Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Fort Smith

09/29/2025

Earlier this month at Encompass Health Fort Smith, we celebrated National Rehabilitation Awareness Week with the theme “Reaching for the Stars.”
Our team enjoyed a week full of connection and fun — from team-building exercises to games that helped us learn more about our hospital, plus a special breakfast and lunch together. It was a wonderful reminder that teamwork and knowledge go hand in hand as we care for our patients.

We are so grateful for our amazing team that reaches for the stars every day to make a difference in the lives of our patients.

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

It was a wonderful evening at the Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce Healthcare Reception at the U.S. Marshals Museum. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Andre Jozek Nolewajka for receiving the Physician of the Year award. We are proud to see his dedication and impact recognized in such a meaningful way.

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.

09/19/2025

Encompass Health Forth Smith was proud to participate in this year’s Annual Senior Care Alliance Conference. We’re grateful for the opportunity to support the Senior Care Alliance and its mission to serve as a strong resource and advocate for seniors in our community.

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

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.

09/12/2025

Meet Sarah Solomon, RN, our wound program coordinator. Sarah creates a personalized plan for treatment or prevention for every patient she sees. She uses proven methods and advanced tools like wound vacs, healing wraps and gentle cleaning techniques to support recovery.

Sarah also leads our wound care and prevention team, making sure staff have the knowledge and resources to provide excellent care. Her favorite part of the job? Helping patients feel more comfortable, independent and confident.

Thank you, Sarah, for your dedication and compassion!

09/10/2025

Staying social as you age can improve your health both physically and mentally. However, as you get older, sometimes it's not as easy as it once was.
You no longer have the day-to-day routine that working once brought, and family and friends may have moved away or passed on, leaving you feeling lonely and isolated.
As an older adult, you don't have to go it alone.

09/09/2025

Sept. 7–13 is Environmental Services & Housekeeping Week!

We’re incredibly grateful for our environmental services team at Encompass Health Fort Smith. Every day, they work hard to keep our hospital clean, safe and welcoming. Behind the scenes, they also help keep our building running smoothly and our technology functioning.

We couldn’t do what we do without their dedication and teamwork. Please join us in celebrating and thanking this amazing group for all they do!

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.

09/02/2025

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!

08/29/2025

After a below-the-knee amputation, Kevin Cooper came to Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Fort Smith with a goal: to become more independent with transfers and self-care.

“The hospital is amazing,” Kevin shared. “Everyone made me feel comfortable when I came in. Ethan, Brandon, Shane and the whole team have been incredible and taught me so much. Every single nurse went out of their way to keep me comfortable and manage my pain.”

Kevin, we’re proud of your determination and progress. Thank you for trusting us with your care!

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.

08/26/2025

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

Our team at Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Fort Smith is proud to support our local healthcare community! Sally, Tony and Cynthia recently represented our hospital at Baptist Health Fort Smith & Van Buren's employee appreciation day. We love celebrating and connecting with fellow healthcare professionals who make a difference every day.

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

Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Fort Smith saddled up for an unforgettable Western-themed team-building event! Our fantastic team members showed off their spirit and proved that with this group, we’re always ready to conquer new frontiers. A huge thank you to everyone for making it such a memorable day!

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

Robert Campbell came to Encompass Health Fort Smith following lower back surgery. He needed assistance with daily activities, walking and climbing stairs.

Through rehabilitation, Robert practiced everyday tasks, built his balance and walked both inside and outside the hospital. Thanks to his hard work and determination, he is now returning home independently.

“The staff has been wonderful. I would recommend Encompass Health to anyone needing rehabilitation,” Robert said.

We are proud of his progress and wish him continued success in his recovery.

08/19/2025

Congratulations to Eric Burns for being named our employee of the second quarter! Eric joined Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Fort Smith just six months ago and has already made a tremendous impact. He is known for his positive attitude, attention to detail and outstanding skill set.

Thank you, Eric, for everything you do for our patients, our staff and our entire hospital. We’re grateful to have you on our team!