PROSPECTIVE CLIENTS

Since limited movement in the hand can be the result of many things, an evaluation by a trained therapist is always the best bet. We specialize in Constraint Induced Movement Therapy (CIMT) which is an intense treatment designed to increase movement and function in the hand and arm. We also have other therapies available that are shorter and less intense if needed. Please call us to speak with a therapist who can give you more specific information related to your specific needs.

PREV NEXT I need more movement in my arm.

Since limited movement in the arm can be the result of many things, an evaluation by a trained therapist is a good idea. We specialize in Constraint Induced Movement Therapy (CIMT) which is an intense treatment designed to increase movement and function in the hand and arm. We also have other therapies available that are shorter and less intense if needed. Give us a call to speak with a therapist who can give you more information related to your specific needs.

PREV NEXT I need more movement in my leg.

We are one of the only facilities in the country that specializes in Constraint Induced Movement Therapy for legs. Using the LiteGait® device, we are able to target treatment for those specific leg movements and patterns that are most important for walking and mobility. Give us a call and talk to one of our therapists who can give you specific information on this innovative approach designed to improvement overall function of the leg.

PREV NEXT I need to speak more clearly.

Speech problems can be the result of many different things. Things like weak or uncoordinated mouth muscles can lead to slurred speech that cannot be understood. Problems understanding what others are saying to you or thinking of the words to say yourself is a very different cause and therefore treated differently. We specialize in Constraint Induced Aphasia Therapy (CIAT) which specifically targets the ability to find the right words and say them along with understanding what other people are saying.

The same approach has also worked well for weak or uncoordinated mouth muscles and slurred speech. The CIAT program is an intense form of speech therapy that helps improve language skills even years after a stroke or other brain injury. We also provide shorter less intense treatments if needed. Give us a call to speak to a therapist that may be able to help steer you in the right direction to find an effective treatment for your specific speech problem.

PREV NEXT I have trouble swallowing.

Swallowing problems are very common after stroke or other head injury. Problems swallowing can be dangerous if not treated and lead to pneumonia. Our speech therapists have years of experience treating the various causes of swallowing problems. Give us a call and speak to one of our therapists who can provide you more information specific to your condition.

PREV NEXT I need cognitive improvement.

Cognitive-linguistic decline can often be improved by speech therapy. There are many activities that are used to stimulate the brain into more effective thinking and processing of information. Give us a call and let one of our therapists provide you with more information specific to your goals.

PREV NEXT What does “Constraint-Induced” mean?

In this context, “Constraint-Induced” means that the stronger side of the body or strongest communication skill is limited so that the weaker side or weaker communication skill is forced to work. For hand and arm therapy, a mitt is placed on the good hand to prevent you from using it while you concentrate on making the weaker hand work. To work on communication skills, there is no physical constraint used. We limit or eliminate the use of any communication method other than speech. That means little or no writing, gesturing, drawing, etc. to get the point across—only trying to use speech.

PREV NEXT How are CIMT and CIAT different from other therapies?

CIMT and CIAT use the principles of constraint, forced use, and massed practice to overcome the phenomenon of “learned non-use”. Through intense practice focused on one major goal, CIMT and CIAT can result in functional improvements even after a plateau has occurred with a shorter schedule of therapy. Most therapy centers are not set up to allow for so much time to be spent with one client. We’ve set up our practice specifically so that we can devote the number of hours needed to get you progressing again.

PREV NEXT Who is appropriate for CIMT and CIAT?

For all programs you should have no uncontrolled medical conditions such as:

recent seizures
problems controlling blood pressure
problems controlling blood sugar

CIMT Qualifications

General Guidelines for Required Movement:

At least 6 month post-onset in most cases
20 degrees of extension in the wrist
10 degrees of extension in each of the fingers

SaeboFlex Orthosis Qualifications:

General Guidelines for Required Movement:

At least 6 month post-onset in most cases
Ability to bend fingers when wrist is placed in extension and fingers are extended
Any shoulder and elbow movement
Ability to passively stretch out fingers and wrist

CIAT Qualifications

General Guidelines for Required Basic Skills

At least 6 month post-onset in most cases
Ability to say at least three different words spontaneously
Ability to attend to a single task for at least two minutes with assistance
At least moderately intact receptive language
No more than a moderate verbal apraxia is ideal, however, clients with more severe apraxia are considered on a case-by-case basis following a full evaluation
No more than a moderate dysarthria is ideal, however, clients with a more severe dysarthria are considered on a case-by-case basis following a full evaluation

PREV NEXT How long after the stroke or other brain injury can CIMT/CIAT work?

We’ve seen clients make progress many years after their injury. Many people believe that progress can only be made in the first year or so after a stroke or brain injury; however, recent research is showing that that is not true. Our programs are designed to stimulate the brain to reorganize by working more intensely than you probably ever have before. We’ve personally seen clients make progress more than 14 years after their stroke or brain injury.

PREV NEXT Where can I read more about CIMT and CIAT?

The Treatment Articles page has articles available on the internet written by our staff and others about CIMT and CIAT. We encourage you to do additional research to find other articles that are available.

PREV NEXT What ages to you treat?

We treat ages 3 and up. Our pediatric program includes children ages 3 to 11. Our young adult and adult program includes ages 12 and up.

PREV NEXT What kind of results do you achieve?

CIMT

Many CIMT clients are able to see a small change at the end of their first day. Subsequent days continue to build upon these early successes.

CIAT

While specific goals are established according to each client’s needs and abilities, every client who has completed at least two weeks of CIAT has achieved at least some level of improvement as measured using standardized tests. Clients who continue to use the home program we provide at the end of therapy report that their progress has continued for a year or more after completing our program.

PREV NEXT Will my hand/speech be completely better in two or three weeks?

The programs are designed to “move forward” your progress. Although we certainly expect you to see improvement in the time you are here, your progress should continue with exercises we will teach you to do at home. We believe that your progress should never be at an end. As long as you are challenging yourself and work every day, you have the potential to keep improving.

PREV NEXT How should I dress for therapy?

We suggest you wear whatever is comfortable that you can work and move in. Jeans and t-shirts with tennis shoes or sneakers are always a good choice. Be sure to bring a sweater or jacket because it does get cold in here from time to time.

PREV NEXT What do I need to bring for therapy?

We suggest bringing:

Comfortable clothes and shoes
A sweater or jacket
Any medicine that may be needed during the day
For CIMT program-lunch and snacks for the day
For CIAT program-snacks (lunch if you like but you can eat before or after if you prefer)
A positive attitude and lots of energy (we can share ours with you if you need)

PREV NEXT Will my caregiver need to be present for therapy?

We understand that your caregiver may be a big part of your life, but it is important that you be able to devote your full attention to the task at hand—your therapy to get moving again. While we encourage you and your caregiver to ask any questions you have (we usually devote a few minutes at the beginning and end of each session to answering questions, assigning homework, discussing progress, etc.) we ask that in most cases, your caregiver take the opportunity to spend some time on their own.

We have a page especially devoted to CAREGIVERS with ideas of interesting things to do in the area. Your caregiver will likely help you with your homework at night and will become familiar with how your therapy works. We include time for training them in the best ways to help you so that your progress can continue after you return home.

PREV NEXT What about meals?

Since the CIMT program is six hours long, you should bring a lunch. We have a refrigerator and microwave oven for your convenience. The CIAT program is three and a half hours long so feel to bring a snack or lunch if you like, but you'll have time to eat either before or after you come.

PREV NEXT Do I need a presciption?

Yes. You can get a prescription from your primary care physician or neurologist. A prescription is always required for insurance to consider coverage and it is always a good idea that your doctor knows the kind of therapy you are planning. Since the intensity of this program is very different, please request some specific wording on the prescription:

For CIMT - “Intensive physical therapy up to 6 hours daily for 2 to 3 weeks”

For CIAT - “Intensive speech therapy up to 4 hours daily for 2 to 3 weeks”

PREV NEXT How long will it take?

The CIMT program is 6 hours a day Monday through Friday. The CIAT program is 3 ½ hours a day Monday through Friday. We can vary the start and end times somewhat as needed though we do find it best be finished for the day no later than about 4:00 or 4:30.

PREV NEXT Is this a residential program?

Ours is an outpatient program so clients return home or to a hotel in the evening. You might find the Travel and Lodging page useful for nearby accommodations and other travel tips.

PREV NEXT What does your clinic look like?

We are a small clinic in a medical office building. We have 3 distinct areas. One is for CIMT and physical therapy for both upper and lower extremities. Another is for CIAT and speech therapy. The third area is used for our pediatric clients. We have a small kitchen with refrigerator and microwave oven, bottled water and all the coffee you can drink. We also have a rest area with recliners, pillows, and blankets for you to use during your rest time.

PREV NEXT May I visit your facility?

We welcome visitors to the facility. Give us a call and we can set up a time for you to view the facility and address any questions you may have. In some cases you may be able to observe a therapy session in progress.

PREV NEXT Where should I park?

There are 3 options for parking:

1. The parking lot behind the building with an entrance on Moorpark Street charges a maximum of $5.50 per day. No validation available.

2. Street parking is available at the meters for 2 hours.

3. You can park all day and without putting money in the meters if you have a handicapped placard to hang on your mirror.

PREV NEXT Is the therapy covered by insurance?

Insurance coverage is extremely variable. You should call your specific insurance carrier and ask about coverage for physical and speech therapy. Depending on network participation, etc., they sometimes cover at least a portion of the cost. Therapy is provided by appropriately certified and licensed physical and speech therapists who meet the requirements of most insurance companies and use accepted standards of practice for physical and speech therapy. We are not currently a Medicare certified facility.

We are happy to provide any information you or your insurance company needs for submitting a claim. Please visit our Payment Options page for more information.

PREV TOP Who should I contact if I have more questions?

For more information:
Please call: 1-818-386-1231
Email:
or use our handy Contact page.