Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of North Alabama

08/25/2025

Congratulations to Anthony Douglas on his new role as environmental services manager! We’re proud to have him on our team at Encompass Health North Alabama and look forward to the leadership and dedication he brings to the role.

08/22/2025

Congratulations to Pamela Stokesberry, our employee of the quarter! Pamela plays a vital role across many departments in the hospital. As the therapy secretary, she is the heart of our operations — ensuring patients have the equipment and supplies they need, planning celebrations and making team members feel valued. She brings compassion to patients through rounding and offers a listening ear to anyone in the building. Pamela is often asked to take on additional projects and always steps up with enthusiasm. She exemplifies empathy, reliability and teamwork in every interaction with co-workers, patients and families. Her positive spirit and dedication make her an integral part of our hospital’s success.

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

Please join us in giving a huge round of applause to our very own Allie Rubelsky! Allie officially passed her Alabama Physical Therapy Boards.

We’re incredibly proud to have Allie on our team here at Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of North Alabama. Her dedication and hard work are an inspiration, and we’re excited to see the impact she’ll continue to make in the lives of our patients.

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.

08/15/2025

Chelsea has served as director of therapy operations at Encompass Health North Alabama since March 2018. She began her career with Encompass Health in 2011 in Evansville, Indiana, and transferred to North Alabama. A graduate of Purdue University, Chelsea later earned her master’s degree in occupational therapy from the University of Indianapolis. She has specialized in evaluating and treating brain injuries and neurological disorders and holds a certification in neurodevelopmental treatment.

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.

08/13/2025

Please join us in celebrating our August employee of the month, Joy Williams!

Joy is the ultimate team player. She is always willing to help other therapists with tricky transfers to keep everyone safe. She consistently challenges her patients and cheers them on to achieve their greatest functional outcomes, adapting her approach to best meet each patient's needs.

Joy is the epitome of her name — She is an absolute joy to her co-workers, patients and their families. She always has a bright smile on her face and brings positivity to every interaction.

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.

08/08/2025

Sandy Hargrove, a senior rehabilitation liaison, was nominated by her co-workers as our liaison of the quarter. Sandy consistently goes above and beyond. Known for her proactive approach and heartfelt dedication, she is kind, compassionate and easy to talk to. She’s admired not only by her colleagues and patients, but also by families and members of the community. Sandy’s commitment to excellence makes a lasting impact every day.

Thank you for all that you do, Sandy!

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.”

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

08/06/2025

Dr. Mitul Patel joined Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of North Alabama in March 2022, and was appointed medical director the following month. He developed a strong passion for rehabilitation and chose to focus on both medicine and rehab care at the hospital. Prior to moving to Huntsville, he served as a consulting nephrologist at Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Alexandria. Dr. Patel is board certified in internal medicine and nephrology. He attended medical school at Ross University and completed his training at Westlake Hospital and Loyola University Medical Center in the Chicago area.

08/05/2025

Each quarter, our President and CEO Mark Tarr provides a company update for employees. His latest update includes a conversation about the launch of our new website. Check it out to learn what’s been happening at Encompass Health!

08/05/2025

Meet Mechell Mathews.

After undergoing surgery, Mechell was admitted to our Shreveport, Louisiana hospital to recover from an infection. When she arrived, she needed help with even the simplest daily tasks. But Mechell was determined to regain her independence.

Through hard work, dedication and the support of our incredible rehabilitation team, Mechell made remarkable progress. Now, she’s looking forward to getting back to the things she loves most — like fishing and spending time with her father.

Her journey is a reminder of how inpatient rehabilitation can help people rebuild their strength and return to the life they love. Congratulations, Mechell! 👏

08/05/2025

Tonia Graves, one of our rehab liaisons, had the opportunity to attend the 2025 Hartselle Health Fair, where more than 100 seniors from across the community gathered. Encompass Health North Alabama is proud to support events like this that promote wellness, connection and care in our community!

08/04/2025

Staying up to date on vaccinations isn’t just for school-aged children or those traveling to exotic destinations. As you get
older, you could be at a higher risk of developing complications from certain illnesses; immunizations could help protect you and reduce these risks. Learn which ones you should consider getting if you are 50 or older and always consult your doctor when considering which are right for you.

As you age, your immune system declines in its ability to fight off harmful pathogens. Learn more about the benefits and recommendation of vaccines as you get older.

07/31/2025

Have you noticed the foods you once enjoyed don’t quite taste the same? As you get older, your taste buds change for many reasons — some natural, others linked to health conditions or medications. Without the right guidance, these changes can affect your appetite and overall well-being. A registered dietitian shares tips on how to keep your meals tasty as well as healthy as you age.

Why Does Your Sense of Taste Change as You Age? Find out how aging, the olfactory system and other factors can affect taste.