Chronic Pain Physiotherapy and Self Management

STARTING January 2025: Scotia Physiotherapy will be offering a multidisciplinary Pain Self Management Program to help you learn how to manage and overcome your pain. Details below.

Chronic Pain Physiotherapy in Halifax, Nova Scotia

What Is Chronic Pain?

Pain is considered chronic when it persists for three months or longer. For some people, chronic pain develops following an injury or illness. For others, it may be associated with a medical condition or occur without a clear cause. According to Health Canada, up to 8 million Canadians live with chronic pain.

Chronic pain can affect daily activities, sleep, mood, and overall quality of life — but support and effective management strategies are available.

What Is the Difference Between Short-Term Pain and Chronic Pain?

Short-term (acute) pain commonly occurs after injury or illness and typically improves as tissues heal. This type of pain often responds well to traditional approaches such as rest, ice or heat, and pain medication.

Chronic pain behaves differently. It may persist even after tissues have healed and does not always respond to conventional pain-management strategies. Factors such as stress, poor sleep, previous injury, and nervous system sensitivity can influence ongoing pain.

How Can Physiotherapy Help with Chronic Pain?

At Scotia Physiotherapy in Halifax, your physiotherapist will complete a thorough assessment to identify physical, lifestyle, and nervous-system factors contributing to your pain. Together, you will develop a personalized treatment plan focused on improving function, confidence, and quality of life.

We take a multidisciplinary approach to chronic pain management, which may include:

  • Manual therapy

  • Acupuncture and dry needling

  • Therapeutic ultrasound and laser therapy

  • Supervised in-gym physiotherapy

  • Massage therapy

  • Nutrition counselling

  • Education and self-management strategies

Our goal is not just pain reduction, but helping you move, participate, and live more fully.

Chronic Pain Self-Management Program

Become Empowered to Live More Life with Less Pain

Living with chronic pain can feel overwhelming — but it does not have to define your life. The Chronic Pain Self-Management Program at Scotia Physiotherapy is designed to help you regain control, build resilience, and improve your day-to-day wellbeing.

This program supports individuals at any stage of their pain journey, whether pain has been present for months or years.

What Is the Chronic Pain Self-Management Program?

This introductory course teaches practical, evidence-based strategies to help you better understand and manage chronic pain.

Course Modules Include:

Module 1: Pain 101
Learn how pain works, different types of pain, and how understanding pain can help guide better care decisions.

Module 2: The Body & Movement
Explore how to approach movement and activity safely to reduce fear, build confidence, and support daily function.

Module 3: The Mind–Body Connection
Understand how thoughts, beliefs, emotions, and past experiences interact with pain, and learn strategies to shift these interactions toward a more neutral response.

Module 4: Check-In & Resources
An opportunity to troubleshoot strategies, ask questions, and learn how to build a personalized healthcare support team.

The program is designed and delivered by physiotherapists and psychologists with expertise in chronic pain management.

Why Participate in This Program?

  • Gain Empowerment: Learn self-management skills that put you back in control of your health

  • Flexible & Inclusive: Suitable for a wide range of conditions including arthritis, fibromyalgia, back pain, and nerve pain

  • Supportive Environment: Connect with others who understand your experience

  • Accessible: Delivered in a structured, easy-to-follow format with practical tools you can apply immediately

Who Is This Program For?

This program is ideal for individuals who:

  • Live with chronic pain related to injury, illness, or medical conditions

  • Want to improve quality of life and daily function

  • Are looking for new tools and strategies to manage pain

  • Value education, support, and shared experiences

Program Details

The program must be pre-paid and is billed as physiotherapy. Many extended health insurance plans cover group physiotherapy programs.

Register or Learn More

To learn more or to register for upcoming sessions, contact Scotia Physiotherapy:

📞 902-425-3065
📧 info@scotiaphysiotherapy.ca

Managing chronic pain is a journey — and you don’t have to do it alone.

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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 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 is the owner of Scotia Physiotherapy and Cole Harbour Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation. She sees clients in both locations.

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

Please feel free to contact her @ alison.beaton@scotiaphysiotherapy.ca or abeaton@chphysio.ca

Danyon Nickerson

RMT

Danyon _(he/him)_ is a graduate of the Canadian College of Massage & Hydrotherapy and a member of MTANS. He is a compassionate Massage Therapist dedicated to _inclusive, patient-centered care, meeting each person where they are in their healing journey — recognizing that progress is not always linear.

As a queer clinician, Danyon is committed to providing safe, affirming care for 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, having both professional and lived perspective to _understanding the barriers many face in healthcare_. His goal is to create a space where all patients feel seen, supported, and empowered.

He has experience treating a wide range of acute and chronic musculoskeletal, neurological, and systemic conditions, including anxiety, chronic pain, headaches/migraines, TMJD, IBS, arthritis, diabetes, repetitive strain injuries, postural dysfunctions, fibromyalgia, frozen shoulder, whiplash-associated disorders (WAD), plantar fasciitis, thoracic outlet syndrome, and more. He also welcomes patients seeking rest, relaxation, and stress relief.

Treatment approaches include: Cupping massage therapy, Swedish Massage, Myofascial Release, trigger point therapy, passive stretching/ROM, PNF, proprioceptive techniques, and myotonics. He is committed to ongoing education, with plans to pursue training in CranioSacral Therapy, Graston Technique ®, and scar-tissue-focused techniques.

Outside of clinic, Danyon enjoys walking, going to the gym, playing video games, binging TV shows and spending time with friends, family, and his two cats, Mango and Edgar.

Availability: Sun-Thurs 

Treatment options:*30, 45, 60 & 90 mins 

Booking: (902) 425-3065 or online via https://scotiaphysio.janeapp.com/#/staff_member/56

Please note: for all first visits, including those seeing Danyon for the first time, we kindly ask that you book a 60-minute initial assessment appointment.

Feel free to contact him through email: danyonnickersonRMT@gmail.com or via Instagram @Danyon.RMT https://www.instagram.com/danyon.rmt/  for any questions.

 

Meghan Cosman

PT, BScKin

Meghan Cosman, PT is passionate about supporting others in achieving their optimal health and well-being through evidence-based, patient-centred care. Her experience is uniquely balanced between the public healthcare system and private practice, having divided her time between hospital-based physiotherapy and clinic settings. This diverse background has equipped her to effectively assess and treat a broad range of conditions, including cardiopulmonary, neurological, and musculoskeletal/orthopeadic concerns.

Her ability to work across multiple domains allows her to bring a holistic and adaptable approach to treatment, ensuring each client receives a personalized and effective care plan.

Outside of practice, Meghan enjoys running, travelling, attending concerts, and unwinding with a good book or her favourite reality TV shows.

Call 902 425 3065 or book online HERE 

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