Our Team, Scotia Physiotherapy

Alison Beaton

PT, MClSc, FCAMPT, Diploma Sports Physiotherapy

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.

Cynthia Murphy

PT, FCAMPT, BScPT, MCPA

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.

Jennifer Wade

PT, BScKin, MScPT (she/her)

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.

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

Service également offert en français.

Please feel free contact her @ Jennifer.wade@scotiaphysiotherapy.ca with questions.

2023 – Jennifer Wade is currently on maternity leave. Cynthia Murphy, PT and Dawn Hanifen, PT are covering her TMD caseload.

Dawn Hanifen

BScPT

Upon graduation from St. Francis Xavier University in 2001 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology Dawn Hanifen (she/her) 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 – Dawn is currently helping cover Jennifer Wade’s TMD caseload while Jennifer is on maternity leave.

Emily Coolen

PT, BScKin

Originally from Halifax, NS Emily Coolen (she/her) completed her Bachelor of Science Kinesiology with First Class Honours, at Dalhousie University. She has worked as a personal trainer at the Dalplex for over 10 years with a specialization in older adult fitness. This work helped her to develop a passion for promoting fitness, function, and independence across the lifespan. It also inspired her to pursue her to complete her Master of Science in Physiotherapy at Dalhousie University.

Emily is passionate about combining her personal training experience and physiotherapy skills to help her clients achieve their maximum potential and live the life they want. Emily works with clients of all ages to help them achieve their goals, whether they are sport-related, health-related, or anything in between. She is a strong believer in the power of education and exercise and works to promote independence for all of her clients.

Emily has a special interest in chronic pain, long-COVID, older adult advocacy, and falls prevention, and hopes to pursue continuing education in these areas to further her physiotherapy practice.

She offers in clinic and in gym one:one physiotherapy sessions.

In her free time, she enjoys surfing and hiking, and working with her rescue dog Tally.

Qualifications/Certifications:
– Master of Science in Physiotherapy
– Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology
– International Sports Sciences Association certified personal trainer
– Human Kinetics specialization in Older Adult Fitness

Emily can be reached at Emily.coolen@scotiaphysiotherapy.ca.

Jacob Halloran

PT, BSc Medical Sciences

Jacob Halloran (He/Him) completed a BSc 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 pathology that turned out to be multiple tears to his hip labrum and abdominal wall. 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.

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

Rachel Rubin-Sarganis

PT (resident), BSc Medical Sciences

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.

Carolynn MacLennan

R.M.T., BScHK

Carolynn MacLennan graduated from the massage therapy program at Northumberland College in 2003 and has received additional training in advanced sports massage and pregnancy massage. She also has a BScHK from St FX University.

Carolynn has experience treating a wide variety of musculoskeletal conditions including back and neck pain, 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 is dedicated to helping you maintain a healthy, happy and active lifestyle.

Carolynn’s hours: Monday, Wednesday & Friday 10-4pm Tuesday & Thursday 5:45-8pm. Call 902 425 3065 or book online @ https://scotiaphysio.janeapp.com/

Erin Sutherland

RMT

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. Erin is trained and skilled in intra-oral massage and infant and children massage. 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 on Saturday, Sunday, Monday, Thursday & Friday. You can phone 902 425 3065 to book or book online @ https://scotiaphysio.janeapp.com

Craig MacDonald

DOMP, MSEd, BKin, CSCS

Craig MacDonald has a unique skill set; he is both an osteopathic manual practitioner and certified strength and conditioning specialist. Craig obtained a Bachelor of Kinesiology degree from Acadia University in 2010, a Master of Science in Education (Exercise Physiology: Strength & Conditioning) degree from the University of Miami in 2014, and a Diploma in Osteopathy Manual Practice from the Canadian College of Osteopathy in 2022.

Craig has worked in Olympic and Paralympic sport since 2014 as a strength and conditioning coach and exercise physiologist. Athletes competing in Olympic and Paralympic Games require not only the development of world class physical capacities, but also movement skills and physical robustness to remain healthy. Craig is excited to apply his expertise in athlete development to anyone looking to reach better function within or outside of sport.

Craig utilizes osteopathy to identify and address movement limitations in joints, tissues, bones, and other areas and to guide natural self-healing properties of the body. He also integrates his exercise-based background to guide activities of daily living and support his manual treatments with exercise to optimize treatment outcomes. He is committed to supporting the HEALTH of his patients and understanding the CAUSE rather than focusing on symptoms.

Craig is a member in good standing with the Nova Scotia Association of Osteopaths (NSAO), Ontario Association of Osteopathic Manual Practitioners (OAO), and the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA).

At Scotia Craig offers in clinic Osteopathic manual therapy and one:one in gym sessions combining strength & conditioning with osteopathy.

Craig can be contacted at craigmacdonaldDOMP@gmail.com

Brian Crouse

B.Sc, RMT

Brian’s approach to treatment is based on anatomy, physiology, and good communication. His work is based on massage’s ability to help with both specific injuries and conditions as well as general bodily and emotional health. He’s comfortable with deeper tissue and pressure as well as gentle pressure. He values the education aspect of health care and will work to make sure you understand what’s happening in your treatment. He gets excited answering any anatomy questions you may have!

Brian has taken post-graduate training in the management of TMD and myofascial approaches, specializing around the head, neck, jaw, and pelvis. Myofascial techniques engage the fascia, or connective tissue, and can be an effective component of treatment for long-term change. He also is trained to work with scar tissue adhesion release, and is happy to offer treatments on scars, including post-surgical scar tissue.

Brian’s client base is varied, and includes care for: TMD/jaw pain, sports injuries and athletes, whiplash and neck injuries, back pain, postural stress, anxiety, and systemic nervous system conditions (such as MS, Parkinson’s, and Alzheimer’s).

Brian’s educational background is in physics and geography, he since spent several years working in the non-profit world doing social justice facilitation, and both inform his practice of massage. He practices crossfit and yoga, loves to cycle and hike, and is passionate about how people learn to move their bodies, safely and with grace, at all stages of life.

Brian graduated from ICT Northumberland College for Massage Therapy with honours in spring 2021, and is a member in good standing with MTANS.

Brian has daytime and evening availability and can be reached at briancrousermt@gmail.com

Scotia Physiotherapy is the oldest independently-owned physiotherapy clinic in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Our physiotherapists have extensive post-graduate training including:

Our massage therapists have extensive post-graduate training including:

Our osteopath has extensive training including:

Our therapists practice what we preach and prioritize physical fitness – we understand how it feels to be limited by injury or pain!

Meet Our Team

Michael Ritchie

Jessica Corfield & Lauren Powell

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