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About Rimu
We are Michele and Tristan McDonald, parents of four amazing children, proud Kāpiti people and founders of Rimu Chiropractic Studio. We have a goal to help our community understand they are capable of extraordinary things.
We are surrounded by a like-minded team who strive to provide individualised
care for anyone who comes through our doors. Our patient experience is unique and is of most importance to us. We hope you will find everything you need at Rimu, and remember
you are designed to be extraordinary
What is
chiropractic care?
Chiropractors specialise in maximising the function of your nervous system, which is protected by your spinal column. Your nervous system is the most important part of your body–it can be likened to a computer being able to process information quickly, and then relay that information back and forth between your brain and body.
Chiropractors are committed to naturally enhancing the flow of information by ensuring that the joints of the spine are moving optimally, which removes pressure off the nervous system and increases your body’s ability to heal naturally.
Our chiropractors are passionate about helping people who seek better functionality to do the things they love.
- Chiropractic is not a substitute for medical care and vice versa.
- The body gives us signs and symptoms for the benefit of finding out more about ourselves and imbalances with which we are living.
- Your body is a zone of health and life expression
- Chiropractors deal with the nerve system to enhance the body’s ability to communicate with itself via a hands-on approach
- Chiropractic is a vitalistic approach coming from the understanding that health is gained from the internal functions of the body. Every function is coordinated by the nervous system. It is possible that we have everything we need to heal ourselves as long as there is no interference to your nervous system. At Rimu Chiropractic Studio we think of this as an inside out wellness approach.
- Chiropractors specialise in the detection and correction of subluxations (nerve interference) to maximise life expression and functionality within the body.
Meet the team
“Chiropractic embodies my childhood dream of having the world well. Growing up under chiropractic care was my first step in helping give people the power to function at their best so they can make more informed decisions about health, wellness and life.”
As well as setting up her practice in Kāpiti, Dr Michele has used her skills in other parts of the world such as Siliguri, India, helping people in underprivileged communities regain their wellness and potential.
- Graduated from the prestigious New Zealand College of Chiropractic, gaining Clinical Merit for high achievement in clinical practice
- Received the Meritorious Service Award to celebrate outstanding service within the chiropractic community
- Practiced in Wellington’s CBD for a number of years
- Completed studies in Applied Kinesiology
- Is a member of the New Zealand Chiropractic Association
"Growing up I was lucky enough to be under regular chiropractic care from birth. I received my first chiropractic adjustment on the way home from the hospital after I was born. In my teenage years I spent a lot of time playing sports at various levels, including internationally. This was when I realized the true value of chiropractic and how it kept my body functioning exceptionally, despite all the stress from the numerous trainings, games, high school work and everyday life commitments. Chiropractic is my way of helping other people to achieve their goals, whatever they may be.“
- Graduated from the prestigious New Zealand College of Chiropractic with a Bachelor of Chiropractic
- Participated in a mission trip to Rarotonga providing free chiropractic care for the locals
- Is a member of New Zealand Chiropractors Association
- Completed studies in Applied Kinesiology
“Amy is a strong advocate of the healing benefits of touch and believes that massage can promote recovery, improve health and maximise wellbeing. Amy has worked for twelve years providing therapeutic massage to a range of clients including pregnant and post-natal women, and people with chronic conditions such as multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia and stress related pain and tension caused by headaches, restricted breathing and prolonged sitting. She has also supported people with anxiety and depression and is passionate about helping people manage the stress in their lives. She believes this is a key factor in maintaining good health along with nutrition and lifestyle choices. Amy’s massages are holistic and insightful and she provides individualised care to address her clients’ needs.“
- Beginner and Regular yoga block courses held termly at Rimu Chiropractic Studio.
- Please keep an eye on our social media or register your interest within our studio.
“I have a special interest in hormonal issues and reproductive endocrine health. This means I offer realistic natural health solutions to support your hormones and nourish your body and mind.
I find it very rewarding working with women of all ages to improve their cycles, helping couples increase their fertility and ability to conceive and providing support during the turbulent perimenopause years! Along with these key areas, I provide realistic natural health options for digestive issues, immune challenges, insomnia, stress & adrenal health, and more. I have been in clinical practice in Wellington since 2009 and recently started practicing here at Rimu Chiropractic too. I’m lucky to have two amazing kids, a lovely husband, several pets and an unruly garden on our lifestyle block in Paraparaumu.
I offer face to face and remote video link consultations, and I’d love to help you back to health! For more information or to book an appointment, please visit me online at
https://www.zestnaturalhealth.co.nz/”
Chiropractic assistants play a vital role at Rimu. They are not only the first person you see or speak to when you interact with our studio but they are the ones that make sure as many people in our community can be accommodated with appointments as needed. They organise external services such as x-ray, educate about health and wellness, are our support product gurus and the hub of the studio functionality.
