Feb. 25, 2026 — UVA Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital in Charlottesville, Virginia, is helping patients gain independence and function with a new, advanced therapy gym. The hospital recently opened a larger therapy gym, which allows more staff collaboration and stronger patient outcomes.
“Prior to this refresh, we had two therapy gyms on different floors of the hospital,” said Beth Curtis, director of therapy operations at the hospital. “Now, we have one large therapy gym on our first floor and a private treatment space to allow us to serve patients that need low stimulation.”
The new therapy gym is outfitted with advanced technologies including a Vector® gait system designed to accelerate rehabilitation therapy to improve balance and movement, a Burt® therapy robot for upper-limb therapy, NuStep® exercise equipment, bariatric parallel bars and stairs, and new physical therapy mat tables.
“The state-of-the-art technology we now have will greatly improve recovery, especially for our stroke patients,” Curtis said. “We have all our patients and therapists in one place with all the necessary resources in one place. It has changed the way we schedule and work with patients.”
The new space allows staff to collaborate and work together toward stronger outcomes for patients.
“Having the new technology has been a great addition for therapists as they’ve learned and trained on the new equipment,” Curtis said. “This just opens up lots of opportunities for patient activities in order to improve outcomes.”
The therapy gym isn’t the only area being redesigned at UVA Encompass Health. The hospital recently opened 10 private patient rooms and is working to refresh all other patient rooms. In early 2027, the hospital plans to open 10 additional patient beds. The additional beds will bring the total bed count to 60.
