The Rehabilitation Institute of Southern Illinois

02/26/2026

Coping with a life-changing diagnosis is never easy. It can bring overwhelming feelings of grief, shame, anger or even depression. With the right support, though, it is possible to manage these emotions and continue living a meaningful life.

Learning to build healthy coping strategies and knowing when to ask for help can empower you to move forward with confidence.

Experiencing a life-changing diagnosis can impact your well-being. Explore holistic strategies for coping, recovering, and finding hope through...

02/12/2026

This week is Heart Failure Awareness Week. During this time, we are reminded of how many are touched by this condition every day. Understanding the different types of heart failure and how they affect the people we care about helps us to offer more empathy and support.

At Encompass Health, we’re committed to educating patients and their families by providing the resources they need to manage heart health with confidence.

Lifestyle changes and following a medication routine can go a long way in heart failure self management.

02/05/2026

A stroke can impact more than just your mobility; it can change how you see the world. Vision changes are common after a stroke, but they don’t have to limit your recovery.

At Encompass Health, our care teams, including physicians, therapists, nurses and more, help patients adapt to post-stroke vision challenges. Discover how inpatient rehabilitation can help you regain not just your sight, but your quality of life after a stroke.

Vision loss after stroke is a common occurance. Learn how inpatient rehabilitation can help restore visual performance and independence.

01/30/2026

While the snow kept falling, our charge nurse was outside shoveling sidewalks, walkways and even behind cars so nurses and staff could get home safely. Saying we are grateful is an understatement. Acts of kindness like this make the hardest days a little brighter.

We are so thankful for our team who shows up in every way. Thank you for going above and beyond.

12/15/2025

Ed credits the team at The Rehabilitation Institute of Southern Illinois for his remarkable stroke recovery. He describes the environment as upbeat, encouraging and full of genuine warmth.

His therapists, Calyssa and Kirsten, played a particularly meaningful role, bringing energy, humor and steady motivation to every session. Every team member he encountered created a place where he felt not just cared for, but championed.

On his final day, Ed walked outside without a walker or cane. He calls that moment “freedom,” a powerful milestone symbolizing everything he worked toward.

11/25/2025

Bonnie’s life changed when a sudden fall led to a severe stroke and emergency surgery to remove a blood clot. Active and outdoorsy by nature, she faced overwhelming challenges, arriving at The Rehabilitation Institute of Southern Illinois needing significant help with walking and daily tasks.

With determination and the support of her therapy team, Bonnie made incredible progress. She went from using a walker to walking the halls independently. Her therapists — Logan in physical therapy, Tearsa in occupational therapy and Betsy in speech therapy — helped her regain strength, independence and confidence.

On her last day, Bonnie proudly walked out of the hospital on her own, ready for outpatient therapy and her next adventure. “They keep you motivated and moving,” she said. “I probably wouldn’t have made the progress I have had if I had gone elsewhere.”

11/20/2025

Living with multiple sclerosis can make everyday movements like walking or standing feel daunting. Foot drop, a common symptom of MS, can add to those challenges. The good news? It’s manageable. Our expert care team, including physicians, nurses, therapists and more, is here to help you or your loved one take the first step toward better mobility.

Learn more: https://ehc.rehab/3JOg7AR

11/06/2025

Parasympathetic breathing is a powerful technique that supports movement and enhances overall well-being. Whether you're recovering from an injury or illness, simple breathing exercises can make a meaningful difference. At Encompass Health, we’re committed to helping you or your loved one regain independence, one breath at a time.

Learn more: https://ehc.rehab/49oV6qT

10/30/2025

Being a caregiver comes with its own set of challenges, especially after a loved one experiences a stroke. While stress affects everyone differently, one thing remains the same: caregivers need support, too.

At Encompass Health, we’re committed to ensuring that both our patients and their families leave with the tools and resources essential for long-term success. Whether it’s emotional support, educational materials or practical strategies for daily care, we’re here to help every step of the way.

A stroke caregiver can face many challenges. Get advice and tips for caring for a loved one after a stroke, as well as resources to help you.

10/29/2025

Spouses Jane and Allen were both admitted to The Rehabilitation Institute of Southern Illinois after falling ill at the same time.

“No one wants these kinds of things to happen,” Jane said. “But to get back to yourself, you need to do what’s necessary. In our case, the answer was rehab. I’m thankful we had the opportunity to be at The Rehabilitation Institute of Southern Illinois and receive the therapy and care we did. Without it, we wouldn’t be able to be in our home together today.”

Thank you, Jane and Allen, for trusting us with your care!

10/23/2025

We’re proud to support the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association in its initiative to show that stroke is treatable, beatable and preventable. We are a national supporter of the AHA/ASA's Together to End Stroke initiative, and we’re sharing resources to help survivors regain their independence. Whether you're recovering from a stroke or supporting someone who is, these simple exercise tips can make a meaningful difference in recovery after a stroke.



Learn more: https://ehc.rehab/3LpGAot

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/4hg4jn6