Massage Therapy

Massage therapy is an alternative health option that manipulates the soft tissues of the body for therapeutic purposes. It helps alleviate soft tissue discomfort associated with everyday and occupational stresses, muscular overuse, and many chronic pain syndromes. Massage therapy can also greatly reduce the development of painful muscular patterning if begun early enough after accidents invo... Read More

Massage therapy is an alternative health option that manipulates the soft tissues of the body for therapeutic purposes.

It helps alleviate soft tissue discomfort associated with everyday and occupational stresses, muscular overuse, and many chronic pain syndromes. Massage therapy can also greatly reduce the development of painful muscular patterning if begun early enough after accidents involving trauma and injury.


Physiotherapy

Physiotherapists are primary health care professionals. Physiotherapy combines in-depth knowledge of how the body works with specialized hands-on skills to assess, diagnose and treat illness, injury or disability. Our goal is to restore, maintain and maximize your strength, function, movement and overall well-being. You do not require a referral to visit a physiotherapist, however some insur... Read More

Physiotherapists are primary health care professionals. Physiotherapy combines in-depth knowledge of how the body works with specialized hands-on skills to assess, diagnose and treat illness, injury or disability. Our goal is to restore, maintain and maximize your strength, function, movement and overall well-being.

You do not require a referral to visit a physiotherapist, however some insurance companies require referrals for reimbursement of our services.


Osteopathy

What is osteopathy? Osteopathy is “a natural therapy which aims to restore function in the body by treating the causes of pain and imbalance. To achieve this goal the Osteopathic Manual Practitioner relies on the quality and finesse of his/her palpation and works with the position, mobility and quality of the tissues.” (CCO). Osteopathy is a gentle, hands-on therapy that can provide relief f... Read More

What is osteopathy?

Osteopathy is “a natural therapy which aims to restore function in the body by treating the causes of pain and imbalance. To achieve this goal the Osteopathic Manual Practitioner relies on the quality and finesse of his/her palpation and works with the position, mobility and quality of the tissues.” (CCO). Osteopathy is a gentle, hands-on therapy that can provide relief for a myriad of health conditions.

Osteopathy focuses on treating the whole body.

All your treatment time is spent directly with your Osteopath.

Who can benefit from Osteopathic Manual Treatment?

Osteopathic Manual Treatment is highly individualized, and everyone can benefit from its preventative and rehabilitative effects.

Osteopathy can help with:
Neck, back, and other joint pain
Headaches and migraines
Jaw pain, occlusion problems
Symptoms resulting from concussion
Digestive issues
Respiratory issues

Osteopaths treat all ages and many different conditions, however we see many patients who have plateaued with other treatments.


An Osteopathic Appointment

Your first appointment with an osteopathic manual therapist will consist of the following:
A full history taking:
This entails a complete history taking of your previous and current health status.
An examination:
The osteopathic manual therapist will perform a physical evaluation to determine your condition and ensure that you are safe to receive osteopathic manual treatment.
Osteopathic manual therapists will assess the structures of your body for: mobility, position, vitality/quality of tissues and develop a treatment plan to help you achieve your goals.

Together, you and your osteopathic manual therapist will review the results of your physical examination and determine the appropriate treatment plan for you.

Be sure to wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes such as shorts and a T-shirt, tank top or sports bra.

Osteopathy is a taxable service, and HST will be added to all treatment prices. Many insurance companies allow direct billing.


Dietetics

Nutrition Counselling: Nutrition is an important part of our everyday lives. Our Nutrition counselling helps individuals learn and navigate the nutrition world focusing on their own nutritional needs in a collaborative one-on-one approach. Dietitians are a regulated profession that are experts in the field of nutrition and provide evidence-based information. Nutrition counselling can help wi... Read More

Nutrition Counselling:

Nutrition is an important part of our everyday lives. Our Nutrition counselling helps individuals learn and navigate the nutrition world focusing on their own nutritional needs in a collaborative one-on-one approach. Dietitians are a regulated profession that are experts in the field of nutrition and provide evidence-based information. Nutrition counselling can help with a wide range of individual needs such as but not limited to;
- Sport performance
- Body composition
- Management of Chronic disease (Diabetes, Hypertension, Cardiovascular disease)
- Management of Chronic Pain
- Bone health
- Digestive health (Celiac, irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease)
- Vegetarian/Vegan Diets
- Nutrition Supplements

What you can expect from a nutrition session:

Initial Assessment (60 minutes)
During an initial assessment, typically 60 minutes, a dietitian will take a full medical and dietary history, and your story. During your session you can bring up your challenges, goals and questions about nutrition. As the session progresses, we discuss evidence-based nutrition and approaches with dietary changes to promote overall health and well-being.

Follow-up appointments (30 minutes)
A dietitian will listen to your story about your goals, achievements, challenges, and barriers regarding your individual needs. We then help discuss strategies and adjust nutrition to help with your health and wellbeing that best suits you.

Virtual Care
We also offer Nutrition services online in which you can meet with our dietitian through our secure online platform!

What you can expect
There are no differences in sessions for virtual vs in person session with a dietitian. Virtual sessions are a great choice if you cannot meet in person. A dietitian on a virtual platform will conduct the sessions similarly to an in-person counselling session.

Alison Beaton (she/her) works with general orthopaedic clients and athletes of all levels to optimize their movements in sport and in life. Alison combines her specialized training in manual and manipulative therapy with movement pattern and muscle imbalance retraining to promote rapid, safe, and effective recovery from injuries and chronic stress.

Her extensive experience with elite athletes includes current Olympians, Canadian National Teams, Cirque du Soleil and Broadway performers. She owns Scotia Physiotherapy, is a member of the Integrated Health Services team for Triathlon Canada and the IST lead for Surf Canada, formerly Canada Freestyle Ski. She works locally with Dance NS, Neptune theatre in Halifax and visiting Broadway productions.

Alison graduated from Dalhousie University in 2003, completed an Advanced Diploma of Orthopaedic Manual and Manipulative Therapy in 2009, a Masters of Clinical Science in Manipulative Therapy (Western) in 2012 and a Diploma of Sport Physiotherapy in 2014 . Alison teaches within the Canadian Physiotherapy Association post-graduate Orthopaedic course system, as well as in the School of Physiotherapy and Department of Anatomy at Dalhousie University. She is the past chair of the Nova Scotia Orthopaedic Section and of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association Orthopaedic Division.

Alison’s passion for physical fitness and optimizing movement patterning is not limited to the clinic. She is active in running, surfing, functional fitness and travels extensively as a therapist and for recreation.

Part of the Nova Scotia Government’s Register of Injury Management Consultants.

A Complete Concussion Care (https://completeconcussions.com) provider.

Alison sees clients from the Lawrencetown location on Mondays.

Please feel free to contact her @ alison.beaton@scotiaphysiotherapy.ca with general questions or for Lawrencetown details.

Alison Beaton (she/her) works with general orthopaedic clients and athletes of all levels to opti... Read More

Susan is an Osteopathic Manual Practitioner and Registered Massage Therapist. She is a member of the Nova Scotia Association of Osteopaths (NSAO) and the Massage Therapy Association of Nova Scotia (MTANS). She looks forward to building a collaborative community-based healthcare practice to help people prevent disease through moving with greater ease. Experience hands-on healing strategies that help you release tension, regain and maintain your freedom of movement. Susan graduated from the Royal Winnipeg Ballet in 1994, and danced professionally in Canada, Scotland and China. She moved to the wild & wonderful Eastern Shore in 2003 to be closer to family. Susan volunteers with and supports the Musquodoboit Trailways and the Gaetz Brook Greenway – both of which are much-loved sections of the Trans Canada Trail Greenway Vision, the Bicycle NS Core Blue Route and the HRM Active Transportation Spine.

Osteopathic manual practitioners assess and treat your body as a whole; seeking to identify areas of dysfunction. The theory being that abnormal functioning (dysfunction) in one area of the body can cause symptoms to present elsewhere. Using a wide variety of hands-on (manual) techniques the osteopathic manual practitioner eases these restrictions to allow normal functioning to resume. Osteopathic clients include newborns to the elderly, athletes and weekend warriors, adults and children, manual workers and office professionals.

Susan is an Osteopathic Manual Practitioner and Registered Massage Therapist. She is a member of ... Read More

Jacob Halloran (He/Him) completed a BSc (Honours) in Medical Sciences and Bioethics at Dalhousie University in 2020 before graduating with his Master of Physical Therapy from the University of Western Ontario in August 2022. During his MPT, Jacob completed multiple internships across Southwestern Ontario in clinical settings ranging from sport and orthopaedic conditions to outpatient acquired brain injury and long-COVID rehabilitation.

Throughout his studies at Dalhousie and Western Universities, Jacob served as co-captain for multiple varsity cross country and track and field teams. His final season was cut short, however, by a chronic hip-groin injury that turned out to be tears in both his hip labrum and hip adductor tendon. Through his experience, Jacob has come to deeply value the importance of patient advocacy while navigating complex sport- and occupational-related injuries with multiple care providers. He also understands the significant impact physical dysfunction can have on an individual’s mental health, and supports both physical and mental wellness in his clients’ rehabilitation.

Jacob has a particular interest in working with lower limb pathologies and acquired brain injury rehabilitation (including acute- and post-concussion rehab), but welcomes clients of all backgrounds and activity levels. Working towards your therapeutic goals with Jacob, you can expect your treatment to be guided by YOUR functional goals, whether that be to return to the highest level of sport or occupational performance or to return to activities at home and in the community with friends and family. Jacob continues to train and compete as a post-collegiate distance runner with the Slow Ships Athletics Club, and also volunteers time coaching with the Dalhousie Tigers Cross Country and Track teams.

He enjoys peaceful evenings of board games with friends, exploring local cafes and breweries, and he is always on the lookout for new podcast or show recommendations to keep entertained during his hours of cardio.

Please feel free contact him @ Jacob.halloran@scotiaphysiotherapy.ca with questions.

Jacob Halloran (He/Him) completed a BSc (Honours) in Medical Sciences and Bioethics at Dalhousie ... Read More

Upon graduating from St. Francis Xavier University in 2001 with a Bachelor of Science in Biology Dawn moved to Edinburgh, Scotland where she completed a BScPT in 2005. In Scotland, Dawn gained valuable experience in all disciplines of Physiotherapy including Orthopaedics, Neurology and Cardiorespiratory. After returning to Nova Scotia, Dawn focused her career path in the direction of Orthopaedics.

Dawn has extensive post-graduate training in gait analysis, pain management of spinal syndromes, acupuncture, manual therapy and movement systems disorders. She continues to prioritize continuing education, and actively expands her knowledge base, skill set and clinical reasoning to help clients achieve their goals.

Dawn is passionate about helping people struggling with neck pain and headache following motor vehicle collisions, workplace and sporting injuries. Dawn employs manual therapy, individualised exercise prescription, modalities and education to ensure each client achieves their goals and optimizes their function, enabling each individual client to live a happy, healthy and active lifestyle.

Please feel free contact her @ dawn.hanifen@scotiaphysiotherapy.ca with questions.

2023 - Cynthia is currently helping cover Jennifer Wade’s TMD caseload while Jennifer is on maternity leave. 

Upon graduating from St. Francis Xavier University in 2001 with a Bachelor of Science in Biology ... Read More

Morgan King (She/Her) is a dietitian that works with athletes of all levels to optimize their sport nutrition health and performance. Her philosophy is to foster healthy relationships between individuals and food that prioritizes health first. Her experience in sport nutrition comes from her working with athletes at the Canadian Sport Institute Atlantic, Acadia Sport Nutrition, Dalhousie Football and Various club teams in Nova Scotia.

Morgan graduated from Acadia University in 2017 with a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics. She then pursued her Master of Science of Applied Human Nutrition and Dietetic Internship at Mount Saint Vincent University and graduated in 2022.

Morgan’s biggest passions in life are food and physical activity. As a lifelong athlete she is eager to try new sports and activities. As of now, she enjoys rock climbing and hiking. Outside of physical activities she enjoys making baked goods.

Please contact our administrative team @ 902 425 3065 or info@scotiaphysiotherapy.ca to book with Morgan.

Morgan King (She/Her) is a dietitian that works with athletes of all levels to optimize their spo... Read More

Carolynn MacLennan graduated from the massage therapy program at ICT Northumberland College in 2003 and has received additional training in advanced sports massage and pregnancy massage. She has also received a Bachelors of Science in Human Kinetics degree from St. Francis Xavier University.

Over the past 17 years Carolynn has worked in various clinical settings, including many years at Be Massage Therapy, and has experience treating a wide variety of musculoskeletal conditions including sports related injuries, repetitive strain injuries, postural imbalances and the aches and pains that accompany pregnancy. She provides a deep tissue, specific massage, but believes a relaxing approach is an important element to any massage therapy treatment.

Whether it’s part of a treatment plan for a specific injury, a preventative measure or a stress relief treatment, Carolynn believes that massage therapy is important in maintaining a healthy and happy lifestyle. With her dedication to health and well-being, Carolynn is excited to be a part of the Scotia Physiotherapy team.

Carolynn MacLennan graduated from the massage therapy program at ICT Northumberland College in 20... Read More

Cynthia Murphy (she/her) joined the Scotia Physiotherapy team in 2012, when she moved to Halifax.

She studied physiotherapy at McGill graduating in 2000 and has since completed several continuing education courses as well as completing her FCAMPT certification in 2017, an internationally recognized certification in manual and manipulative therapy. She enjoys the variety of treating injuries and sports injuries through the whole body, including jaw pain (TMD) and voice issues such as Muscle Tension Dysphonia (MTD), which she treats in concert with a local voice coach, speech language pathologist and ENT.

Cynthia is passionate about getting people back to activity, encouraging them to stay active and helping them start being active if they are new to working out. She has particular interest in treating knee and lower back pain.

She is active in the community, volunteering as a hockey coach for her boys, and professionally, a past chair of the Nova Scotia Branch of the Orthopaedic Divsion of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association.

If you would like to book an appointment with Cynthia, please contact reception through the web site or at scotiaphysio@eastlink.ca. You can contact Cynthia with any questions at cynthia.murphy@scotiaphysiotherapy.ca.

Cynthia Murphy has Fridays reserved for new assessments book online @ Book by Practitioner (https://scotiaphysio.janeapp.com/#/staff_member/3) or call 902 425 3065 to enquire about these appointments.

Service également offert en français.

2023 - Cynthia is currently helping cover Jennifer Wade’s TMD caseload while Jennifer is on maternity leave. 

Cynthia Murphy (she/her) joined the Scotia Physiotherapy team in 2012, when she moved to Halifax.... Read More

Griffin Oomen-White is a graduate of the Canadian College of Massage and Hydrotherapy and a member of the NHPC.

She is passionate about healing, wellness and relaxation, with a history of working with a diverse client base, and strives to create a treatment that is focused on the clients specific needs and goals. She incorporates home care into the clients overall wellness plan while working with their lifestyle for sustainable long term results.

Griffin incorporates a range of techniques into each treatment but is especially passionate about myofascial work and trigger point treatment. She has a special interest in TMD management and craniosacral therapies.

She has experience with treating a range of conditions including thoracic outlet syndrome, carpal tunnel, frozen shoulder, and common issues like stiff neck and shoulders.

Griffin believes in a multidisciplinary approach to health and is excited to be a part of the Scotia Physiotherapy team.

In her free time, she enjoys fitness, creative pastimes, learning new alternative health methods, getting out in nature, and trying out new recipes from around the world.

Griffin Oomen-White is a graduate of the Canadian College of Massage and Hydrotherapy and a membe... Read More

Rachel Rubin-Sarganis (she/her) developed her passion for sports, fitness, and healthcare during her ten years as a national-level competitive gymnast, and later as a gymnastics coach and fitness trainer. After finishing high school, Rachel decided she was ready for a new adventure and moved from her hometown of Vancouver to Halifax to do her Bachelor of Medical Sciences at Dalhousie University.

In Halifax, Rachel began bouldering and immediately fell in love with the sport and climbing community. A few years into her climbing pursuits she sustained a severe shoulder injury requiring surgery and an extensive recovery. Seeing firsthand the impact that physiotherapy can have on an athlete’s recovery, both physically and mentally, inspired her to pursue it as her career.

Rachel graduated from McMaster University’s physiotherapy program in 2023 where she gained valuable clinical experience in a variety of different settings including sports and orthopedics, concussion and vestibular physiotherapy, and respiratory rehab. She is passionate about working with all patients but has a special interest in helping rock climbers and other athletes return to sport after injury.

Rachel incorporates what she has learned through her personal experiences as an athlete with evidence-based treatment strategies. She takes a collaborative and patient-centered approach to provide patients with individualized treatment plans tailored to meet their goals.

Please feel free to reach out to rachel.rubin@scotiaphysiotherapy.ca with any questions or for details about climbing-specific physiotherapy and training at East Peak Climbing or Seven Bays.

Rachel Rubin-Sarganis (she/her) developed her passion for sports, fitness, and healthcare during ... Read More

Erin Sutherland, originally from New Glasgow, NS moved to Halifax to pursue her career in massage therapy through ICT Northumberland College. She has been practicing massage therapy in Downtown Halifax for 10 years.

Erin’s treatment focus is deep tissue therapy with adjunct techniques as needed to help people reach their full potential while recovering from acute and chronic injuries, pre- and post-surgical, pre- and post-natal massage, motor vehicle accident recovery, and postural/ergonomic conditions. I have seen the many benefits that massage therapy has had on different stages of people’s lives. Erin is passionate about education – both educating clients on self-care and expanding her toolbox through continuing education herself. She has a special interest and training in Cupping Therapy, Fascial Movement Taping, Hot Stone Massage, and Reflexology.

Outside of work Erin enjoys playing piano, crafting, gardening, and long walks in nature.

Erin is available in clinic Saturday, Sunday, Monday, Thursday & Friday. You can phone 902 425 3065 to book or book online @ https://scotiaphysio.janeapp.com

Erin Sutherland, originally from New Glasgow, NS moved to Halifax to pursue her career in massage... Read More

I’ve been a physiotherapist since 2012 and truly enjoy what I do. I love getting to know my patients so I can help them in the many facets of their life where their pain or body function is limiting them. I have a special interest in temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD) and have been working with this patient population since the beginning of my time at Scotia Physiotherapy in 2013. Of course, I continue to treat those young and old for all manner of neuromusculoskeletal complaints.

I am passionate in my pursuit of continuing education and opportunities to better my practice in a holistic way. I’ve managed to do this by seeking out mentorship with highly skilled physiotherapists and spend time with other health care practitioners, specialists, and surgeons in both clinical settings and in operating rooms. I have completed numerous courses in manual therapy, pain science, acupuncture and dry needling, concussion, movement impairments, and TMD. I have worked at Dalhousie University in the Gross Anatomy Lab and School of Physiotherapy Musculoskeletal Lab as a teaching assistant, and delivered presentations regarding TMD to dental and periodontic students at Dalhousie.

Working one on one with a patient is important to me. It allows me to consider the whole person and how their life overall might have implications on the presentation. I relish the simple techniques that physiotherapy applies to complex anatomy which results in complex physiology in the human body, much like the act of going for walk yields countless mental and physical benefits. I look forward to working with you.

I’ve been a physiotherapist since 2012 and truly enjoy what I do. I love getting to know my patie... Read More

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