Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Bluffton

11/04/2025

Meet Susan! Susan, a wife and mother of two, came to our Johnston, Rhode Island hospital recovering from a fall that fractured her skull. From the moment she began her rehabilitation, Susan was determined to regain her independence and return home to her loved ones. Her progress has been extraordinary. With the support of her care team, Susan learned to stand, walk and manage daily tasks on her own. Now back at home, she's looking forward to finally running that half marathon she was training for before her injury and going hiking with her family.

Discover how, in Susan's words, "The acute care hospital saved my life, but Encompass Health and the rehab here saved my soul."

https://ehc.rehab/3JHaQLc

10/31/2025

Happy Halloween, or should we say Howl-oween? At our Wichita Falls, Texas hospital they celebrated the spooky season with a Halloween puppy parade. Therapy dogs of all shapes and sizes put on their scariest — and cutest — costumes and paraded around the hospital to the delight of both patients and staff.

Halloween doesn’t have to be scary, and neither does recovery. At our rehabilitation hospitals our staff find unique ways like these to brighten the days of our patients while also helping them reach their recovery goals.

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.

10/29/2025

Today is World Stroke Day — a time to honor the strength and resilience of those affected by stroke. At our rehabilitation hospitals, we’re committed to helping stroke survivors reclaim their independence and return to the activities that matter most — whether it’s practicing everyday tasks, rebuilding strength and endurance, or returning to the community, we’re here to celebrate all the milestones.

We’re also proud to support the American Stroke Association Together to End Stroke campaign. Through this important initiative, we’re helping raise awareness that stroke is treatable, beatable and preventable.Together, we’re making recovery possible.

10/28/2025

In observance of , we’re dispelling three common misconceptions about physical therapy, especially in the inpatient rehabilitation setting. Physical therapists play a vital role in helping our patients recover and get back to the activities that mattered most to them prior to their injury or illness.

To all the physical therapists out there, thank you for all you do to improve the lives and movement of the individuals you treat!

10/28/2025

Veteran Johnny Thomas was admitted to our rehabilitation hospital in Birmingham, Alabama recovering from a kidney injury and sepsis. When he arrived, he was extremely weak, unable to even lift his legs. He was initially unsure of what rehabilitation could offer, but Johnny soon had a renewed sense of hope.

He achieved tremendous gains in strength and mobility while in our care. Physical therapy helped him rebuild his strength and 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 people like Johnny as they recover and regain their independence!

10/27/2025

We're proud to honor Infection Prevention Week and recognize the vital role of our infection prevention and wound care team. A special shoutout to Krystal Hodges, our outstanding infection prevention and wound care nurse.Krystal’s dedication helps keep our patients and staff safe and healthy every day. We’re incredibly grateful for her expertise, compassion and commitment to excellence.

Thank you, Krystal, for all that you do!

10/24/2025

Congratulations to the Jacksons — middle school sweethearts! Bailey Garrison, now Jackson, and her husband were married in the courtyard of our South Plains Rehabilitation Hospital during Bailey’s stay.

At 26, Bailey had brain surgery to remove part of a tumor, and she required speech, physical and occupational therapy afterwards. While in our care, her team learned that the couple wanted to get married as soon as possible, so they sprang into action to make it happen.

Bailey described the ceremony as “beautiful and perfect.” We were honored to be part of her special day and her rehabilitation. We wish her continued strength and recovery.

10/24/2025

Congratulations to Leah Blend, our exceptional speech-language pathologist at Encompass Health Bluffton, for receiving the quarter three Outstanding Employee Achievement Award! Leah’s dedication to our patients and community is truly appreciated. We’re grateful to have her on our team.

10/23/2025

We’re proud to support the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association in its initiative to show that stroke is treatable, beatable and preventable. We are a national supporter of the AHA/ASA's Together to End Stroke initiative, and we’re sharing resources to help survivors regain their independence. Whether you're recovering from a stroke or supporting someone who is, these simple exercise tips can make a meaningful difference in recovery after a stroke.



Learn more: https://ehc.rehab/3WFaUhD

10/22/2025

Encompass Health of Bluffton thanks everyone who participated in this year’s annual chili cook-off and congratulates our winners.

First place: Jodi Taylor, health information management services supervisor
Second place: Matty Martin, human resources coordinator
Third place: Wayne Boutwell, chief executive officer

Your enthusiasm and culinary creativity made the event a success.

10/21/2025

Joe was preparing to return to the classroom for his 30th year of teaching when he had a boogie board accident on a family vacation that changed his life. Joe had to have emergency spinal cord surgery. He was told it was unlikely he would ever walk again.

Determined to help him get back to his job and the activities that mattered most to him prior to the accident, Joe’s wife Michele convinced him to choose our rehabilitation hospital in York, Pennsylvania to receive much needed care and intensive therapy. One of his proudest moments when he was with us came when he was able to leave our hospital for a day to serve as best man at his son’s wedding — a milestone that fueled his recovery even more.

By the end of his stay, Joe walked himself to the car and headed home with his wife by his side. We are incredibly proud of Joe and honored to be part of his recovery.

10/17/2025

Meet Joe “Cool Cat” Nadeau! In 2024, Joe had a stroke that made it difficult to live independently and get around on his own. When he finally was able to move his legs, he came to our rehabilitation hospital in Shreveport, Louisiana with the goal of walking again.

With the support of his care team, Joe worked hard in therapy and made incredible progress. When he left our hospital, he was able to stand and walk with the assistance of a walker. Joe was a true inspiration to others during his time with us.

Thank you for trusting us with your recovery, Joe!

10/16/2025

At Encompass Health, we specialize in treating each patient’s unique needs. Aphasia, like other communication disorders, can significantly impact an individual’s ability to express themselves and understand others following an illness or injury. Discover these strategies and tips to help your loved one find their voice again.

https://ehc.rehab/491a3yY

10/14/2025

Brayden, 14, came to our Chattanooga, Tennessee rehabilitation hospital after a life-changing injury that required that his right leg to be amputated. When he arrived, he needed to regain his strength and learn how to adapt to his new circumstances.

Despite his condition, Brayden brought determination and a smile to every one of his therapy sessions. By discharge, he could transfer from his bed to his wheelchair and learned how to safely navigate it on his own. Just days before leaving our hospital, he was able to start walking again using a walker.

Way to go, Brayden!

10/10/2025

Encompass Health Bluffton had the pleasure of presenting to the YMCA of Port Royal on fall prevention. Thank you to our clinicians who shared their expertise on this very important topic: Shawn Gardner, occupational therapist; Leah Blend, speech-language pathologist; Jessica Lehmann, clinical liaison; and Lindsay Moon, business development director.

10/09/2025

Today, we celebrated the grand opening of our newest hospital in the state of Florida. Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of St. Petersburg is expected to begin serving patients later this month. This 50-bed rehabilitation hospital marks our 25th hospital in the state of Florida.

It’s our honor to meet the growing inpatient rehabilitation needs of the St. Pete community and to help those recovering from stroke and other serious illnesses and injuries regain their independence.

10/09/2025

At Encompass Health, we recognize that rehabilitation is never one-size-fits-all. Orthotics are a critical component in restoring mobility and independence after an injury or illness. These specialized tools improve alignment, reduce pain and enhance movement. Learn how we integrate orthotics into personalized care plans to help patients regain their independence.

Serious injuries or conditions may lead therapists to recommend orthotics for mobility and function during post-acute rehabilitation care. Read about the types of orthotics and why using them may help with recovery

10/08/2025

Join Lindsey Burdett, one of our dedicated physical therapists, for a behind-the-scenes look at a day in her life. Lindsey’s passion lies in helping patients regain independence and return to the activities they love most.

Thank you, Lindsey, and all of our incredible physical therapy professionals, for your unwavering commitment to our patients and to Encompass Health. Happy !

10/07/2025

We are honored to be named among the 2025 America’s Best Physical Rehabilitation Centers list by Newsweek and Statista. The list includes a record-breaking 66 Encompass Health hospitals across 27 states — earning Encompass Health the companywide title of “America’s Most Awarded Leader in Inpatient Rehabilitation” for the sixth consecutive year. Rankings are based on quality metrics, accreditation data, a national survey of industry experts and Google reviews from patients.

https://ehc.rehab/3KxdPpF

10/01/2025

In September 2024, Liberty Hill, Texas resident Joe Pearson started his year-long work assignment in Italy. However, eight months into his job, he started experiencing odd symptoms.

“I can see them [my legs], but I can’t feel them,” Pearson told the Austin American-Statesman newspaper.

Pearson was diagnosed with Guillain Barre syndrome, a rare condition in which the immune system attacks the nerves causing weakness, numbness and even paralysis. Learn how our team at our Round Rock, Texas rehabilitation hospital not only worked to get him back closer to his home and family but also to get him the care he needed to regain his independence. When he arrived at our hospital, he couldn’t even sit up on his own. By the time he left, he was able to transfer from a bed to his wheelchair and was even able to stand using the parallel bars.

Guillain-Barre syndrome following a virus can damage nerves. Intense physical therapy needed to rebuild connections.

09/30/2025

In an interview with WTOC-TV, Meg, our director of therapy operations at Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Bluffton, shared how our team works together to help patients regain independence — even if it means adjusting to a “new normal.”

Joyce, one of our inspiring patients, also shared her journey: “I refuse to give up," she said. "With the help of all these people, I think I’m going to be OK.”

Meg also gave WTOC-11 a tour of our therapy gym, showing how we simulate real-life situations to make therapy more meaningful.

📺 Watch the full interview here:

September is National Rehabilitation Awareness Month.

09/19/2025

Happy National Rehabilitation Awareness Week! 🎉

Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Bluffton is proud to recognize the incredible referral sources at Regional Medical Center in affiliation with MUSC Health. Your commitment to patient advocacy and timely access to rehabilitation care makes a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve.

Thank you for all you do to support recovery and healing!

09/19/2025

Happy National Rehabilitation Awareness Week! 🌟

Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Bluffton is proud to recognize the incredible referral sources who advocate for patients and help ensure timely access to rehabilitation care.

We’re especially grateful for the dedicated case managers at Coastal Carolina Hospital who consistently make a difference. Pictured here are Nikki Phillips, Katie Riva and Courtney Agboh — thank you for all you do!