Patient Success Stories at Murfreesboro Rehabilitation Hospital

After suffering a stroke, Stephen F. arrived at Murfreesboro Rehabilitation Hospital with a strong sense of disbelief about his situation, unsure of what to expect. However, his motivation to recover was clear: “I knew it was time to work.”

Stephen was paired with physical therapist Josh and occupational therapist Megan, both of whom he describes as making him feel like part of the MRH family. He emphasizes that they pushed him to his limits in the best possible way, helping him make significant progress.

“Working in the pool and the gym has been a highlight,” Stephen says. “The people, the atmosphere, and the progress I’ve made have all contributed to my recovery.” Though he still feels some uncertainty about what life will be like once he returns home, he acknowledges the tremendous improvement he’s experienced.

Reflecting on his journey, Stephen is amazed by how far he’s come: “It’s been incredible to see the progress. It’s been cool to see things that weren’t moving start to move after a stroke. I see the results of the hard work.”

Overall, Stephen is incredibly grateful for the care he’s received at MRH, stating, “Everybody here has been great,” and he feels more hopeful about his future than when he first arrived.

Dewey P. suffered a serious fall from a ladder, resulting in significant vertebral damage and excruciating pain. It was his first hospitalization after a major medical event, and he was understandably anxious about what the recovery process would entail. However, Dewey felt a sense of relief when he was told that his rehabilitation would take place at Murfreesboro Rehabilitation Hospital. “I knew that rehab was a vital part of recovery,” he recalls.

Although Dewey wasn’t familiar with MRH initially, he quickly came to appreciate the facility. “I was very impressed by the facility, the service, and the staff,” he says. “From the moment I arrived, I looked forward to my first therapy session scheduled the next day. I was mentally prepared and ready to start.” Dewey immediately felt confident in the abilities of the rehabilitation team, whose professionalism and attitude boosted his spirits. “I had this overwhelming sense that these people knew what they were doing. Their competence, their professionalism—it bolstered my confidence.”

Dewey recalls that his recovery journey had its ups and downs. “The first two days at the hospital, I was very down. But the high point of my stay was meeting my therapy staff on my

first full day. I had a setback in strength and mobility, but then Dr. Wong and the nursing staff made a change in my medication. After that I started doing things I couldn’t and made really fantastic progress. I feel confident and safe going home now”.

Reflecting on his entire experience, Dewey is deeply grateful for the care he received. “I think that Murfreesboro and the Rutherford County community are truly blessed with this facility. It’s first class. The people here are professionals, and every aspect of the facility is just incredible.”

Angie C. was taking her friend to celebrate her 77th birthday when an unexpected fall led to a broken hip. Before the accident, Angie had been an active individual, balancing three part-time jobs. The hospitalization that followed her injury was a major disruption, leaving her feeling frustrated and disconnected from her usual life. As she reflected on her situation, she knew she couldn’t recover on her own at home. Having already undergone a bilateral hip replacement and completed outpatient physical therapy, Angie recognized that she needed more focused care to ensure a successful recovery.

At Murfreesboro Rehabilitation Hospital, Angie found the compassionate support she needed. She was deeply impressed by the kindness of everyone she encountered, from the therapists to the janitorial staff. “Everyone here is very compassionate, everyone here really cares.” Angie’s therapy team, in particular, stood out for their understanding approach. “My therapy team had a sense of what I needed, they were caring, they didn’t push, they went at my speed.”

With the personalized care Angie received, she is now feeling more prepared to return to her everyday life. She feels confident and safe, knowing she has the tools and support to continue her recovery at home. “I’m feeling more prepared, I’m feeling safe and like I was set up to succeed at home.”

For anyone facing an unexpected injury or accident, Angie highly recommends MRH. The care she received at Murfreesboro Rehabilitation Hospital has helped her regain her independence and set her up for continued success in her recovery journey.

Mary B. had a previous stay at Murfreesboro Rehabilitation Hospital following a broken hip, and she vividly remembers how instrumental the therapy team was in her recovery. “I remember how good the therapists were and how good they were at getting me back up on my feet, it didn’t take very long at all.” So when she suffered another injury, this time breaking her left ankle in three places while caring for her pet, Mary knew exactly where she wanted to go for her rehabilitation.

“As soon as the doctor mentioned rehab and started naming my options, I said, ‘I know where I’m going.’”

The staff at MRH wasted no time getting Mary started on her therapy, beginning with exercises first thing in the morning. “I needed that,” she says, appreciating the immediate attention and support. Mary’s therapy and nursing team maintained a positive attitude throughout her recovery. “My physical therapist was so sweet, always smiling. The staff is never grumpy.”

Mary found the physical therapy leg exercises to be especially helpful. She feels more confident in her ability to manage her recovery. “I can do enough to keep myself together. I feel very confident and I have good family support.”

Mary highly recommends Murfreesboro Rehabilitation Hospital to anyone in need of rehabilitation, praising the staff’s caring nature. “It’s been a long journey and it’s only just starting, but I feel like I’ve been set up for success here.”

Howard E. came to Murfreesboro Rehabilitation Hospital following a recent hospitalization for pneumonia, compounded by his medical history of heart disease. At first, Howard felt overwhelmed by his condition. “I was so poorly, couldn’t walk or stand by myself. I was feeling discouraged after I didn’t seem to improve in the hospital.” With concerns about whether he was ready for rehab, he was apprehensive about the idea of three-hour therapy sessions in the gym each day.

However, Howard soon found that his fears were unfounded. “The progress I made here was phenomenal,” he says, reflecting on the incredible strides he made during his stay. “I feel confident going home.” What stood out most to Howard was the difference in the environment at Murfreesboro Rehab. “It doesn’t feel like a hospital, it’s a lot more comfortable.”

Howard credits the staff at MRH with playing a pivotal role in his recovery. “Without a doubt, it was the people at Murfreesboro Rehabilitation Hospital that helped me make the most progress.” He highlights the exceptional care he received from his therapists, particularly Josh, his physical therapist, and Megan, his occupational therapist. “It takes a special kind of person to get through to you in a place like this, and Josh and Megan both performed in such a way that I accepted their help. I couldn’t ask for a better relationship with my therapists.”

Despite the challenges of physical therapy, Howard notes that the team’s support and encouragement made it easier. “Sometimes physical therapy was tiring, but the team here made it so difficult to say no.”

When reflecting on his experience, Howard cannot think of a way the staff could have done better. “I can’t think of a way you could improve on the staff. Join in the team, work with them, and follow their leadership, trust they know what they’re doing. They’ll take good care of you.”

Howard is deeply grateful for the care and support he received at Murfreesboro Rehabilitation Hospital, and he leaves with a renewed sense of confidence and independence, ready to continue his recovery at home.