Frequently Asked Questions

A Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) is an occupational therapist or physical therapist who, through advanced study and experience, specializes in treating individuals with conditions affecting the hands and upper extremity.

To earn the CHT credential, a therapist must have at least three years of clinical experience, complete a minimum of 4,000 hours of direct practice in hand therapy, and pass a comprehensive certification examination that tests both theoretical knowledge and clinical competency.

The CHT designation is the gold standard in hand and upper extremity rehabilitation — it means your therapist has demonstrated expertise well beyond entry-level practice.

We are currently in-network with Medicare Part B. For patients with other insurance plans, we intentionally work outside of network contracts — and that's by design, not a limitation.

Insurance often means rushed appointments, one-size-fits-all protocols, and treatments that only scratch the surface. Working with us directly means more time focused on you, a plan built around your specific condition rather than what's pre-approved, and the ability to integrate techniques that fall outside typical coverage — all of which leads to faster, more lasting results and less time and money spent on repeated, ineffective care.

If you have a PPO insurance plan, you may be eligible for substantial reimbursement after meeting your out-of-network deductible. Every plan is different, and our team is happy to help you understand your benefits, verify your coverage, and assist with claims submission.

We believe financial concerns shouldn't stand between you and the care you need. Please reach out and we'll work with you to find a solution.

Yes, we maintain a 24-hour cancellation policy. If you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment, please let us know at least 24 hours in advance.

Sessions cancelled with less than 24 hours' notice are subject to a cancellation fee, because we are unable to fill that appointment slot on short notice. This policy helps us continue providing timely care to all our patients.

We understand that emergencies happen. Exceptional circumstances are reviewed on a case-by-case basis — please don't hesitate to reach out and explain your situation.

Our office is located at 2512 Artesia Blvd, Suite 305F, in Redondo Beach, CA. We serve patients throughout the South Bay including Torrance, Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach, El Segundo, and Palos Verdes.

We also offer in-home visits for patients who have transportation difficulties or prefer the privacy and convenience of receiving care in their own home. If you're interested in this option, please mention it when you contact us.

In most cases, you can begin therapy without a referral. However, insurance coverage requirements vary. Medicare and some insurance plans do require a physician's referral or prescription for therapy services.

We recommend contacting your insurance carrier to confirm their requirements. Our team can also help guide you through this process. Feel free to reach out before your first appointment and we'll help clarify what's needed for your specific situation.

Your first appointment is an initial evaluation — a thorough assessment of your condition, history, functional limitations, and goals. This typically takes 60–75 minutes and allows your therapist to build a complete picture of your needs.

During the evaluation, we'll assess range of motion, strength, sensation, pain levels, swelling, and how your condition impacts your daily life. Based on this, your therapist will develop a personalized treatment plan and discuss the goals and timeline for your recovery.

Come ready to talk about your history, any imaging or surgical reports you have, and what matters most to you in recovery. Comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that provides easy access to your arm is helpful.

The duration of hand therapy varies significantly depending on your specific condition, its severity, your overall health, and how consistently you participate in your home program.

Minor injuries or conditions may resolve in 4–6 weeks of therapy. More complex cases — such as post-surgical rehabilitation or nerve injuries — may require 3–6 months or longer. Your therapist will provide a realistic timeline estimate during your initial evaluation and update it as your recovery progresses.

Consistency is key — patients who attend sessions regularly and follow through with their home exercises tend to recover faster and more completely. Because our practice model gives you direct, one-on-one time with your therapist at every visit and in between if you'd like, we're able to catch issues early, adjust your plan in real time, and keep your recovery on the most efficient path — rather than waiting weeks between check-ins to course-correct.