CoxHealth Rehabilitation Hospital

03/02/2026

A brain injury can go unnoticed, which is why doctors rely on multiple tools to assess them. Imaging studies such as computed tomography (CT) scans and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provide detailed views of the brain and can reveal bleeding, swelling or structural changes. Early evaluation and testing is essential because it guides that patient’s treatment plan. Doctors ask questions to assess memory, attention and problem-solving skills. They also perform a full evaluation of the patient, while therapy teams look at movement, speech and daily skills to see how the injury is affecting life in real-time.

There are two types of brain injury — traumatic and non-traumatic — which stem from different causes. Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are a disruption in normal brain function caused by an external force such as a bump, blow or jolt to the head often occurring in an accident, sports injury or fall. Non-traumatic brain injuries are damage to the brain caused by internal factors, such as illness or oxygen deprivation. Non-traumatic brain injuries are often considered a type of acquired brain injury and consist of strokes, tumors or cardiac arrest.

Using advanced diagnostic tools and patient evaluations, our rehabilitation hospitals determine the right path forward for each patient. Guided by physician-led multidisciplinary teams, every patient undergoes a full assessment and receives a customized treatment plan tailored to their unique needs. Read more below about how we help people regain their abilities and independence.

02/16/2026

For Heart Month, we’re sharing Jessica Ziemba’s story — a powerful reminder of courage and recovery.

Jessica expected a quick pacemaker procedure. Instead, she spent months in the hospital facing major heart and kidney complications. When she arrived for inpatient rehabilitation, she was weak, tired and unsure of what she could do.

With the help of her care team, Jessica built strength every day — practicing her steps using the parallel bars, climbing stairs, doing daily tasks and learning how to conserve her energy. Her family trained with her so they could continue to support her at home.

After 19 days, Jessica walked on her own and felt ready to return to her life. “Keep going,” she said. “Change doesn’t happen overnight, but it does happen.”

Read Jessica’s story here: https://bit.ly/4a4ynPk

To learn more about Select Medical’s network of hospitals, visit: https://www.selectmedical.com/about-us/

02/12/2026

02/11/2026

February is National Recreational Therapy Month 🏀🏌️

Our inpatient rehabilitation hospitals offer recreational therapy sessions that complement an extensive range of rehabilitation programs and services. Recreational therapy advances the healing process through fun and adaptive activities. This form of therapy helps to restore a person’s function and reduces activity limitations caused by an illness or disabling condition.

02/06/2026

After Army Warrant Officer Brian Burns survived a devastating motorcycle collision, he faced a long road back to the life he loved with his pregnant wife, Kayla, and their two young sons. Brian underwent life-saving treatment at a trauma hospital before transitioning to Select Specialty Hospital - Springfield for continued recovery. When he grew strong enough, he transitioned to Select Medical Rehabilitation — now CoxHealth Rehabilitation Hospital — where rebuilding truly began.

With the support of a dedicated, physician-led rehabilitation team, Brian worked daily to regain strength, mobility and the everyday skills he’d need to care for himself and his family. Just three weeks after he made it back home, Brian reached a milestone everyone had hoped for: supporting Kayla in the delivery room as they welcomed their new son.

Today, the same expert rehabilitation team that helped Brian reclaim his independence is caring for patients at the new CoxHealth Rehabilitation Hospital. We’re honored to open a new chapter of inpatient rehabilitation in Ozark — bringing the skill, heart and hope that powered Brian’s recovery to every patient we serve.

Read more about Brian's incredible recovery journey here: https://bit.ly/3MbzbtK

02/03/2026

CoxHealth Rehabilitation Hospital just admitted its first patient, Gary Cox, who helped cut the ribbon to his room at the new hospital.

Gary arrived at CoxHealth Rehabilitation Hospital after a challenging medical journey. He was first admitted to CoxHealth Medical Center South in late December when the surgical site from his above the knee amputation wasn’t healing properly. Before his amputation, Gary lived independently with his son nearby for support. Gary’s goal now is to return to that quality of life. At CoxHealth Rehabilitation Hospital, Gary’s physician-led team will create a customized care plan that helps him rebuild his strength and mobility while also ensuring that his wound continues to heal.

Pictured with Gary (left to right):
Amanda Holmes, Director of Business Development; Lisa Hallam, CEO; Dr. Jesse Neeley, Medical Director; and Brittney Null, Chief Nursing Officer.

CoxHealth Rehabilitation Hospital — a partnership between Select Medical and CoxHealth — is a brand new, 63 bed, all private suite facility in Ozark, MO. We’re here to help patients rebuild strength and independence after stroke, brain and spinal cord injuries, amputations, neurological disorders and orthopedic conditions.

Learn more at coxhealth-rehab.com