Encompass Health

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.

09/10/2025

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.

09/02/2025

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!

08/15/2025

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.

08/14/2025

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.

02/28/2025

Roberto Solario made incredible progress during his time at Yuma Rehabilitation Hospital. When he arrived, he had a breathing tube, a feeding tube and was unable to eat or speak due to a serious illness.

Through speech and respiratory therapy, he had his breathing tube removed, transitioned to a regular diet and learned to use a communication device. With physical and occupational therapy, he improved his mobility, gained strength and became more independent in daily tasks like eating, dressing and using the bathroom.

Roberto's determination and hard work led to steady progress each day, allowing him to regain independence and improve his quality of life.

02/27/2025

If you have a loved who suffered a stroke, you might notice some changes to their personality such as feeling anxious, less interested in hobbies or uncontrolled emotions. According to the American Heart Association, personality changes are common after a stroke. Learn why these changes occur and how to seek treatment for recovery.

If you or your loved ones are experiencing personality changes after stroke, you are not alone. Learn about these changes and how treatment can help.

02/20/2025

Sepsis is a severe response to an infection in the bloodstream that can lead to organ failure, typically in the lungs, liver, kidneys and heart. Learn the signs and symptoms to prevent and reduce your risk of sepsis.

https://nuvi.me/dlpnqs

Sepsis is a life-threatening disease. Learn the signs and symptoms and who is at risk.

02/17/2025

Congratulations to Michael Piotrowski for being named as our employee of the month! Michael has been a physical therapy assistant for 13 years. Prior to joining Yuma Rehabilitation Hospital, he worked in a skilled nursing facility and a transitional care setting in New Hampshire and Texas. He is a certified clinical instructor with a specialty of developing patients’ confidence with balance through his balance program. One of Michael’s patients shared, “He really listened to my concerns and addressed issues that helped me succeed with therapy.” Another patient shared, “Mike is very professional and makes learning safety exercises simple.” Outside of work, he and his wife enjoy paddleboarding, jogging, rollerblading, skiing and snowboarding.

Congratulations, Michael!

02/13/2025

Twenty-five percent of adults 65 and older experience social isolation whether it's due to loss of a loved one or friend or they aren't able to get out as easily as they once did. It is important to stay social as you age to reduce the feeling of depression, anxiety, obesity and more. Learn strategies for coping with social isolation and resources that can help.

Social isolation in older adults is a growing concern. Learn the signs and get resources to help yourself or a loved one.

02/12/2025

Congratulations to Carina Sanks, rehabilitation nursing technician II, for being named as our January employee of the month. Carina has worked at Yuma Rehabilitation Hospital as a RNT for almost two years. During this time, she has proven to have a positive attitude, be a team player and set the standard with her patients. One of her peers shared, “Carina is on top of her job and does not have to be reminded to do anything.” A patient shared, “She was wonderful, happy, smiling and always there just when I needed help. She reminded me to drink water. I felt like I was not a burden but rather she was happy I was here.” Great job, Carina!

02/04/2025

Maria was admitted to Yuma Rehabilitation Hospital after surviving a stroke. Upon arrival, Maria could not move the left side of her body and required substantial assistance for all self-care tasks and mobility. Maria showed up for each therapy session with determination to recover. Her dedicated husband, Joel, never left her side. Upon discharge, Maria had regained her independence with her new assistive devices. She discharged home just in time for her 60th birthday. Maria plans to celebrate her success with her family by her side.

Congratulations, Maria!

01/30/2025

Pneumonia causes serious breathing complications, especially in older adults with chronic conditions. Learn how breathing exercises can help you combat complications associated with pneumonia.

Pneumonia causes serious breathing complications. Learn how breathing exercises for pneumonia can increase breath control and build lung strength.

12/19/2024

The holidays can be challenging and even more so when you are caring for someone with dementia. If you are celebrating the season with someone with dementia, there are steps you can take to help make the holidays meaningful for all.

Holidays are a happy time, but also a stressful one, especially if you're caring for someone with dementia. Get tips on managing them from a geriatrician

12/06/2024

Rafael arrived at Yuma Rehabilitation Hospital with a spinal cord injury requiring significant assistance for transfers and daily activities. Through hard work and determination, he has made remarkable progress.

Now, Rafael can transfer to his wheelchair with supervised assistance, self-propel and complete most daily activities with minimal help. With the support of the Vector machine, he has also improved his walking and balance, standing with assistance using a front-wheel walker.

Rafael was discharged home with family support and is excited to return to his routine.

12/05/2024

The holiday season is typically characterized as the most wonderful time of the year, but for older adults it can often be a reminder of times past and loved ones lost. If the holidays are getting you down, counselor Liz Bilderback has tips on how to boost your spirits this season and when it's time to seek help.

Holiday blues can be very real, especially older adults. A therapist offers tips to help combat them

11/28/2024

We are giving thanks for our team! This Thanksgiving, we express our deepest gratitude to the dedicated individuals who contribute their skills and passion to make our workplace exceptional. Thank you for your hard work and commitment!