Physiotherapy for TMD Treatment
From Podium to Operating Room: Advancing TMD Care
August 6, 2025

In June, I had the honour of speaking at the Nova Scotia Dental Associations Annual General Meeting, where I was invited to share insights on the physiotherapists role in managing temporomandibular disorders (TMD). Speaking to such a knowledgeable and collaborative audience of dental professionals was both humbling and exciting. It’s encouraging to see the growing recognition of interdisciplinary care in managing this complex condition. 

As part of my commitment to continued education and furthering care, I also pursued an elective opportunity to observe in the operating room to witness total temporomandibular joint (TMJ) replacements firsthand. Seeing the surgical approach to advanced TMD cases deepened my appreciation for the full continuum of care from conservative management to surgical intervention and has directly enriched my clinical practice.

These experiences are not just professional milestones; they’re opportunities for me to give back. I’ve been fortunate to mentor and collaborate with our massage therapists and fellow physiotherapists, sharing new insights, clinical pearls, and evidence-based strategies to elevate the care we offer our TMD patients. From refining assessment techniques to integrating new manual therapy approaches and patient education models, our team is growing stronger and more aligned in how we support individuals with TMD.

If you or someone you know is struggling with TMJ pain, clicking, clenching, or jaw-related headaches, know that help is available. With a combination of skilled hands-on care, movement retraining, and an informed, team-based approach, recovery is not only possible, its within reach.

Jennifer Wade, PT

Jennifer Wade

PT, BScKin, MScPT (she/her)

I’ve been a practicing physiotherapist since 2012 and genuinely love what I do. I value the opportunity to get to know my patients and understand how their pain or limitations are affecting their daily lives—so we can work together toward meaningful, lasting change.

Since joining Scotia Physiotherapy in 2013, I’ve developed a special interest in temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD) and have become deeply immersed in this complex and rewarding area of practice. I continue to treat people of all ages for a broad range of neuromusculoskeletal concerns, but TMD remains a strong clinical focus.

I’m passionate about lifelong learning and constantly seek opportunities to refine my skills in a holistic and evidence-informed way. I have pursued mentorship with advanced practitioners and regularly collaborate with other healthcare professionals, including observing jaw-related surgeries in operating rooms, as well as treatments in clinical settings to deepen my understanding of surgical and interdisciplinary care.

I’ve completed extensive continuing education in areas such as manual therapy, pain science, acupuncture and dry needling, movement impairments, concussion management, trauma-informed care, and TMD. I’ve also taught in Dalhousie University’s Gross Anatomy and Musculoskeletal labs, and have been invited to speak to dental professionals, including dentists, and periodontal and dental students, on the role of physiotherapy in managing TMD.

What matters most to me is providing one-on-one care that treats the whole person. I strive to uncover how lifestyle, stress, and broader health influences can shape physical symptoms, and I value the simplicity of physiotherapy techniques applied to the body’s complex systems—much like how the simple act of walking can offer wide-ranging physical and mental benefits.

I look forward to working with you.

Feel free to contact me at jennifer.wade@scotiaphysiotherapy.ca with any questions.

Call 902 425 3065 or book online @ https://scotiaphysio.janeapp.com/jennifer

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.

Call 902 425 3065 or book online @ https://scotiaphysio.janeapp.com/dawn

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/carolyn

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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. 

Call 902 425 3065 or book online @ https://scotiaphysio.janeapp.com/erin

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 is an Instructor and Examiner within the Advanced Integrated Musculoskeletal (AIM) Physiotherapy Program of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association. She has previously instructed 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.

Call 902 425 3065 or book online @ https://scotiaphysio.janeapp.com/alison

 

Danyon Nickerson

RMT

Danyon Nickerson, RMT is a graduate of the Canadian College of Massage and Hydrotherapy (CCMH) and, a member of MTANS.

He is a compassionate Massage Therapist dedicated to creating a caring, inclusive, and patient-focused environment. Through his education and clinical experience at CCMH, Danyon has developed the ability to tailor each treatment to the unique needs of his clients, ensuring every session is as effective and supportive as possible.

Danyon has gained hands-on experience working with individuals living with arthritis, invisible illnesses, and neurological conditions, and holds a special interest in supporting members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, including care before and after gender-affirming surgery.

He brings a strong foundation in General Swedish Massage, Myofascial Release, Joint Mobilizations, PNF, and passive stretching techniques, paired with solid orthopedic assessment skills. His treatment style is adaptive and responsive, always prioritizing the comfort and goals of each client.

Committed to ongoing learning, Danyon plans to further his education in CranioSacral Therapy (CST), scar tissue treatment, and other specialized modalities. He is excited to bring his skills and positive energy to Scotia Physio, where he looks forward to collaborating in a multidisciplinary setting to provide well-rounded, patient-centered care.

With a background in retail, cheerleading, and martial arts, Danyon brings strong communication skills and a deep appreciation for the body’s ability to move and heal. He strives to foster supportive, affirming, and trusting relationships with each patient so they feel truly valued and at ease.

In his free time, Danyon enjoys going on walks, playing video games, and spending quality time with friends and family and a soon to be cat.

Call 902 425 3065 or book online @ https://scotiaphysio.janeapp.com/danyon

Jacob Halloran

PT, BSc Medical Sciences

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 Jacob with questions.

Call 902 425 3065 or book online @ https://scotiaphysio.janeapp.com/jacob

Morgan King MSc, RD

Morgan king

RD, MSc

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 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. 

Morgan is pleased to offer virtual and in person nutrition counselling. 

Call 902 425 3065 or book online @ https://scotiaphysio.janeapp.com/morgan

Emma MacKEnzie

PT, BScKin

Emma MacKenzie, PT Resident is passionate about improving functional mobility, strength, and quality of life through individualized, evidence-informed treatment plans for her patients. With a Master of Science in Physiotherapy from Dalhousie University and a Bachelor of Science with Honours in Kinesiology from the University of New Brunswick, Emma brings a strong foundation in both clinical practice and academics to her work.

Emma has gained hands-on experience with a variety of different patient populations, including orthopaedic, neurological, and cardiorespiratory conditions and injuries. Her experience in various hospitals, private clinics, and specialized rehabilitation centers has equipped her with the skills to assess, diagnose, and treat patients with diverse needs effectively. Her undergraduate experience as a Strength and Conditioning coach with the UNB women’s varsity soccer team also highlights her ability to create meaningful exercise programs to help patients reach their personal fitness and rehabilitation goals.

Outside of work, Emma leads an active lifestyle, enjoying running, spending time at the gym, and attending fitness classes. She also has a passion for travel and loves exploring new restaurants wherever she goes, as well as attending as many concerts and live music events as she can. Emma’s personal and professional interests reflect her dedication to a healthy, balanced lifestyle and enthusiasm for discovering new perspectives and opportunities for growth.

Emma offers in-clinic and one:one gym based physiotherapy. 

Call 902 425 3065 or book online @ https://scotiaphysio.janeapp.com/emma

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.

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/cynthia) or call 902 425 3065 to enquire about these appointments.

Service également offert en français.

 

Susan cook

Osteopath, RMT

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.

You can phone 902 425 3065 to book or book online @ https://scotiaphysio.janeapp.com/susan