Everything You Want
to Know Before You Book

Dobbs PT & Massage operates on a private-pay (cash-pay) model, which means we don't bill insurance directly. This is an intentional choice — it allows Dr. Dobbs to set session lengths, frequency, and treatment plans based entirely on your needs rather than what an insurance company will approve.

That said, if you have a PPO plan with out-of-network benefits, you may be able to recoup a significant portion of your costs. We provide detailed superbills after every PT session to make that process as straightforward as possible.

A superbill is a detailed receipt that includes all the information your insurance company needs to process an out-of-network claim — diagnosis codes, procedure codes, provider credentials, and session details. You submit it directly to your insurer after each session.

Dr. Dobbs provides a superbill after every PT session automatically. Depending on your plan's out-of-network benefits, you may be reimbursed 40–70% of the session cost. Call the member services number on the back of your insurance card to ask specifically about your out-of-network PT benefits before your first session.

Most standard health insurance plans do not cover massage therapy. However, many FSA (Flexible Spending Account) and HSA (Health Savings Account) plans do cover therapeutic massage when it is recommended by a physician as medically necessary. Check with your plan administrator to confirm your specific coverage.

Massage sessions are cash-pay and superbills are not provided for massage-only sessions.

Yes — physical therapy sessions are generally FSA/HSA eligible. You can pay for PT sessions directly with your FSA or HSA card. Therapeutic massage eligibility varies by plan and typically requires a letter of medical necessity from your physician. Contact your FSA/HSA administrator to confirm your specific plan's rules.

The first session is a full evaluation. Dr. Dobbs will spend time understanding your history, what's been going on, what you've already tried, and what your goals are. He'll then do a hands-on assessment — movement analysis, strength and flexibility testing, and whatever else is relevant to your specific situation.

From there, he'll explain what he found, outline a treatment plan, and typically begin treatment in the same session. You'll leave with a clear picture of what's happening and what to expect going forward.

Physical therapy sessions are 60 minutes. The first evaluation session may run slightly longer depending on complexity. Therapeutic massage sessions are available in 60 or 90 minute increments — 90 minutes is recommended for full-body work or if you're combining massage with a PT visit.

Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows Dr. Dobbs to access and assess the area being treated. For lower body issues, athletic shorts work well. For shoulder or upper back issues, a tank top or athletic shirt is ideal.

Have a clear space of roughly 6×6 feet available — a living room, bedroom, or any open area works fine. Dr. Dobbs brings his own portable treatment table, supplies, and any equipment needed for your session.

No referral is required. California is a direct access state, which means you can see a licensed physical therapist without a physician's referral. You can book directly and get started right away.

If you have imaging (X-rays, MRI reports) or recent physician notes relevant to your condition, bring those or have them available — they're helpful context but not required.

Dr. Dobbs serves the greater Pasadena area and surrounding San Gabriel Valley communities, including Altadena, San Marino, Arcadia, Monrovia, Temple City, Alhambra, San Gabriel, Rosemead, Sierra Madre, La Cañada Flintridge, and parts of Glendale and Burbank.

If you're unsure whether your location is within the service area, call or text and Dr. Dobbs will let you know. He's happy to discuss your situation before you commit to anything.

Travel within the primary service area is included in the session fee — there is no separate travel charge for most locations in the Pasadena and San Gabriel Valley area. For locations at the outer edges of the service area, a small travel fee may apply. This will always be discussed and agreed upon before your first session.

Yes. Sessions can take place at your home, apartment, office, or any private location where there's enough space to work. Dr. Dobbs has also worked with patients at senior living facilities and assisted living communities. If you have a specific location in mind, just mention it when you book.

Session pricing is available on the Book Now page. Dr. Dobbs is also happy to walk through pricing directly on a call — reach him at (626) 808-4273.

Yes — discounted packages are available for clients who commit to multiple sessions upfront. These are a good fit for post-surgical rehab or ongoing conditions that require consistent weekly treatment. Package details and pricing are outlined on the Book Now page, or ask Dr. Dobbs directly when you speak with him.

Payment is due at the time of service. Dr. Dobbs accepts all major credit and debit cards, HSA/FSA cards, Zelle, and Venmo. A superbill is provided after every PT session for out-of-network insurance submission.

Dobbs PT & Massage requires 24 hours notice to cancel or reschedule a session without charge. Cancellations made with less than 24 hours notice may be subject to a late cancellation fee. Same-day cancellations and no-shows are charged the full session fee.

Life happens — if something urgent comes up, reach out as soon as possible and Dr. Dobbs will do his best to work with you.

You can reschedule through the online booking system at any time, or by calling or texting Dr. Dobbs directly at (626) 808-4273. For rescheduling within 24 hours, a direct call or text is the fastest way to reach him.

Physical therapy is a clinical, diagnosis-driven service. Dr. Dobbs evaluates the root cause of your pain or dysfunction, creates a structured treatment plan, and works to restore function, strength, and mobility. PT involves hands-on manual therapy, therapeutic exercise, and movement retraining. It's goal-oriented and progress-tracked.

Therapeutic massage focuses on soft tissue — muscles, fascia, and connective tissue. It's effective for reducing muscle tension, improving circulation, managing chronic pain, and supporting recovery. It doesn't require a diagnosis and can be booked as a standalone service.

Many patients benefit from both. Dr. Dobbs can integrate massage techniques into a PT plan or recommend dedicated massage sessions alongside PT when appropriate.

A good rule of thumb: if you have a specific injury, a diagnosis, post-surgical recovery needs, or a functional goal (return to sport, improve balance, reduce chronic pain), physical therapy is the right starting point.

If you're managing general muscle tension, stress, or want to support athletic recovery without a specific injury, therapeutic massage is a great standalone option.

Not sure? Call Dr. Dobbs at (626) 808-4273 — a five-minute conversation is usually enough to point you in the right direction.

Yes. Combined PT and massage sessions are available and can be a highly effective approach — particularly for post-surgical patients or athletes managing active injuries. Dr. Dobbs will sequence the treatment to get the most benefit from both. Ask about combined session options when you book.