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.
Why hypermobility needs a specialised approach to treatment
I’ve been seeing lots of patients with hypermobility in the clinic recently, so let’s talk about what it is and why your treatment approach might differ. Understanding Hypermobility You might have heard your parents describe you as “double-jointed” or noticed that you can bend your fingers back farther than your friends can. While this flexibility might seem like an advantage, for many people with hypermobility, it can actually lead to chronic pain, frequent injuries, and joint instability. Hypermobility exists on a spectrum. Some people have just one or two hypermobile joints, while others have generalised hypermobility affecting multiple joints throughout the body. Common signs include bending your thumb back to touch your forearm, hyperextending your elbows or knees, or placing your palms flat on the floor without bending your knees. Why hypermobile bodies need different care If you’re hypermobile, you might have noticed that traditional chiropractic adjustments or physiotherapy leave you feeling temporarily better, but the same issues keep returning. Hypermobile joints naturally have more movement, which means they rely more heavily on muscles to create stability rather than the passive support from ligaments and joint capsules. When we treat hypermobile patients with the same approach as non-hypermobile patients, we can actually create more instability rather than addressing the root cause. How we adapt your treatment What can you expect Treatment for hypermobility is typically a longer journey than for non-hypermobile patients. Building strength and motor control takes time—usually weeks to months rather than days. However, the results are worth it. When done properly, you’re not just getting temporary relief; you’re actually changing how your body functions. You might notice that instead of feeling immediately “loose” after treatment, you may feel more stable and controlled. This is a good sign! We’re helping your body find its optimal balance between mobility and stability. Working together to gain stability If you suspect you might be hypermobile, or if you’ve been frustrated with treatments that provide only short-term relief, let’s have a conversation. During your assessment, we’ll evaluate your joint mobility, movement patterns, and discuss your symptoms and injury history. From there, we can create a personalised treatment plan that addresses your unique needs. Hypermobility isn’t something to “fix”—it’s simply a variation of normal anatomy that requires a different approach to care. With the right combination of manual therapy, dry needling, and targeted exercise rehabilitation, we can help you move with confidence and reduce your pain. Ready to understand why your joints behave the way they do? Book a FREE discovery call with our Mona Vale or Balgowlah team.
Supporting Women’s Health Through Chiropractic
Women’s bodies undergo incredible changes throughout life — from adolescence to pregnancy, postpartum recovery, and menopause. These shifts come with physical demands that can affect your mobility, comfort, and overall well-being. At Pittwater Chiro, we understand how hormonal cycles, pregnancy, birth, and the demands of motherhood can impact your body. Whether you’re dealing with monthly back pain, hip tightness during pregnancy, or struggling to get out of bed after a C-section, we’ve helped women just like you feel stronger, move better, and recover faster. Hormonal influences on your body Each month, hormonal changes affect how your joints and muscles feel. Many women experience back pain, headaches, or pelvic discomfort around their cycle. Through gentle adjustments and soft tissue therapy, we help ease this monthly tension and support your body’s natural rhythm. One of our patients shared: Pregnancy care that helps Pregnancy is an exciting time, but let’s be real, it can be tough on your body. Back and pelvic pain, round ligament tension, and postural changes from your growing belly are incredibly common. The hormones that prepare your body for labour also create instability in other joints, often leading to pain in the hips, back, or shoulders. We use pregnancy-safe techniques to reduce discomfort, improve pelvic alignment, and help you stay active and confident throughout your pregnancy. As one mum told us: “Seeing someone experienced in pregnancy chiropractic gave me peace of mind. It really eased my pain and helped me stay active through the final trimester.” Postpartum recovery — with real results After birth, whether it’s vaginal or via C-section, your body starts to rebuild. But lifting, feeding, and sleepless nights can bring a whole new wave of strain. We’re here to support your return to comfort, whether you’re recovering from birth or dealing with postural strain from breastfeeding and baby-carrying. One postpartum mum shared: “After two C-sections I was having the worst time with my lower back. My goal was just to get in and out of bed pain-free. Within 6 weeks, we achieved that!” Another added: “After my third baby, my swelling was next level. Lisa gave me the most incredible lymphatic drainage massage — I finally got my ankles back!” Common conditions we support: When to reach out: Consider booking in if you’re experiencing: Why women trust Pittwater Chiro Whether it’s your first baby, your third C-section, or you’re navigating perimenopause, we take time to understand what’s happening in your body and tailor treatment to your needs. As one patient put it:
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
