YOUR CHOICE FOR SPECIALIZED REHABILITATION
hand therapy – women’s health – cancer recovery – orthopedics
Decatur Hand & Physical Therapy Specialists is an outpatient occupational and physical therapy clinic specializing in the treatment in of Hand & Upper Extremity injuries as well as Women’s Health and Cancer Recovery. As a specialty clinic, our therapists are highly knowledgeable in the most up to date treatments for your condition. Working together, we create an environment to help optimize your body’s ability to heal and return to activity.
Our philosophy is to provide the highest quality therapy through personalized care and education. The personalized approach ensures patient comprehension and will enhance proper treatment progression to secure the best outcome for our patients. In order for full return to an active and healthy lifestyle, the patient must be involved and educated in the recovery process.
HIGHLY TRAINED STAFF
personalized care & education
Our Certified Hand Therapists (CHT’s), have the highest levels of training in the profession for treating the hand, wrist, elbow and shoulder. Our CHT’s have successfully passed an exam of advanced clinical skills and theory in upper extremity rehab. This high degree of specialization translates to a speedy recovery.
Our highly trained Women’s Health physical therapists provides treatment for urinary and fecal incontinence, prolapse, pregnancy and post partum pain, vulvodynia, vaginismus and dyspareunia (painful intercourse) and abdominal/pelvic scar pain. Their hands on approach delivers the highest level of personal and compassionate care.
Our Cancer Recovery Program can help reduce fatigue and pain that may be present during or after your medical treatments. Specialized care may include an individualized program to increase endurance, strength, flexibility and balance in order to help you return to wellness.
Our Directors and Specialists


Jessica Thompson PT, DPT
Pelvic Health Physical Therapist
Dr. Jessica Thompson is a 2020 graduate of Mercer University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy Program. A proud Mississippi native, she has worked in the Atlanta metro area for over 3 years as a pelvic floor physical therapist. With the peripartum population being her passion, she co-created Operation M.I.S.T., where she uses wearable technology to detect maternal health problems between OB visits to combat the maternal mortality crisis. In her free time, she co hosts the Operation M.I.S.T. and Core 4 Momentum Podcasts available on all major streaming platforms. She most recently became an Evidence Based Birth®️Childbirth Instructor teaching virtual classes to families nationwide.


Rachel McArthur, PT, DPT, OT
Dry Needling Certified
CAPP-Pelvic
Rachel is a physical therapist of 30+ years and an occupational therapist of nearly 20 years. After receiving her BS in physical therapy at Boston University, Rachel returned to her home town of San Diego but was later drawn by her wanderlust to traveling therapy. While a traveler Rachel explored the country and found her new home in Georgia. She went to Belmont University and received her MS in Occupational therapy and returned to school again to receive her doctorate in physical therapy from the University of St. Augustine. Rachel has worked as a PT and an OT in several settings: hospitals,private practice, the school system, home health care. She now primarily provides her services as a pelvic physical therapist. After many years of working in the field, Rachel received Certification of Achievement in Pelvic Physical Therapy from the APTA (CAPP). She is also certified to provide dry needling and is certified in LSVT, a specialized program to treat patients with Parkinson's Disease. Rachel spends her free time with her two children and loves caving, kayaking, and stand up paddling.


Alexis Najarro, OTR/L, CPAM
Occupational Therapist
Alexis is an Occupational Therapist who specializes in hand and upper extremity rehabilitation. She started her career in healthcare at 18 years old as a Certified Nursing Assistant treating patients at Presbyterian Orthopaedic Hospital in Charlotte, NC. After being inspired by the rehab specialists she worked alongside during that time, she graduated from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a bachelors in Exercise and Sport Science, and later got her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy at Boston University's Sargent College. She's been practicing since 2009, treating patients of all ages in all settings, and is passionate about helping people return to doing the things that they love. Outside of work, Alexis enjoys biking, hiking, baking, and crafting. Her favorite people include her husband, two sons, and little dog Ollie.


Avie Churchwell, PT, DPT
Physical Therapist
Avie is an outpatient physical therapist who is passionate about assisting patients to meet their goals. Originally from the Chicago suburbs, she traveled south to attend the University of Alabama. There she received a Bachelor's degree in Exercise Science with a focus in nutrition. She went on to receive her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Emory University.
Avie is certified in dry needling. She has continued her education with courses focusing on modern pain science, low back pain treatment, and the integration of hands-on techniques into home exercise programs. In her spare time, she enjoys bike riding, sewing, camping, and cooking.


Erika Belmore PT, DPT, OCS
Board Certified Orthopedic Specialist
Certified Vestibular Rehab
Erika is an outpatient physical therapist who is passionate about helping people of all ages and abilities achieve their goals. A south Florida native, Erika graduated from the University of Florida with her bachelor's in Applied Physiology and Kinesiology in 2013 and went on to get her Doctor of Physical Therapy from Emory University in 2016. She then completed an Orthopedic Residency in 2018 and became an Orthopedic Certified Specialist in 2019. Erika is also certified in vestibular rehabilitation for treating vertigo and dizziness and balance disorders.
In her free time, Erika enjoys spending time with her husband Ryan and cat Lynx, traveling, exercising, watching sports, and playing board games.


Rob West PT, DPT, OCS
Director of Physical Therapy
Board Certified Orthopedic Specialist
Dry Needle Certified
Rob is the Director of Physical Therapy at Decatur Hand and PT. He graduated from Emory University with a Doctorate in Physical Therapy and is a board certified Orthopedic Specialist. He has extensive experience with strength training, previously competing in strongman and powerlifting. He is a certified strength and conditioning specialist. In his spare time Rob enjoys working on motorcycles and playing with his dog, Meatloaf. Rob treats a wide range of orthopedic conditions but has a particular interest in hypermobility conditions, TMJ Pain, cervicogenic headaches, and shoulder/ankle injuries.


Rachele Branson, OTR/L, CHT
Owner, Occupational Therapist and Certified Hand Therapist
Rachele Branson is an Occupational Therapist and Certified Hand Therapist with over 30 years of experience. After graduating from Indiana University in 1991, Rachele worked at Dekalb Medical Center for 14 years as a therapist and supervisor. She obtained her Certification in Hand Therapy(CHT) in 1996. In 2005, she opened Decatur Hand & Physical Therapy Specialists. Her vision in opening the practice was to create a warm and friendly environment where patients receive the highest level of care and enjoy coming to their appointments. She brings to her clients' a wealth of experience in treating the hand and upper extremity. She is passionate about quality patient care and strives for exceeding all customer needs and expectations. Rachele also serves as the Chair for the Georgia State Board of Occupational Therapy. In her spare time, Rachele enjoys playing tennis, traveling, and spending time with her husband and their 3 children.


Laura Higgins PT
Pelvic Health Physical Therapist
Dry Needle Certified
Laura is a Pelvic Health Physical Therapist who has been at Decatur Hand and PT Specialists since 2007. Graduating from the University of Vermont’s Physical Therapy program, Laura became interested in pelvic health early on in her career and is passionate about working with people who have pelvic pain, bowel and bladder dysfunction, pain and mobility problems due to cancer and pregnancy and post-partum related issues. She feels fortunate to work with people one-on-one, help them have an improved quality of life and be empowered to reach their goals. Laura spends her time away from work with her husband, two kids and rescue pup. She loves yoga, reading and anything outdoors.


Starr Banks PT, DPT, MPH
Pelvic Health Physical Therapist
Dry Needle Certified
Starr Banks is a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) with experience treating pelvic floor, orthopedic, and neurological conditions. Dr. Banks serves primarily as a pelvic health physical therapist at Decatur Hand and PT Specialists, providing care that focuses on pelvic floor dysfunction and pain and pregnancy/postpartum-related conditions. During treatment, Starr emphasizes the importance of looking at the body as a whole in order to address and/or prevent dysfunction. She is passionate about providing 1-on-1 care that empowers individuals on their healing and wellness journey through extensive education and a patient-centered approach. Dr. Banks first received a BA in Anthropology from Georgia State University. She then obtained her Master of Public Health (MPH) degree from the University of California-Los Angeles (UCLA) Fielding School of Public Health. She later returned to Georgia State University to obtain her Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree. In addition to receiving advanced training to treat pelvic floor and pregnancy/postpartum-related conditions, she is certified in providing myofascial trigger point therapy (dry needling). She is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)-Pelvic Health and Neurology sections. When not treating patients, Dr. Banks tries to spend as much time as she can outdoors either walking, running, hiking, kayaking, or just staring at nature. She is also constantly dreaming about and planning her next travel adventure.
Services
Additional programs are available. Contact us for information on additional or specialty programs you may need.
- Strains/Sprains
- Neck & Head Aches
- Low Back/Spine Conditions
- Arthritis/DJD
- Tendonitis
- Surgical Repairs/Reconstruction
- Manual Therapy
- Injury Assessment
- Treatment
- Education & Prevention
- Athletic Training Outreach
- Knee
- Shoulder
- Foot and Ankle Rehab
- Overhead Athlete (Throwing Injuries)
- Sports Performance Enhancement
- Endurance Training
- Splinting
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome / Sprains, Strains and Fractures
- Static and Dynamic Splint Fabrication
- Flexor/Extensor Tendon Repair Rehab
- Elbow & Hand Surgical Repairs/Reconstruction
- Wound Care
- Pelvic Pain
- Urinary Incontinence
- Pregnancy Pain
- Work Rehabilitation
- Cancer Related Fatigue Program
- Nutrition Education
- Breast Cancer Rehab
- Scar Pain/Management
- Trigger Point Dry Needling (TDN)
Forms
Patient Forms
For your convenience, you may print and complete these forms prior to your first visit.
New Patient Registration Form Packet | Download
Cancelation Policy | Download
This copy may be faxed, mailed, or hand-delivered to the clinic. DO NOT EMAIL FORM.
Medicare Secondary Payor Form | Download
(If you are covered by Medicare, please print and return this completed form during your first visit.)
TeleHealth Patients Instructions | Download
Revised Telehealth Consent Form | Download
Monthly Newsletter
The Therapy Connection | Download
Physician Use
Prescription Form | Download
This copy may be faxed, mailed or hand delivered to the clinic. DO NOT EMAIL PRESCRIPTION.
FAQ
For Additional Questions Please Contact Us At (404) 296-8511
Yes. The choice of where you receive therapy is always yours. While the majority of our patients come to us by physician referral/recommendation, many clients request to see us due to our strong clinical reputation in the community.
We operate in a direct access state where, if your insurance plan authorizes self-referral to physical therapy, a physician referral is not necessary for you to be seen by a licensed therapist. Please check with your insurance though as many health insurance plans require a physician’s referral for therapy to be covered. We also offer treatments, services and/or products that do NOT require a referral and are available on a self-pay basis.
As a service to our patients, we will gladly file claims with your insurance company on your behalf. In order to appropriately submit these claims, we will need to obtain a copy of your insurance identification card to ensure that we have the necessary information.
Your therapist will conduct an evaluation of your condition lasting between 60-90 minutes. The evaluation is necessary to create a program designed specifically to address your needs for a maximum recovery.
– Referral slip from your medical doctor
– Your medical insurance card
– Your ID
– A copy of your medication list including dosages, if you have it
– If you are getting therapy as a result of a worker’s compensation claim or an automobile accident, you will also need to bring your claim information, including claim number.
Please arrive 15 minutes early on your first visit to fill out any necessary paperwork.
We recommend comfortable clothing such as sweatpants or shorts, a T-shirt or tank-top and sneakers.
Each visit will last 60 – 90 minutes on average. Times vary due to the treatment and exercises being performed.
The regularity of your visits will be determined after your initial evaluation, but most patients have 3 visits each week scheduled.
Testimonials
Links
Resources
IC Network
A publishing company dedicated to Interstitial Cytitis and other pelvic pain disorders.
Organizations
American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA)
The American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) is the national professional association established in 1917 to represent the interests and concerns of occupational therapy practitioners and students of occupational therapy and to improve the quality of occupational therapy services.
American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)
The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) is a national professional organization representing more than 72,000 members. Its goal is to foster advancements in physical therapy practice, research, and education.
Hand Therapy Certification Commission
The recognized specialist in hand therapy.
International Pelvic Pain Society
Serves as a forum for professional and public education on chronic pelvic pain.
National Vulvodynia Association
An educational,nonprofit organization founded to disseminate information on Vulvodynia.
Society for Pudendal Neuralgia
A non-profit organization dedicated to educating clinicians and patients about Pudendal Neuralgia
Women’s Health Information
The Section on Women’s Health promotes and expands physical therapy’s role in the field of women’s health and wellness across the life span.