What to expect
How long is the first appointment?
The first appointment lasts about 60 minutes.
​
What happens in the first appointment?
I will invite you to describe in detail your concern and also ask about your health in general. With your permission, I will observe specific body movements, move your body for you to feel for restrictions, test your strength, perform joint-specific tests, and palpate or touch the area that is bothering you.
Does the first appointment include treatment?
The initial treatment will often consist of me explaining what I think may be causing your symptoms, what you can do to help it in your day-to-day life, and recommending a treatment plan. Sometimes we will have time for some hands-on treatment or to show you a couple of individualized exercises.
How many treatments will I need?
Usually treatment is most effective if it takes place over the course of several sessions. We will discuss how many sessions would be ideal - often somewhere between four and twelve. If you have time or financial restrictions, I will do my best to work within the time that is available for us.
​
How long are follow-up appointments?
Follow-ups are usually 30 minutes long. Sometimes we may decide together to opt for longer sessions, at an additional cost.
What happens during a treatment session?
My work integrates a number of approaches, including:
-
Traditional physiotherapy (exercise, manual therapy, and electric modalities)
-
Applied pain neuroscience (learning about how pain works, practicing favourable day-to-day activities and thought patterns, and using safe, gradual exercise progressions)
-
Mindfulness (meditation, and meditation with movement)
We can talk together to decide which treatments are most appropriate for you.
Find out more about my treatment style.
Whereabouts are you located?
All of Briony's physiotherapy appointments take place at the beautiful premises of Bodyworx Physiotherapy. The address is 156 Manor Drive, in Comox, BC. Contact Briony, contact Bodyworx, or make an appointment.
​
What is the cost? Will my insurance cover it?
A list of fees and other billing information is available here.
What conditions does Briony treat?
Briony competently assesses and treats:
​
-
Aches and pain in any body part: neck, back, jaw, shoulder, elbow, wrist, hips, knees, legs, ankles, feet…
​​
-
Specific conditions: Achilles tendonitis, frozen shoulder, tennis elbow, sciatica, tendonitis, carpal tunnel, osteoarthritis, plantar fasciitis, whiplash, disc bulges, degenerative discs, degenerative joints, ligament injuries, meniscal tears, nerve pain, rotator cuff injures, and many more...
​​
-
Injuries caused by: sports mishaps, crashes and falls, overuse, repetitive strain, motor vehicle accidents, and pains that just came on for no apparent reason
​​
-
Chronic pain conditions: fibromyalgia, generalized soft tissue pains, any pain that has stuck around more than a couple months
​​
-
Acute conditions: even if your injury site is very swollen and it hurts to move, Briony can give you important advice to get you on the right path to healing
​​
-
Post-surgical and post-fracture rehabilitation
​
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a doctor's referral?
There is no need to see a doctor before seeing a physiotherapist. Briony can provide a comprehensive assessment. She may refer you to your doctor if she has any specific concerns about your condition.
Private insurance companies sometimes require a referral in order to cover treatment.
​
What should I wear?
Please wear clothing that you can move freely in. It is usually important to uncover the area that is bothering you, so wearing a tank-top or shorts is helpful, if you are comfortable with it.
​
How does Briony's approach differ from other physiotherapists?
-
More time having therapeutic conversations about pain, beliefs, emotion, lifestyle, and movement

-
A whole-person approach, seeing you as more than just your injured body part

-
Using mindfulness as well as therapeutic exercises
Learn more about Briony's approach.
​
What are your thoughts about consent?
Briony takes consent seriously. She wants you to feel completely comfortable and safe while under her care. There is nothing she will ask you to do without your full permission. She checks in regularly to make sure you understand the assessment and treatment underway, and that you are on board. You can stop to ask questions or redirect the session any time.
​
Will Briony make me meditate?
Briony uses mindfulness and meditation when appropriate, and only with clients who are interested. Being mindful sometimes may just mean paying attention to your body sensations while you do a movement. Learn more about how Briony uses mindfulness in her practice.