Rehabilitation hospitals specialize in aiding patients with chronic diseases or disabilities. Teams of physicians, physical therapists and mental health professionals coordinate individualized patient care. Rehabilitation care can be done on an inpatient or outpatient basis. Typically, rehabilitation care is sought by patients struggling with physical and mental conditions caused by head injuries, stroke, spinal cord injuries, neurological disorders, arthritis or chronic diseases. The goal of rehabilitation is to help a patient adjust to his new way of life and achieve the highest level of independence possible.
Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago
The Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago is a nonprofit hospital. Founded in 1954, the facility draws patients from around the world. RIC is equipped to handle patients with brain trauma, chronic pain, spinal cord injuries, amputation, arthritis, sports injuries and back pain. RIC also has a pediatric rehabilitation unit. RIC treatment teams are headed by physiatrist, a physician who specializes in rehabilitation and physical medicine. RIC also employs an arsenal of social workers, recreation therapists, vocational counselors, rehabilitation nurses, speech pathologists and respiratory specialists.
Mayo Clinic
The Mayo Clinic is based in Rochester, Minn. Considered one of the top research institutes in the country, the Mayo Clinic operates a nonprofit hospital with more than 1,300 beds that specializes in rehabilitation medicine. The Mayo Clinic is equipped to help patients with multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, fibromyalgia, musculoskeletal injuries, spina bifida, stroke, brain injuries, amputation, arthritis, Parkinson's disease and bladder/bowel dysfunction. The Mayo Clinic incorporates complementary medicine, such as acupuncture, into their treatment plans. All treatment teams are headed by a physiatrist.
Rusk Institute
The Rusk Institute is part of New York University's Langone Medical Center and is based in New York City. With more than 800 beds, the facility provides treatment for nearly 40 different chronic diseases and disorders, including hand injuries, neck and back injuries, nerve disorders and arthritis. The facility is equipped to provide acute inpatient care and offers a wide variety of outpatient programs. Rusk also offers three specialized clinics focusing on women's health rehabilitation, adult spasticity and neuromuscular diseases.
Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center
Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center is a facility with about 400 beds based in Downey, Calif. Rancho Los Amigos specializes in care for patients with diabetes, stroke, Alzheimer's disease, arthritis, traumatic brain injury and spinal cord injury. The facility also has a pediatric unit. Rancho Los Amigos also provides dental care for its patients with disabilities. It is a nonprofit facility.
