Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of North Tampa

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.

09/19/2025

This National Rehabilitation Awareness Week, we celebrate the incredible strength, resilience and determination of our patients and staff. Our theme, “Reaching for the Stars,” honors the goals our patients strive toward and the incredible work our teams do to help them get back to what matters most after an illness or injury.

09/19/2025

A truly special moment unfolded at Encompass Health North Tampa when one of our own therapists, AJ, returned as a patient after a prolonged illness and hospitalization. Known for her compassionate care, AJ faced her recovery with the same courage and determination she once inspired in others.

With the support of her colleagues Judith, Marion and Lily, AJ worked tirelessly to regain her strength. Today, she walked out of the hospital to cheers and applause from the very team she once stood beside.

Her journey is a powerful reminder that recovery is possible and that at Encompass Health, we are more than caregivers — we are family.

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

Congratulations to Meghan Finton on her promotion to senior physical therapist! 🎉 In her new role, Meghan will continue doing what she loves most — helping patients move with greater ease and live more fulfilling lives. She will also take on expanded responsibilities in leadership and mentorship. Meghan is especially proud to remain our student clinical education coordinator, guiding the next generation of physical therapists as they grow into skilled and compassionate clinicians.

Adding to this exciting chapter, Meghan recently achieved board certification as a geriatric clinical specialist, a remarkable accomplishment that reflects her dedication to providing the highest standard of care for our aging community. Please join us in celebrating Meghan’s continued impact and success!

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

When Patrick arrived at Encompass Health North Tampa following a stroke, he was extremely week and was unable to walk. Through determination, hard work and the support of our dedicated rehabilitation team, his journey became one of true inspiration.

Under the guidance of physical therapist Jia Gates and EKSO champion Judith Sargent, Patrick used advanced rehabilitation technologies including the LiteGait and EKSO NR—robotic exoskeletons designed to support neurorehabilitation. These tools, combined with evidence-based therapy approaches, helped him reach his recovery goals.

Today, Patrick leaves our hospital not only walking, but walking without a walker.

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

A heartfelt thank you from one of our patients reminds us why we do what we do every day at Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of North Tampa. Their journey of healing and recovery inspires us, and we’re honored to be part of their story.

Together, we celebrate every milestone — big and small. 🌟

09/05/2025

Balance is the foundation of safe and confident movement. Our patient Karen Gage is working with Brooke, a physical therapist, to improve coordination and stability. In this obstacle course session, Karen practices stepping over hurdles — an exercise that builds strength, confidence and independence.

Each step she takes brings her closer to greater freedom in daily life.

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!

09/01/2025

We’re delighted to unveil our hospital’s refreshed outdoor courtyard — a space filled with lush greenery and vibrant trees. We believe healing thrives in nature. This calming space environment offers patients and families a place to breathe fresh air, find peace and experience moment of joy.

08/29/2025

Gary, one of our dedicated patients, is shown here making great strides in his recovery while enjoying a round of putting during his physical therapy session. Activities like this aren’t just enjoyable — they help improve coordination, balance and focus in an engaging way.

At Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of North Tampa, we believe therapy should be both functional and fun. Today’s session brought smiles, sunshine and steady progress! ☀️

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.

08/22/2025

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 experiencing a stroke that affected her balance, Maggie was determined to get back on track. While with us, her team prepared her to do that by enjoying a game of pickleball during her physical therapy session with Davis, a physical therapy student, under the guidance of his instructor, Judith. This fun, fast-paced activity challenges Maggie’s balance, coordination and reaction time while keeping her motivated and engaged. 🏓

At Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of North Tampa, we use creative and meaningful activities to help our patients rebuild confidence and mobility.

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.

08/19/2025

Jackie came to Encompass Health North Tampa after a recent hospital stay left her with balance and strength deficits. Through hard work and the power of rehabilitation, she is now heading home and walking independently. Her journey is a powerful reminder that inpatient rehabilitation plays a vital role in helping patients regain strength, mobility and independence. We are proud to celebrate this milestone with her.