Encompass Health Lakeshore Rehabilitation Hospital

09/10/2025

After being diagnosed with an acute kidney injury and sepsis, veteran Johnny Thomas was admitted to our rehabilitation hospital for recovery. Upon arrival, he was extremely weak and unable to lift his legs. He was initially unsure of what rehabilitation could offer, but Johnny soon experienced remarkable progress and a renewed sense of hope.

He achieved tremendous gains in strength and mobility. Physical therapy helped him rebuild his movement, and the entire care team supported his recovery every step of the way.

“I can't believe how far I've come,” Johnny said. “I feel stronger and more capable every day. The team here didn't just help me recover; they helped me rediscover what I'm capable of.”

We’re proud to support Johnny on his journey to recovery and independence. Thank you for trusting us with your care!

09/08/2025

Helen Rutland was enjoying lunch with friends when she suddenly felt weakness in her legs. Concerned, they urged her to go to the emergency room. When repositioning herself, she a loud popping sound. she had a tibial plateau fracture
Her doctors placed her on strict non-weight-bearing restrictions and referred her to Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Lakeshore. There, her therapy team helped her build strength and mobility while the nursing staff managed her pain and monitored her recovery.

“An event like this makes you profoundly thankful for your health," Helen said. "I’m blessed to have caring friends and an exceptional care team at Encompass Health Lakeshore.”

09/05/2025

After facing several health challenges, Michelle Petty was admitted to Encompass Health Lakeshore Rehabilitation Hospital feeling defeated and weak. With the help of our dedicated care team, she found strength and hope. Our physical therapists worked with Michelle to rebuild her strength and mobility. Occupational therapists provided strategies to help her conserve energy while maintaining independence in daily activities. Registered dietitians developed evidence-based nutrition plans to support her recovery, and our nursing staff closely monitored for infections to prevent clinical setbacks.

Michelle’s progress was inspiring. By the time she was discharged, she was walking with a walker! “This has been a huge accomplishment for me. I am thankful for everyone for all they did to help me get better,” Michelle said.

We’re proud to have been part of your journey, Michelle. Thank you for trusting us with your care!

09/04/2025

Coping with a life-changing diagnosis can stir up a whirlwind of emotions. You don’t have to navigate this journey alone. It is possible to manage these emotions and find the right support to live a thriving and fulfilling life. Learn how to manage your emotional well-being and find strength and joy beyond the diagnosis.

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

09/03/2025

At 79, Ruby Jones is known for her radiant smile and vibrant personality. Her Parkinson’s disease, however, had progressed to the point where walking became difficult and daily tasks were increasingly challenging. Her physicians recommended specialized rehabilitation at Encompass Health Lakeshore Rehabilitation Hospital.

Our interdisciplinary team created a personalized care plan tailored to Ruby’s unique needs. Physical therapists focused on improving her strength, balance and mobility using evidence-based techniques designed for Parkinson’s disease to help reduce her fall risk. Occupational therapists worked with Ruby to regain her independence in everyday activities. Ruby also received 24/7 nursing care to monitor medications, lab values and pain management, ensuring a safe and supportive recovery environment. Her goal? To return home and care for herself. Through her determination and the expertise of her care team, Ruby made remarkable progress.

“Now I feel as if I can go home and take care of myself,” Ruby said at discharge. Thank you, Ruby, for trusting us with your care.

09/02/2025

Alvin came to our Kingsport, Tennessee rehabilitation hospital recovering from a spinal cord injury. He was determined to walk again. Through intensive therapy and the support of his wife, Alvin made remarkable progress. He recently returned to Encompass Health, where he and his wife walked out together during a special Code Champion celebration.
We’re so proud of you, Alvin!

09/01/2025

At 74 years old, Henry Higgins had just retired after 43 years of service as a police officer. He was ready to enjoy his well-earned freedom, until a sudden motorcycle crash changed everything.

Following the accident, imaging revealed fractures that required immediate medical attention. Given the complexity of his condition, Henry’s care team recommended acute inpatient rehabilitation at Encompass Health Lakeshore Rehabilitation Hospital to support a safe and effective recovery. While bed rest was once the standard for such injuries, modern rehabilitation emphasizes movement and engagement. Even while non-weight-bearing, Henry is receiving intensive physical and occupational therapy tailored to his needs. Through structured rehabilitation, he’s rebuilding strength, improving mobility and learning adaptive techniques to maintain independence. We’re proud to be part of Henry’s journey!

08/29/2025

Lavenice Ledoux has dedicated 38 years to nursing, a career she embraced after realizing her passion for caring for others which was inspired by her grandmother and aunts who were also nurses. Though she once dreamed of being a teacher or lawyer, she found her true calling in healthcare. Married for 32 years and a proud mother, Lavenice has spent the last 15 years at Encompass Health Lakeshore Rehabilitation Hospital, where she loves seeing patients' progress. "It is such a great feeling to see a patient come into the hospital and improve their health with the rehabilitation".

"The nurses and staff we have at Encompass Health are truly great to work with." she says with a warm smile. As the first-floor nurse supervisor, she leads a team of over 50 employees, combining her leadership skills with her deep commitment to patient care.

Thank you Lavenice, for all you do!

08/28/2025

Today we celebrated the grand opening of our first hospital in Connecticut. Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Danbury will begin seeing patients next month. This 40-bed rehabilitation hospital will provide rehabilitative care to those recovering from strokes, brain and spinal cord injuries, amputations and more.

With private rooms, advanced therapy technologies and a compassionate team of experts, we look forward to meeting the rehabilitation needs of the Danbury community.

08/27/2025

After a surgical procedure, Madonna was admitted to a skilled nursing facility. She had a fall from a wheelchair there, and wasn't receiving the amount of therapy she needed to regain her independence. Due to her complex medical needs, her physician recommended she transfer to Encompass Health Lakeshore Rehabilitation Hospital for specialized care and intensive therapy.

At Encompass Health Lakeshore, Madonna received visits from a rehabilitation physician at least three times a week, along with expert wound and nursing care and therapy focused on safe mobility and independence. Her treatment plan included close monitoring of circulation and neurological function to support her healing.

“The consistent, expert care I received made all the difference in my recovery,” Madonna said. “Without this level of therapy, I wouldn’t have regained my independence as quickly or as safely.”

08/26/2025

After a serious car accident and spinal surgery, Michael was admitted to our Kissimmee, Florida rehabilitation hospital. When he arrived, he needed assistance just to move and complete daily tasks.

As a devoted husband and father, his motivation to regain his independence was unwavering. Through hard work, determination and the support of his care team, Michael has made incredible progress.

He’s now completing daily activities with minimal assistance and continues to improve his mobility every day.

Inpatient rehabilitation can be life-changing — Michael is proof. We’re so proud of you, Michael. Thank you for letting us be part of your recovery.

08/25/2025

Melissa Young, 48, faced ongoing pain and nerve issues that caused weakness and frequent falls. After a hospital stay and further testing, her doctors referred her to Encompass Health Lakeshore Rehabilitation Hospital for more advanced care.

Melissa received around-the-clock nursing support and took part in physical and occupational therapy to rebuild strength, improve balance and regain independence. Her therapy helped ease her pain, restore movement and improve her ability to manage daily tasks.

Thanks to her hard work and the support of her care team, Melissa is now stronger, more independent and better prepared to manage her condition.

08/22/2025

After an illness or injury, every patient’s goal is different. For 30-year-old Casie Henrikson, hers was to walk again. More specifically, she wanted to be able to walk down the aisle at her best friend’s wedding.

“I didn’t want to limp, experience pain while walking or have people wondering what happened to me. I wanted the attention to be on the bride,” she said.

Learn how Casie achieved her recovery goal and so much more at our rehabilitation hospital in Anderson, South Carolina.

As a therapist, Casie Henrikson spent her time advocating for children with autism and their families. The 30-year-old connected them with resources that could improve their lives and overall health.

08/22/2025

After a stroke affected the left side of his brain and caused weakness in his right arm, Otis Smith was referred to Encompass Health Lakeshore to continue his recovery. When he arrived, he was unable to stand on his own, but he faced rehabilitation with determination.

His care team provided targeted therapies to support his progress. Physical therapy helped rebuild strength and coordination. Occupational therapy focused on daily tasks like dressing and cooking. Speech therapy addressed any communications or swallowing issues, and nursing staff offered 24-hour care, managing medications and monitoring his health.

Thanks to this coordinated effort and his perseverance, Otis made remarkable progress. By the time he was discharged, he could stand and walk with a rolling walker, a strong step toward regaining his independence.

08/21/2025

Did you know 25% of U.S. adults live with chronic pain? For many, it’s more than discomfort — it’s a daily challenge that affects independence and quality of life. Learn how chronic pain management can help improve your overall well-being.

Chronic pain management can be complicated, but there are non-medicinal options out there. Learn how education and physical therapy can help.

08/20/2025

Today, we celebrated the grand opening of our newest hospital, Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Central Florida–Sumter County. With the opening of this 50-bed hospital, we will be able to better meet the growing need for inpatient rehabilitation in this community.

With private rooms, advanced therapy technologies and a compassionate team of experts, we look forward to serving patients in the greater Sumter County area beginning in September!

08/20/2025

At 51, Amy Stephens arrived at the emergency room after a fall. She had a history of spinal issues, and doctors discovered a neck fracture that caused swelling around her spinal cord. Right after the injury, she lost all feeling and movement in her arms and legs. Although she regained some function shortly after, she wasn’t back to her normal level. Her care team cleared her for activity with a soft neck brace and referred her to Encompass Health Lakeshore.

During her stay, Amy followed a personalized rehabilitation plan focused on building strength, restoring function and increasing independence. With support from her physical and occupational therapists, she progressed to sliding board transfers with minimal help and gained mobility using a wheelchair.

By discharge, Amy had made significant progress — a strong example of how inpatient rehabilitation can help restore function after a serious spine injury.

08/15/2025

When Steven Crabb came to our Tucson, Arizona rehabilitation hospital after a stroke, he brought with him positivity and determination.

After working hard in therapy, including sessions using the Vector system to improve his balance and walking, Steven made incredible progress. The day he was discharged was nothing short of a celebration. As he rang the discharge bell, he walked down a hallway lined with cheering team members, high-fiving each one on his way home.

Steven has had many hospital stays in the past and said his time at Encompass Health stood out. He felt truly seen and supported by a team he described as empathetic, respectful and positive. He even said the food felt like a home-cooked meal every time.

At our hospitals, we know that recovery is personal. That’s why we celebrate every milestone — big or small — and work to help each patient return to the life and the people they love.

Congratulations, Steven! Your energy and kindness left a lasting impression, and we’re so proud to have been part of your recovery.

08/14/2025

Exercise after a stroke has a number of benefits. It can increase strength, mobility and endurance, while boosting your confidence and independence. Learn how exercise could support your recovery and how to get started.

After recovering from a stroke, exercise plays a vital role in continued function and independence. Learn more about the benefits and types of exercises that help most.

08/12/2025

When Lynn Lewis came to our Pensacola rehabilitation hospital after a fall, her goal was about more than recovery—it was about reclaiming her life. Living with Parkinson’s disease had made it harder for her to enjoy the activities she loves, especially dancing.

With the support of her physical therapist, Lindsay Harrison, who is certified in Lee Silverman Voice Treatment, Lynn was able to share a special moment during her therapy: A foxtrot with her husband.

Using the Bioness Vector System, Lynn practiced big, coordinated steps in a safe, supportive environment designed to reduce her risk of future falls and build her confidence.

Every person's recovery is unique, and we’re honored to he there to help our patients get back to everyday tasks as well as those that bring them joy.

Thank you, Lynn, for trusting us with your care.

08/11/2025

With summer comes longer, sunnier days and more opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. But during the hottest months, you may need to take extra precautions to avoid heat-related illness, especially if you are 65 or older. Learn the symptoms of common heat-related illnesses and get tips on how to prevent them.

08/08/2025

In May 2023, Kathy Estrada and her husband were ready to welcome their son, when what had been a normal pregnancy turned into a medical emergency that almost ended Kathy’s life.

After 30 days in the ICU and having to have all her toes amputated, her doctors determined she was ready for the next step in her recovery. Kathy insisted she go to our rehabilitation hospital in Miami. Afterall, that’s where she is director of pharmacy and experiences the life-changing impact of rehabilitation on a daily basis.

“I felt a sense of urgency,” she said. “The doctor who saved my life reminded me that I almost died, and I needed to stay in the ICU. He helped me remain calm, and about two weeks later he made sure I was admitted to my hospital.”

Today, Kathy is back as director of pharmacy, and her most important job of all, being mom.

After a complicated pregnancy, inpatient rehabilitation helped Kathy reach newfound independence to care for her baby and return to work.

08/07/2025

We're delighted to announce plans to build a freestanding, 50-bed inpatient rehabilitation hospital in Haslet, Texas. Expected to open in 2027, this state-of-the-art hospital will serve patients recovering from debilitating illnesses and injuries, including strokes and other neurological disorders, brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, amputations and other complex orthopedic conditions.

“We are excited to further expand Encompass Health’s presence in Texas,” said Brad Kennedy, Encompass Health group president. “We look forward to beginning construction of the hospital in Haslet so we can progress toward opening its doors and bringing high-quality inpatient rehabilitative care to the community.”