MetroHealth Rehabilitation Institute: Leading the Nation in Innovation and Impact
Published on 12/01/2025
At the MetroHealth Rehabilitation Institute, excellence is a standard. Recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of the top rehabilitation hospitals in the country, MetroHealth ranks in the top 5% of more than 1,000 hospitals nationwide for its care of patients recovering from stroke, traumatic brain injury (TBI) and spinal cord injury (SCI).
MetroHealth is also one of only 16 Rehabilitation Innovation Centers in the U.S., a designation from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services that recognizes institutions leading the way in complex care, research and education. The Institute recently earned another three-year accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF), extending a legacy of excellence that spans more than two decades.
Innovation is at the core of MetroHealth’s mission. In 2024, the Department of PM&R at MetroHealth and Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine ranked No. 1 in the nation in NIH funding among PM&R departments at U.S. medical schools. That research is already changing lives.
Being named by U.S. News is more than an honor. It’s a reflection of the heart and hard work our rehabilitation team puts into every patient’s journey.
The Adaptive Life Technologies (ALT) Lab, launched with support from the Craig H. Neilsen Foundation, is a first-of-its kind space led by individuals with spinal cord injuries. The lab provides assistive technologies for mobility, computer access and gaming – empowering 55 individuals in its first year to live more independently.
Meanwhile, MetroHealth researchers achieved a breakthrough in spasticity treatment, successfully demonstrating the use of high-frequency electrical currents to instantly relieve muscle pain in patients with stroke, TBI or SCI – after 20 years of research.
From pioneering technologies to national accolades, the MetroHealth Rehabilitation Institute is shaping the future of recovery.
Building a New Life: Dee Cottrell’s Story of Hope
In 2016, Dee and her husband, Bobby, were struck by a drunk driver while walking in their suburban Nashville neighborhood. Bobby didn’t survive. Dee suffered a traumatic brain injury that ended her 10-year career as a surgical technician and forced her to relearn how to walk, speak and live independently.
Years of therapy followed, but it wasn’t until Dee found MetroHealth that she discovered a true new beginning.
Through a MetroHealth research trial, Dee spent six transformative weeks in the Metro Café – a functional rehabilitation space designed to simulate real-world environments. There, she rebuilt her confidence, practiced multitasking and reconnected with others in meaningful ways.
It’s been so uplifting emotionally,” Dee said. “The old me is not here anymore. I’m trying to build this new life.”
Tyler Caputo
Following a traumatic accident that left him paralyzed, Tyler began his journey to recovery in the Emergency Department. With the help of MetroHealth’s orthopaedic and rehabilitation teams, he walked again – and walked himself down the aisle at his wedding. Today, his wife, Becca, who stood by him through it all, works at MetroHealth helping other patients on their path to healing.
Prior to my injury, I was not very familiar with MetroHealth. I am now one of their biggest advocates."
Your Generosity Means a Healthier Greater Cleveland
Support MetroHealth in its commitment to care for all.
