Dr. James Andrew Filbey – Pain Management Specialist / Physical Therapist | Victoria, BC

Dr. James Andrew Filbey is a Physiatrist / Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Specialist. Practicing at a rehabilitation clinic in Victoria, BC, Dr. Filbey is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused care in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation. Dr. Filbey is licensed by The College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) and adheres to the highest professional and ethical standards of the medical profession in BC. As a certified specialist in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (also known as a Physiatrist), Dr. Filbey focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of patients with a wide range of conditions affecting the brain, spinal cord, nerves, bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, and tendons. The goal is to enhance and restore functional ability and quality of life to those with physical impairments or disabilities. Dr. Filbey serves patients of all ages, from children and adolescents through to adults and seniors, requiring functional restoration.

Dr. James Andrew Filbey earned a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree from Mcmaster University, graduating in 1995. Subsequently, Dr. Filbey completed advanced specialty training in Specialty Practice in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (Physiatry). With over 30 years of practice since 1995, Dr. Filbey's expertise encompasses Specialty Practice in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (Physiatry). Additionally, the Physiatrist / Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Specialist holds qualifications/certifications such as: Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. Dr. Filbey is dedicated to ongoing professional development and continuing medical education to provide up-to-date, evidence-based care.

Key aspects of Dr. Filbey's medical practice philosophy include: collaborating closely with a multidisciplinary team to provide comprehensive and coordinated care; empowering patients through education about their condition and active participation in their treatment plan; a patient-centered approach, focusing on individual goals and maximizing functional independence. Dr. Filbey provides consultations in English.

As a Physiatrist, Dr. James Andrew Filbey addresses a variety of conditions related to physical function, pain, and rehabilitation, including but not limited to:

Debilitating Conditions Functional Improvement

• Debility & Deconditioning (e.g., post-illness, hospitalization): Rehabilitation programs to address generalized weakness, fatigue, and loss of function following prolonged illness, hospitalization, or inactivity.
• Amputation Rehabilitation & Prosthetic Management: Comprehensive care for individuals with limb loss, including pre-prosthetic management, prosthetic prescription, gait training, and adjustment to life with a prosthesis.

Sports Injuries Rehab

• Overuse Injuries in Athletes: Addressing the underlying biomechanical factors contributing to overuse injuries and implementing strategies for recovery and prevention.
• Sports-Related Musculoskeletal Injuries: Helping athletes recover from injury, regain strength and flexibility, and safely return to their sport.

Neurological Conditions

• Parkinson's Disease - Functional Rehabilitation: Therapeutic interventions to address motor symptoms like rigidity, bradykinesia, and postural instability.
• Multiple Sclerosis (MS) - Symptom Management & Functional Rehab: Rehabilitative support for patients with MS to optimize mobility, energy conservation, and overall well-being.

This list provides examples of conditions commonly managed. A comprehensive diagnosis and treatment plan are always based on an individual assessment by Dr. Filbey, typically following referral. If your specific concern isn't listed, please discuss with your referring physician or contact the clinic for more information.

• Management of Neuromuscular Disorders (e.g., MS, Parkinson's): Managing symptoms and functional limitations associated with conditions like Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson's Disease, ALS, and muscular dystrophies.
• Management of Back & Neck Pain: Non-surgical treatment for acute and chronic spinal pain, including disc herniations, spinal stenosis, and degenerative conditions.
• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Rehabilitation: Helping individuals with TBI improve cognitive function, physical abilities, and psychosocial adjustment.
• Musculoskeletal Ultrasound: Non-invasive imaging to visualize musculoskeletal structures and guide therapeutic interventions.
• Therapeutic Injections (Joints, Soft Tissues, Nerves): Performing image-guided (ultrasound or fluoroscopy) injections such as corticosteroid injections, viscosupplementation, trigger point injections, and peripheral nerve blocks.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Filbey. Not all services may be listed, and the suitability of any treatment depends on individual assessment and referral where appropriate. For a comprehensive understanding or to discuss your specific medical needs, please schedule a consultation or speak with your referring physician.

All services by Dr. James Andrew Filbey adhere to the scope of practice for Physiatrists in BC and the standards of The College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC).

At Dr. James Andrew Filbey's practice, the focus is on partnering with you to maximize your functional abilities, manage your condition effectively, and improve your overall quality of life. Dr. Filbey frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Managing their knee pain stopping them from climbing stairs or kneeling effectively and proactively is a top priority for Dr. Filbey and the dental team. The clear aim is always achieving a better overall sense of well-being and physical comfort, which directly helps patients get back to enjoying dressing, bathing, and grooming themselves without assistance and their daily routines without dental hindrance.
• For those affected by their child not meeting developmental milestones related to movement, Dr. Filbey provides solutions that lead to their pain being accurately diagnosed and effectively treated. This renewed health and confidence often translates to a joyful return to traveling and going on vacations.
• Numerous patients have successfully addressed difficulty walking and keeping their balance since their stroke with Dr. Filbey's dedicated support and clinical expertise. This often leads directly to their sports injury healing properly, allowing a safe return to play and the restored ability to fully participate in and enjoy maintaining their balance while standing or walking once more.
• Dr. Filbey often consults with patients whose their work-related injury preventing them from performing their job duties significantly limits their enjoyment of communicating their needs clearly if they have speech difficulties or impacts their self-confidence. The clear goal of care is to achieve feeling heard and supported throughout their treatment journey and thereby restore their active and healthy lifestyle.

Your personalized rehabilitation plan, developed in consultation with Dr. Filbey, will be carefully designed to help you reach your specific functional goals. Dr. Filbey is committed to empowering patients with the expertise and support needed to achieve their highest possible level of independence and well-being.

Dr. Filbey's practice, a rehabilitation clinic in Victoria, is situated in a well-regarded medical clinic specializing in rehabilitation in a Victoria neighborhood of Victoria. The clinic is conveniently located near a major north-south route and is accessible via the Victoria Regional Transit System (BC Transit). Please inquire about specific parking arrangements if you have mobility concerns.

What can I expect at my first appointment with Dr. Filbey at the clinic?

Your first visit with Dr. Filbey will typically involve a comprehensive assessment. This includes a detailed discussion of your medical history, the nature and timeline of your current symptoms, how these symptoms impact your daily activities and quality of life, and any previous treatments. Dr. Filbey will then perform a thorough physical examination, which may focus on the musculoskeletal system (joints, muscles, spine) and/or neurological system depending on the presenting problem. Any prior imaging (X-rays, MRI, CT) or test results will be reviewed. Based on this comprehensive evaluation, Dr. Filbey will discuss his diagnostic impressions, may recommend further investigations if needed, and will outline potential treatment and rehabilitation options, working with you to establish functional goals.

What are some common conditions a Physiatrist like Dr. Filbey treats?

Physiatrists like Dr. Filbey treat a wide range of conditions. Examples include the consequences of stroke, spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury (including concussion), sports injuries, arthritis (osteoarthritis, rheumatoid), chronic low back and neck pain, peripheral neuropathy, fibromyalgia, and conditions requiring amputation rehabilitation. Dr. Filbey's focus is on improving function, reducing pain, and enhancing quality of life related to these and other physical impairments.

How often will I need to see Dr. Filbey for follow-up appointments?

The frequency of follow-up appointments will depend on the nature of your condition, the specific treatment plan, and your progress. Initially, visits might be more frequent to monitor response to treatment or adjust medications/therapies. As your condition stabilizes or improves, follow-ups may become less frequent, focusing on long-term management, prevention, and ensuring functional goals are maintained. Dr. Filbey will recommend a follow-up schedule tailored to your needs.

Do I typically need a referral to see a Physiatrist (Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Specialist) like Dr. Filbey?

In BC, a referral from a family doctor (GP) or another specialist is generally required to see a Physiatrist like Dr. Filbey for consultations and treatments covered by provincial health plans like Medical Services Plan (MSP) of BC. This referral helps ensure the consultation is appropriate and that Dr. Filbey has the necessary background medical information. Speak with your primary care physician or referring doctor if you believe you need a physiatric assessment.

What are EMG and NCS tests, and why might Dr. Filbey recommend them?

Electromyography (EMG) evaluates the electrical activity produced by skeletal muscles, and Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS) measure how quickly and well electrical signals travel along nerves. Dr. Filbey might recommend these electrodiagnostic tests to help diagnose conditions such as pinched nerves (radiculopathy), carpal tunnel syndrome, peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage), muscular dystrophy, or other neuromuscular disorders. These tests help pinpoint the location and severity of nerve or muscle problems, guiding further treatment.

Are services provided by a Physiatrist like Dr. Filbey covered by provincial health insurance (e.g., Medical Services Plan (MSP) of BC)?

Most physician consultations and medically necessary assessments by a registered specialist Physiatrist like Dr. Filbey are typically covered by provincial health plans such as Medical Services Plan (MSP) of BC in BC, provided you have a valid health card and appropriate referral if required by the plan or clinic. However, some specific treatments or procedures (e.g., certain types of injections, assistive devices, comprehensive multidisciplinary programs) may not be fully covered or may have associated fees for materials or facility use. Inquire with the clinic about any potential out-of-pocket costs for recommended treatments and check with your private insurance, if any, regarding coverage for adjunctive therapies or devices.

What does a Physiatrist / Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Specialist like Dr. Filbey do?

A Physiatrist like Dr. Filbey is a medical doctor (physician) specializing in diagnosing, treating, and managing conditions affecting the brain, spinal cord, nerves, bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, and tendons. Their primary goal is to enhance and restore functional ability, reduce pain, and improve quality of life for people with physical impairments or disabilities resulting from injury or illness. They use non-surgical treatments including medication, therapeutic exercise programs, targeted injections (if applicable), and coordinate comprehensive rehabilitation plans often involving a team of therapists.

104-3551 Blanshard St
Victoria, BC, V8Z 0B9

Phone: (250) 940-4444

Dr. James Andrew Filbey is a licensed Physiatrist in BC, regulated by The College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) under the Health Professions Act (British Columbia).

License Number: 25936

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/324468/Filbey%2CJames

A referral from a family physician or another specialist may be required to see Dr. Filbey. Dr. Filbey and the team are committed to providing comprehensive care. If you have a medical emergency, please proceed to the nearest hospital emergency department or call 911.