About Susan
Susan is a member of the Nova Scotia Association of Osteopaths (NSAO) and the Massage Therapy Association of Nova Scotia (MTANS). She enjoys helping people prevent disease through moving with greater ease.
​
Susan is a retired Ballerina who graduated from the Royal Winnipeg Ballet in 1994, and danced professionally in Canada, Scotland and China. Dancers are athletes, who experience repetitive strain injuries (RSI). Susan experienced a variety of RSI's during her dance career. Tendonitis and pain in her ankles, knees, hips, and low-back. Most memorable was a broken fifth metatarsal due to a leap that launched beautifully but landed badly during a performance onstage in Shanghai! The bone healed, and Susan was able to return to dancing en pointe with the Scottish Ballet.
This story of injury and pain is commonplace; during athletic activity, at work and generally throughout life. Our bodies have an innate ability to heal and recover from injury and trauma. Osteopathy supports healing and enduring resilience. Susan encourages people to return to gentle movement, recreational and professional athletics and dance.
​
Additionally, Susan is a Stott Pilates Instructor. Pilates enhances core stability and mobility. The matwork and rehab reformer complement Osteopathy, and your injury prevention and rehabilitation.
Community Health is an expanded scope of Susan's work as an Osteopath. She volunteers with and supports the Musquodoboit Trailways and the Gaetz Brook Greenway – both of which are much-loved sections of the Trans Canada Trail, and the HRM Active Transportation Spine along the rail corridor adjacent to her business.
Osteopathy
Complementary Healthcare
Osteopathy is complementary healthcare that posits a dysfunction in one area of the body will cause symptoms to present elsewhere.
As an example, ankle and foot pain will cause biomechanical compensations that restrict a person's walkability. These compensations will change how a person walks and create unnecessary strain in the knee, hip, or low-back as the body adapts to absorb the force of gravity and impact.
Manual Osteopaths assess and treat your body using a variety of manual and movement therapy techniques to ease restrictions, normalize compensations, and enable a return to optimal function.
General Osteopathic Technique
Compression/Traction
Muscle Energy
Cranio - Sacral
Osteo - Articular
Strain - Counterstrain
​
​
Osteopathy is beneficial for newborns who may experience torticollis or colic, the elderly and office professionals who sit long hours each day and need movement coaching and nervous system support.
​
Benefits of Osteopathic Manual Therapy
Chronic Pain
Manage and decrease chronic pain associated with neurological conditions, fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis, chronic fatigue, arthritis and more.
Stress Relief
Decreasing stress while improving relaxation, body awareness, grounding and mindfulness.
Edema/Swelling
Stimulate the lymphatic system to significantly decrease and manage swelling and congestion.
Pre/Post Natal
Decrease and manage low back, pelvic and upper back pain, improve posture, decrease stress, while preparing and recovering from birth.
Pediatric
Support breast-feeding and latch, soothe digestion and help regulate.
Post Surgical
Mobilize scar tissue from injury or surgery of all kinds to help restore range of motion and strength, minimize adhesion formation, decrease nerve compression and improve circulation.
Headache, Migraines and Jaw Pain
Prevent, manage and decrease the intensity of chronic tension headaches, migraines and jaw pain.
Respiratory Conditions
Decrease restrictions in the diaphragm and rib cage, mobilize mucus buildup in lungs and promote deep breathing to eliminate inflammation.
Injury Prevention and Rehabilitation
Decrease compensatory patterns, postural dysfunctions, and promote full strength and range of motion in affected muscles and joints.
Low Back and Pelvic Pain
Reduce pain, improve mobility, stability, muscle tone and circulation.
Insurance
Susan can direct bill most insurance companies provided clients have a referral from a doctor.