Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Murrieta

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

Encompass Health Murrieta wrapped up summer with a festive luau for employees, featuring contests, Hawaiian dancing and delicious food. A huge thank you to the event committee, led by Shaundra and Aivee, for their hard work and creativity in making the celebration a success.

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.

09/10/2025

Debbie came to Encompass Health Murrieta after leg surgery. Realizing she couldn’t safely return home right away, she admitted to our hospital for a week of rehabilitation.

By the end of her stay, Debbie was transferring independently, and for the first time in 14 months, her pain was manageable. She worked closely with our care team and found support through the Fractured Femur Club, a support group for those recovering from femur injuries.

Great job, Debbie!

We’re proud of your progress, Debbie!

09/09/2025

We had a busy month celebrating our amazing team members’ birthdays. Thank you to everyone who helped make each celebration special. Here's to another year of health, happiness and teamwork!

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!

08/28/2025

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.

08/21/2025

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!

08/19/2025

Annual fit testing is a requirement for employment at Encompass Health Murrieta, and we strive to make the process enjoyable for everyone. Fit testing ensures a secure seal between a respirator and a person's face, which is essential to patient safety. The purpose of a respirator is to prevent unfiltered air from entering by creating a proper seal. This reduces the risk of exposing them to an infectious disease.

Fit testing is just one of the many measures we take to ensure our patients are safe.

08/18/2025

Our nursing department recently gifted the dietary team with Encompass Health jackets. These teams work closely together to ensure patients receive nutritious meals, and the dietary staff plays a vital role in our daily operations. On especially busy days, their dedication stands out. This recognition was a way to show how much they are appreciated. A big thank-you to Jen, head of nursing, and Adam, head of dietary, for helping make it happen.

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

Terry came to us after back surgery. He had no leg strength; his goal was to stay pain free, walk upstairs and build endurance. During his first attempt at stairs, he managed only a few steps. Within a week, he successfully climbed the entire staircase.

Way to go Terry!

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

Birthdays at Encompass Health Murrieta are a meaningful tradition among our work family. We take pride in celebrating each team member and making their special day feel truly special.

08/11/2025

It’s remarkable how such a strong team has come together within these walls. Our co-workers have become a work family, and together we’ve achieved great things. Our success depends on teamwork, and every person plays a vital role.

08/08/2025

Eric came to Encompass Health after a stroke. He was determined to return home and committed himself to doing everything asked of him to make that happen. The hardest part of his recovery was being away from home, but his family helped him stay encouraged by visiting every day. Their support, combined with Eric’s dedication, made all the difference in his recovery.