Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Bakersfield

03/12/2026

Regular exercise provides long-term benefits for everyone, especially for individuals living with multiple sclerosis (MS). Daily physical activity supports mobility, helps reduce fatigue and can make everyday tasks feel more manageable.

Ready to get moving? Even small, consistent movements such as stretching, walking or low-impact aerobic exercise can be tailored to meet your specific needs, making them a safe and effective part of your daily routine.

Learn how exercise can help you regain strength and independence while living with MS.

Multieple Sclerosis is a disease of the central nervous system. Learn how exercise for MS can help manage the condition and improve symptoms.

03/12/2026

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03/11/2026

Elisa Thorp was admitted to Encompass Health Bakersfield after having a stroke. When she arrived, she was completely paralyzed on her left side. By the time she discharged, she could walk and complete her daily activities. Elisa shared that one of the most meaningful parts of her recovery was being able to go to the bathroom and take a shower independently again.

She also enjoyed becoming friends with other patients during her stay and hopes to keep in touch with them. Elisa was especially excited to return home to five dogs, two horses and 23 chickens.

We are proud of Elisa’s hard work and excited to see her continue to thrive!

03/10/2026

Janis was admitted to our Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania after a brain injury.

Janis enjoys music and was often found singing and playing the guitar alongside her therapy staff. Music can be a powerful tool in brain injury rehabilitation — helping improve motor skills, enhance speech and language, boost mood and foster connection.

Janis was able to return home at her previous level of function, and we’re grateful she chose Encompass Health for her rehabilitation. We wish her all the best!

03/09/2026

March is Brain Injury Awareness Month, and Susan’s story is a powerful reminder that recovery after a traumatic brain injury is possible with the right rehabilitation.

After falling and fracturing her skull, Susan arrived at our Johnston, Rhode Island hospital determined to regain her independence. With the encouragement and expertise of our care team, she learned to stand, walk and confidently perform daily activities again.

Today, she’s back home with her family — and back to pursuing the goals she set before her injury, including training for a half marathon and hiking with her family.

In Susan’s own words: “The acute care hospital saved my life, but Encompass Health and the rehab here saved my soul.”

This Brain Injury Awareness Month, we honor survivors like Susan and the incredible resilience they show every day.

03/07/2026

High school senior Zebedee Cone sustained a traumatic brain injury after falling from a golf cart in September. In the days following his accident, there was a lot of uncertainty.

Zebedee was admitted to our Encompass Health hospital in Jonesboro, Arkansas, and his hard work paid off! He was discharged and walked out of our hospital to head home.

We’re proud to have been a part of Zebedee’s rehabilitation and wish him well as he continues to recover.

03/06/2026

Carolyn Thomas fell through her attic floor, resulting in hip and pelvic fractures and a brain bleed. When she arrived at our Encompass Health hospital in Shreveport, Louisiana, she required significant assistance with daily tasks.

During her stay, Carolyn made tremendous progress working hard with her therapy team. She hopes her story encourages others to be cautious and helps prevent future falls. We are so proud of you, Carolyn!

03/06/2026

Happy Employee Appreciation Day! At Encompass Health, our employees are like family. Kathy Estrada is just one example of how our teams come together to support their colleagues.

Kathy is the director of pharmacy at our rehabilitation hospital in Miami. During the birth of her first son, Kathy experienced severe complications that almost took her life. When her condition stabilized, she needed rehabilitation to get her back to her newborn son. She insisted on Encompass Health, and her family at our Miami location was there to help her in her recovery.

Thanks to her co-workers, she regained her strength and was able to return to work, and, most importantly, she was able to get back to being a mom.

Thank you to all our teams — whether working directly with patients or supporting those who do — for all you do to make stories like Kathy’s possible. We appreciate you today and every day!

03/05/2026

March is Brain Injury Awareness Month, a time to recognize the challenges many individuals with brain injury face.

After a brain injury, it’s common to experience difficulties with speaking, reasoning and memory. These changes can make everyday tasks feel harder — not just for the person recovering, but also for their caregivers. That’s where speech-language pathologists come in.

Learn how speech therapy can help you or your loved one regain essential communication skills and independence after a brain injury in inpatient rehabilitation.

Speech therapists play a vital role in the recovery of a loved one who suffers from a TBI. Learn memory exercises, techniques, and guidance for...

03/03/2026

Join us for our next Continuing Education Lecture Series. In this free CEU, Daniel Marrufo, therapy team lead at Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Pearland, will discuss the link between caregiver stress and hospital readmissions. Learn how to assess caregiver stress levels plus get strategies to help them manage their stress and ultimately improve patient outcomes.

Topic: Caregiver Stress on Hospital Readmissions: An Essential Factor for Positive Outcomes
Dates/Times:
Wednesday, March 11 – Noon and 6 p.m. CT
Wednesday, March 18 – 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT
Speaker: Daniel Marrufo, MS, CCC-SLP, MBA
Therapy Team Lead, Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Pearland

One hour CE credit available for PT, OT, LVN, RN, CCM, SW, SLP

Register now: https://ehc.rehab/mar2026ceu

03/02/2026

March is Brain Injury Awareness Month! We are proud to help those recovering from brain injuries get back to the activities that matter most to them.

03/02/2026

March is Brain Injury Awareness Month! Encompass Health is dedicated to helping patients reclaim their lives after a traumatic brain injury. This month, we aim to increase awareness of brain injury rehabilitation and prevention and celebrate our patients on their road to recovery!

02/28/2026

After years of using a wheelchair and losing the ability to stand or walk, Mozelle came to our Encompass Health hospital in Abilene, Texas determined to regain strength in her legs. In just 12 days, she went from being unable to stand to fully independent. Mozelle praised our staff and therapy team saying that therapy felt fun. We’re proud to have helped her surpass her goal!

02/27/2026

We are proud to be part of Encompass Health's national network of inpatient rehabilitation hospitals. The Company has been named to two prestigious lists: Fortune’s 2026 World’s Most Admired Companies and Forbes’ 2026 America’s Best Companies.

These recognitions reflect the dedication of our exceptional clinicians and teams who show up every day to help patients recover from life‑changing illnesses and injuries. Their unwavering commitment to compassionate, high‑quality care is what truly sets us apart.

02/27/2026

Alex Hays and his wife, Sheronda, were spending the holidays in Louisiana when they began a journey they never anticipated. When Alex had a heart attack, Sheronda courageously stepped in to perform lifesaving CPR.

Once his condition stabilized, he admitted to our rehabilitation hospital in Cypress, Texas. The couple was uncertain about their future but were supported by their care team and motivated by a shared goal: to return to normalcy. They made progress together, inspiring those throughout the hospital. At discharge, they proudly walked side by side back into the community.

It is our privilege to help patients like Alex recover after a cardiac event or any other life-changing illness or injury and support caregivers as their loved ones return home.

02/26/2026

Coping with a life-changing diagnosis is never easy. It can bring overwhelming feelings of grief, shame, anger or even depression. With the right support, though, it is possible to manage these emotions and continue living a meaningful life.

Learning to build healthy coping strategies and knowing when to ask for help can empower you to move forward with confidence.

Experiencing a life-changing diagnosis can impact your well-being. Explore holistic strategies for coping, recovering, and finding hope through...

02/25/2026

When Alan Resendiz got the call from dispatch that there was a high-speed chase in the area, he sprang into action. The police officer immediately began to put down spikes, but instead of ending the chase, he became the target of the driver. At a speed of 100 mph, the vehicle struck Resendiz, sending him flying in the air. The impact broke multiple bones, including his pelvis and several ribs. He required inpatient rehabilitation to fully recover and get back to what matters most to him — keeping his Chattanooga, Tennessee community safe. "I just wanted to get back on the streets," he recalled.

The physical and occupational therapy he received at our rehabilitation hospital in Chattanooga, got Officer Resendiz back on his feet, and eventually back on the streets. We are honored to have played a role in helping Officer Resendiz recover and, most importantly, help him return to his role as a police officer.

02/24/2026

We’re delighted to announce that Encompass Health has been named to two prestigious lists: Fortune’s 2026 World’s Most Admired Companies and Forbes’ 2026 America’s Best Companies.

These recognitions reflect the dedication of our exceptional clinicians and teams who show up every day to help patients recover from life‑changing illnesses and injuries. Their unwavering commitment to compassionate, high‑quality care is what truly sets us apart.

The company was recognized for continued excellence in patient care, corporate culture, and long-term performance categories. Learn what these...

02/12/2026

This week is Heart Failure Awareness Week. During this time, we are reminded of how many are touched by this condition every day. Understanding the different types of heart failure and how they affect the people we care about helps us to offer more empathy and support.

At Encompass Health, we’re committed to educating patients and their families by providing the resources they need to manage heart health with confidence.

Lifestyle changes and following a medication routine can go a long way in heart failure self management.

02/05/2026

A stroke can impact more than just your mobility; it can change how you see the world. Vision changes are common after a stroke, but they don’t have to limit your recovery.

At Encompass Health, our care teams, including physicians, therapists, nurses and more, help patients adapt to post-stroke vision challenges. Discover how inpatient rehabilitation can help you regain not just your sight, but your quality of life after a stroke.

Vision loss after stroke is a common occurance. Learn how inpatient rehabilitation can help restore visual performance and independence.

11/20/2025

Living with multiple sclerosis can make everyday movements like walking or standing feel daunting. Foot drop, a common symptom of MS, can add to those challenges. The good news? It’s manageable. Our expert care team, including physicians, nurses, therapists and more, is here to help you or your loved one take the first step toward better mobility.

Learn more: https://ehc.rehab/4rcCgtm

11/06/2025

Parasympathetic breathing is a powerful technique that supports movement and enhances overall well-being. Whether you're recovering from an injury or illness, simple breathing exercises can make a meaningful difference. At Encompass Health, we’re committed to helping you or your loved one regain independence, one breath at a time.

Learn more: https://ehc.rehab/4oOG9CA

10/30/2025

Being a caregiver comes with its own set of challenges, especially after a loved one experiences a stroke. While stress affects everyone differently, one thing remains the same: caregivers need support, too.

At Encompass Health, we’re committed to ensuring that both our patients and their families leave with the tools and resources essential for long-term success. Whether it’s emotional support, educational materials or practical strategies for daily care, we’re here to help every step of the way.

A stroke caregiver can face many challenges. Get advice and tips for caring for a loved one after a stroke, as well as resources to help you.