Chrissy Gallagher's story
May 1, 2026 — As healthcare groups across the country recognize American Stroke Month in May, one Fort Smith woman's recovery highlights the impact of dedicated inpatient rehabilitation following a stroke.
Chrissy Gallagher, a former patient at Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Fort Smith, spent several weeks in inpatient rehabilitation in January. From the start, Gallagher's care team saw her determination and commitment to recover.
“Chrissy came in highly motivated and eager to participate in therapy,” said Michael Pharis, physical therapist. “She believed in her ability to improve, and that mindset made a difference.”
A mother to a teenage daughter, Gallagher's goal was clear — return to caring for her home and support her daughter as she finishes high school and prepares for college.
During her stay, Gallagher's therapy focused on improving lower-body control for walking, as well as restoring grasp strength and upper extremity function following her stroke. Over the course of her recovery at Encompass Health Fort Smith, her fine motor skills improved significantly, and she gained increased confidence in her mobility and daily activities.
“My stay has been wonderful,” Gallagher said. “If you need rehabilitation, this is the place to come.”
Since discharging from Encompass Health Fort Smith, Gallagher has returned to many aspects of daily life. She now navigates the grocery store independently and continues to see progress in her hand and finger movement.
“Chrissy's enthusiasm and optimism were infectious,” Pharis said. “She continues to see recovery because she keeps challenging her body and brain — that is the name of the game in stroke rehabilitation.”
Encompass Health Fort Smith holds Joint Commission Disease-Specific Care Certification in Stroke Rehabilitation, a designation that recognizes programs demonstrating excellence in stroke care and outcomes. During American Stroke Month, Gallagher's journey serves as a reminder of the role specialized inpatient rehabilitation can play in helping stroke survivors regain independence.