Rusk Rehabilitation Hospital

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!

10/14/2025

We’re excited to welcome David Fredericks as the new CEO of Rusk Rehabilitation Hospital, an affiliation of Encompass Health and MU Health Care. David brings more than 13 years of experience with Encompass Health, including as Rusk's director of therapy operations from 2019 to 2022. He most recently held the CEO position at Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Lakeview in Kentucky. With a background in physical therapy and a strong focus on quality care, David is ready to lead our team forward.

We're glad to have you, David!

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/3Kx2jL6

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

Encompass Health has been named “America’s Most Awarded Leader in Inpatient Rehabilitation” by Newsweek and Statista for the sixth consecutive year. The 2025 America’s Best Physical Rehabilitation Centers list includes a record-breaking 66 Encompass Health hospitals across 27 states — the most hospitals included on the list for one provider.

“Encompass Health’s consistent presence on this prestigious list, with more hospitals included annually since its inception than any other provider, exemplifies our long-standing commitment to high-quality patient care and excellent outcomes,” said Encompass Health President and CEO Mark Tarr. “Our decades of experience, unparalleled clinical expertise and deep commitment to personalized care make us the trusted choice for inpatient rehabilitation. We look forward to continuing to strengthen that trust with our patients, partners and communities.”

https://ehc.rehab/48FxT30

09/26/2025

“Reaching for the Stars” was the theme for 2025 Rehabilitation Awareness Week, and Rusk Rehabilitation Hospital celebrated with a variety of fun and engaging activities. One highlight was the Rocket Launch paper airplane contest, where new employee Michael Smith took first place by getting his rocket to fly 40 paces.

We also extend a big thank you to the Rusk dietary staff for providing star-themed menu items throughout the week. Your creativity and support helped make the celebration truly memorable.

09/24/2025

Sometimes, interpreting a doctor’s medical jargon can feel like trying to understand a foreign language. However, understanding your medical care and diagnosis is essential. How can you cut through the medical jargon and better understand your care and condition? Follow these tactics to get the most out of your doctor visits.

09/22/2025

Today is the first of fall, and it’s also National Fall Prevention Day. We want to use this time to draw attention to the danger of falls, especially in older adults. Falls are a leading cause of hospitalization and even death in older adults. There are preventative measures you can take, though, to reduce your risk of a fall. One of our physical therapists is sharing three simple exercises to improve balance and reduce your risk of a dangerous fall.

09/19/2025

As we wrap up National Rehabilitation Week, we want to celebrate our patients and our expert clinicians who help them return to the activities they love after a life-changing illness or injury. That’s the power of inpatient rehabilitation. From around the country, here are just a few of the successes and milestones we celebrated this week. National Rehabilitation Awareness week is just one week out of the year, but successes like these occur daily in our rehabilitation hospitals.

09/18/2025

Janice England had just moved from Michigan to Cleveland, Tennessee, when she learned that she would have to have her leg amputated. Janice has arteriosclerosis, a vascular disease that can interrupt blood flow to parts of the body.

After her surgery, her doctors told her she would need inpatient rehabilitation to recover and return to her daily activities. Being new to the area, she had no idea where to go. That’s when her husband Bod and their children stepped in to find Janice the best care possible.

“I was in the hospital, so my family researched it. They got online and talked to people,” she recalled. “They came to the conclusion that Encompass Health was the best place to go, and they were absolutely correct.”

At Encompass Health, Janice was able to get the medical care she required after her amputation, as well as intensive therapy to help her return home and adapt to her new condition and settle into her new community.

09/17/2025

In one week, Joseph Rowland went from being active and independent to becoming almost completely paralyzed. “I could hardly wiggle my little finger,” he said. Joe was diagnosed with Guillain Barré, a rare neurological condition that can cause sudden paralysis.

He needed intensive therapy to regain some movement, so he could live on his own again. He chose Encompass Health for inpatient rehabilitation, where he would receive three hours of therapy a day, five days a week.

In one week, he went from being unable to sit up or even feed himself, to gradually regaining movement in his hands and legs, enough so that by discharge, he could maneuver himself in a wheelchair and even walk some with a walker — both of which he couldn’t have imagined when he arrived at Encompass Health.

09/16/2025

Rusk Rehabilitation Hospital welcomes patients from all backgrounds and walks of life. Today, we’re honored to introduce Sharon Gale, a patient of ours who has rediscovered her joy of playing the piano after a life-changing injury.

"I have been playing the piano since I was a little girl,” Sharon shared. “I would say I started playing at the young age of 8."

Thank you for sharing your beautiful gift with us, Sharon!

09/16/2025

As a football and track coach at Heritage High School in Catoosa County, Georgia, David Gibson was accustomed to being on his feet. After serious complications from a back surgery, though, he was unsure if he would ever walk again.

“I was supposed to be in outpatient,” he recalled. “Next thing I knew, I woke up and couldn’t feel my legs.”

His doctors referred him to Encompass Health for inpatient rehabilitation. David said he’d almost lost hope, but then he found himself in the therapy gym standing and taking his first steps again. After about a month of intensive therapy at our rehabilitation hospital, David was walking with assistance. Today, nearly a year after his surgery, he’s back on the sidelines, doing what he loves.

09/15/2025

As president and CEO of Encompass Health, Mark Tarr understands the power of inpatient rehabilitation and the role it plays in transforming our patients’ lives after a serious injury or illness. However, as we kickoff National Rehabilitation Awareness Week, the best way to tell the story and raise awareness to what inpatient rehabilitation can do, is to hear from our patients. Join us the remainder of this week as we meet some of our former patients — one recovering from a spinal cord injury, one from amputation and another from Guillain Barré — and here from them as they describe how rehabilitation helped them get back to their lives and what matters most to them.

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.

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.

08/14/2025

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

Congratulations and welcome to Troy Shelangoski! We are excited to have you join the Rusk Rehabilitation Hospital team. As our new human resources director, we look forward to the positive impact you will make and the leadership you will bring to our organization.

08/08/2025

Congratulations to Ron Carlyle, our employee of the second quarter! Ron serves as the environmental services supervisor here at Rusk Rehabilitation Hospital, and we are grateful for his dedication and hard work. Thank you, Ron, for all you do to support our hospital!

08/07/2025

Your furry friend does more than bring joy; they can also benefit your heart. Whether it’s getting in a brisk walk with your furry friend or just having a companion, pets can encourage movement and reduce stress. Learn how your pet may be boosting your heart health.

Research shows that owning a pet has positive health benefits