Jeff McDonald
Physiotherapist

About

Originally from Canada, Jeff escaped the snow and polite small talk in 2007, landing in New Zealand in search of better weather and fewer moose. Since 2009, he’s been part of the Active+ team, stubbornly committed to helping people move better—even if they insist on doing the exact opposite of what he tells them.

Armed with a Bachelor of Medical Rehabilitation in Physical Therapy and a Master’s in Sports Physiotherapy from the University of Otago (because one expensive degree clearly wasn’t enough), Jeff has also collected a Diploma in Respiratory Therapy and certifications in Western Acupuncture and Clinical Mat Pilates—mostly because he hates being underqualified for anything, especially arguments.

Clinically, Jeff deals with sports injuries, chronic pain, and the fallout of people thinking "just walking it off" is a legitimate treatment plan. He’s worked with everyone from weekend warriors to elite athletes, including the Eden Rugby Club Premier Men’s team and, more impressively, the Cook Islands Women’s 7s Rugby team. He’s also treated more bruised egos than he can count in rugby, gridiron, and ice hockey—because contact sports don’t just batter bodies; they test your patience as a physio too.

Despite his simmering frustration with tight hamstrings, late arrivals, and foam rollers being used as décor, Jeff still trains hard himself. He’s chasing down his 5km run time like it owes him money and is fighting gravity (and pride) in his mission to master handstands again. His favourite Pilates exercise is the Boomerang, mostly because it’s hard and kind of ridiculous—just like life.

Jeff isn’t here for your excuses. He’s here to get results, push boundaries, and—hopefully—help you leave the clinic stronger than when you crawled in. 

My Goals

• to get back to doing handstands at yoga
• To run 5km (in around about 30 mins!)