer is particularly enthusiastic about treating sports injuries, especially those affecting the shoulders, hips, knees, ankles, and elbows. Additionally, he aims to offer services in concussion management and nutritional support. Patient Engagement Dr. Braeden Melmer advises bringing any previous medical files and imaging, as they can help diagnose and treat your condition. He reassures new patients to “breathe,” noting that chiropractic is not solely about adjustments. Treatments are diagnosis-dependent, and there are always multiple options to ensure patients feel comfortable with their treatment plan. Community and Impact Dr Braeden Melmer plans to engage with the local community by connecting with local businesses, gyms, and studios. He also intends to participate in local fundraisers and activities that his patients are involved in, and he looks forward to meeting the avid golfers in the area. His goals for the coming year include continuing the high-quality patient care and commitment that Todd and Pittwater Chiro have established and extending their health message and vision to become a cornerstone of health for the local and surrounding communities. We are confident that Dr Braeden Melmer will be an excellent addition to our team. We encourage you to book an appointment with him to experience his expert care. If you want to know more about him, click the links for his Instagram and website.
