Hand and Upper Extremity Clinic at Shepherd Center


Functional restoration for the hands, wrists, and elbows following a neurological injury

The hands, wrists, and elbows are integral to our daily lives, empowering us to carry out essential activities crucial for our independence and overall quality of life. However, for individuals recovering from neurological injuries, orthopedic injuries, or peripheral nerve injuries, the loss of upper extremity function can be a significant and discouraging complication on the journey to recovery.

At the Upper Extremity Clinic, there is hope for those facing such challenges. As part of Shepherd Center, a nationally recognized leader in specialized neurorehabilitation care, our clinic addresses the complexities associated with upper extremity conditions.

Drawing upon decades of expertise in hand and upper extremity restoration, we use a combination of cutting-edge procedures and personalized therapies to help restore functionality, offering you the support and hope you need to overcome limitations and regain independence in your daily life. 


Our Approach to Hand and Upper Extremity Rehabilitation

We believe in providing compassionate and comprehensive care that focuses on your needs and goals. Our specialized approach to upper extremity rehabilitation combines non-surgical interventions with renowned surgical procedures such as nerve and tendon transfers. We understand the challenges of living with upper extremity limitations for an extended period. Our dedicated team of specialists can help you overcome these obstacles and regain optimal functionality.

Learn More About Our Rehabilitation & Services


Appointments and Referrals to the Upper Extremity Clinic

It can be frustrating dealing with reduced upper extremity function, and we want to help you feel like you have control over your life. Whether you are a new patient, an existing patient, or a referring provider, our team will work with you to develop a personalized care plan.

Request An Appointment


A Team Approach to Your Care: Hand and Upper Extremity Specialists

At the Upper Extremity Clinic, we understand that traumatic upper extremity injuries require extraordinary care to achieve the best possible outcomes. That’s why we take a multidisciplinary approach, collaborating closely with upper extremity surgeons, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and other specialists to provide the highest standard of care. Together, we combine their expertise and experience to deliver the most effective and renowned upper extremity reconstruction and rehabilitation options to help you heal, regain functionality, improve your range of motion, and build strength in your hands, wrists, and elbows.


Patient Testimonial

I’d struggle for 20 minutes to get food out of the pantry, and by the time I got it, I’d drop it. Now I can cook, hold onto a plate and grasp utensils, write better and lift my hands up over my head to wash my hair without my hand just falling and hitting me in the head.

Crystal Black
Patient
Upper Extremity Clinic


Frequently Asked Questions


  • The Upper Extremity Clinic at Shepherd Center is a specialized clinic focused on functional restoration of the hands, wrists, and elbows following spinal cord injuries, brain injuries, or other neurological conditions like stroke or multiple sclerosis. 
    Our clinic offers a wide range of comprehensive non-surgical therapies and renowned surgical procedures designed to help restore upper extremity function to help increase independence in your daily life.

  • The Upper Extremity Clinic at Shepherd Center caters to individuals at different stages of their neurological rehabilitation journey seeking relief from loss of mobility in their hands, wrists, and elbows. This primarily impacts individuals with spinal cord injuries, brain injuries, stroke, or other neurological diagnosis.

  • The Upper Extremity Clinic at Shepherd Center is a dedicated one-stop shop for continuing hand and upper extremities trauma care.

    As a patient at the Upper Extremity Clinic, you have a specialized, multidisciplinary care team of highly skilled upper extremity specialists who understand complex neurological injuries and conditions.

    Your care team will collaborate to design a tailored, evidence-based treatment plan based on your needs and goals. This comprehensive approach helps you achieve the best possible outcomes for your upper extremity function.

  • The Upper Extremity Clinic at Shepherd Center caters to individuals at different stages of their neurological rehabilitation journey seeking relief from loss of mobility in their hands, wrists, and elbows. This primarily impacts individuals with spinal cord injuries, brain injuries, stroke, or other neurological diagnosis. The most common injuries and conditions we see are: 

    • Spinal cord injury/tetraplegia 
    • Spasticity from traumatic brain injuries, stroke, or other neurological diagnosis 
    • Contractures of the hand and elbow 
    • Heterotopic ossification of the elbow, forearm, and hand 
    • Traumatic arthritis 
    • Brachial plexus injury 
    • Entrapment neuropathies of the upper extremity 

    Learn More About Our Rehabilitation Services

  • Our specialists work closely with you to understand your specific needs and goals, forming the foundation of your personalized care plan. The care plan may include functional restoration therapies and tailored rehabilitation to address your specific complex injury or condition. Some of the non-surgical procedures we offer include: 

    • Physical therapy 
    • Occupational therapy 
    • Injections 
    • Medications

    Learn More About Our Rehabilitation Services

  • Our specialists work closely with you to understand your specific needs and goals, forming the foundation of your personalized care plan. Surgical reconstruction may be recommended in cases where hand and upper extremity conditions are severe. Some of the surgical procedures we offer include: 

    • Reconstruction/tendon transfer surgery for tetraplegia 
    • Brachial plexus surgery 
    • Nerve transfer surgery 
    • Joint reconstruction surgery 
    • Joint replacement surgery 
    • Joint fusion surgery 
    • Decompression surgery 
    • Microsurgical repair/reconstruction

    Learn More About Our Rehabilitation Services

  • Yes, we would love to see you, your friends and family. Learn more about how to request an appointment.

  • A medical referral from a healthcare provider is encouraged but not required for new patient evaluations. Visit our Appointments and Referrals page to learn how to request an appointment with the Upper Extremity Clinic.

  • When you first arrive at the Upper Extremity Clinic, your road to recovery beings with a comprehensive patient evaluation. Our specialists work closely with you to understand your specific needs and goals, forming the foundation of your personalized care plan. 

    The care plan may include functional restoration therapies and tailored rehabilitation to address your specific complex injury or condition. Surgical reconstruction may be recommended in cases where hand and upper extremity conditions are severe. 

  • We want to make the most of your visit here just as much as you do. Here are some tips on what to do before your first evaluation.

    • List questions and topics you'd like to discuss with your care team.  
    • List of injuries you’ve had.
    • Document the symptoms you are experiencing and for how long.  
    • Bring a partner, family member, or friend who can act as a second set of ears, take notes and prompt you if you forget anything.  
    • Ask for clarity on anything you don't understand. Medical terms can be daunting, and we want you to feel confident while you're here and after you leave.

    For your first evaluation appointment, please also bring with you the following:

    • Driver’s license 
    • Medical insurance card
  • Absolutely. It is very helpful if a caregiver or health advocate accompanies you to your appointment to help take notes, ask questions, and provide emotional support.

  • It is very important that you attend all scheduled appointments. Availability in the Upper Extremity Clinic is limited, and a missed appointment can impact timely treatments. 
     
    While we understand that emergencies and other unexpected situations do arise, the Upper Extremity Clinic requests you provide us with a 24-hour notice in the event you are unable to make an appointment and need to reschedule. 

  • Please arrive 30 minutes ahead of your appointment time.

    If you arrive less than 15 minutes before your appointment time, we may need to reschedule your appointment. Your time with the provider is very important and arriving 15 minutes before your appointment time ensures that our nursing staff can prepare you for your visit and the providers are able to meet all your needs.

  • The Upper Extremity Clinic accepts most major health plans, including traditional insurance, managed care plans, Medicare, and Georgia Medicaid. We encourage you to confirm that your health plan covers specialist services before making an appointment.

    Learn About Insurance Plans We Accept

  • Please call our Financial Services Department at 404-350-7320 Monday through Friday to ask questions about your statement.

  • The Upper Extremity Clinic is conveniently located on the main campus of Shepherd Center in Buckhead Atlanta, next to Piedmont Hospital. We are easily accessible from Interstates 75/85 and just 16 miles from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

    View More Info About Directions and Parking

  • If you are arriving for a new evaluation or any of our medical services, you will check in at the Specialty Services Clinic on the first floor of the main Shepherd Center building. Upon entering Shepherd Center via the visitor’s parking bridge, you'll walk down the hall and turn left at the Security Desk. The Speciality Services Clinic is just past the coffee kiosk.

    Download Our Campus Map

  • Yes. Free and convenient covered parking is available for all patients in the Shepherd parking deck behind Shepherd Center.

  • Yes. ADA parking is available on all garage levels, with van-accessible spaces on the ground level. Direct access to the hospital is accessible by an elevator on each level of the parking deck.

    Patients can also be picked up or dropped off adjacent to the Marcus-Woodruff Building Entrance. Transport chairs may be borrowed from our Security Desk if needed by visitors.

  • The Upper Extremity Clinic and Shepherd Center have partnered with several nearby hotels to offer discount room rates for patients and/or family members. Rates may be subject to room availability. Each hotel offers various services, including wheelchair-accessible guest rooms for persons with disabilities. Be sure to ask for the Shepherd Center Rate when contacting these hotels.

    View Local Accommodations