Rusk Rehabilitation

NYU Langone’s Rusk Rehabilitation was founded to fulfill a basic principle: Physical medicine and rehabilitation shouldn’t focus solely on illness or disability—it should involve the whole person, emotionally, psychologically, and socially.

Since its founding in 1948, Rusk Rehabilitation has built upon that fundamental idea by providing people with the recovery resources they need to lead full and rewarding lives. At our inpatient and outpatient locations, we work with people who have a variety of diagnoses and treatment needs for injuries that include brain injury, cardiac and pulmonary conditions, chronic neurological conditions, limb loss, orthopedic and musculoskeletal conditions, pediatric conditions and injuries, spinal cord injury, and stroke.

As a patient at Rusk Rehabilitation, you meet with a board-certified physiatrist, a physician who specializes in rehabilitation medicine. Your doctor evaluates your care needs and develops a treatment plan just for you. This may include physical and occupational therapy, speech and swallowing therapy, vocational therapy, psychological services, music and recreational therapy, nutrition, and social work services.

Our efforts are supported by members of the nursing team, whose advanced training and dedication to their work with patients of all ages have earned our program Magnet^® recognition. This designation is awarded to healthcare organizations for their commitment to quality patient care, nursing excellence, and innovations in nursing.

During treatment, you are provided with therapies needed to address your challenges. We can teach you new ways to handle the everyday activities so important to your independence. We also provide support for your loved ones so they have the skills and information they need to help you through your journey. And, if pain is a complicating factor for you, we provide the latest techniques for easing discomfort and improving healing.

Our treatment is supported by programs that address our patients’ needs that go beyond the physical. Our therapeutic recreation, child life, and creative therapy experts use music and art to help adults and children heal emotionally as well as physically. Our integrative health practitioners offer treatments such as yoga, meditation, and massage. And our support groups bring together patients and families to benefit from the knowledge and understanding of how others are coping with similar challenges.

Today’s Rusk Rehabilitation is an evolution of an idea first put into action by Dr. Howard A. Rusk, widely considered the father of rehabilitation medicine and the program’s namesake. Dr. Rusk’s philosophy was inspired by the challenges he saw in injured veterans returning from World War II, and he became passionate about giving people the tools they needed to live life to its fullest.

We continue that commitment and work with you individually to achieve your goals and overcome any challenges, so you are empowered to live life on your terms.

Rusk Rehabilitation’s Programs and Services

• Brain Injury Rehabilitation Program

  Our nationally recognized rehabilitation program helps patients cope with the aftereffects of brain injury.

• Care for Limb Loss or Amputation

  We help patients adjust to life after limb loss and teach them how to master new prosthetics.

• Orthopedic & Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation

  We can help you reclaim your active lifestyle following illness or injury.

• Pediatric Rehabilitation Integrative Health Program

  Mind-body care is available to children and their families at NYU Langone Orthopedic Hospital.

• Pediatric Rehabilitation Program

  We provide the treatments and services that help children address physical challenges.

• Pulmonary Rehabilitation

  We help you regain strength, energy, and functional skills as you are treated for your pulmonary condition.

• Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation

  We help patients with spinal cord injuries achieve their personal treatment goals.

• Sports Injury Rehabilitation

  Our physical therapists help you regain the skills and strength you need to return to your active lifestyle.

• Vestibular Rehabilitation Program

  Our vestibular physical therapists treat you for dizziness, vertigo, and imbalance.

• Women's Health Rehabilitation

  Osteoporosis, incontinence, and pelvic floor pain can all be treated with physical therapy.