Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation, West Orange, N.J.
Who We Are
For more than 60 years, Kessler Institute has pioneered the course of medical rehabilitation. Today, as the nation's largest single rehabilitation hospital, we continue to define this field, helping individuals with spinal cord injury, brain injury, stroke, amputation, neurological diseases and orthopedic conditions rebuild their lives.
Kessler is one of only six centers in the nation to be designated by the National Institute on Disability Rehabilitation and Research (NIDRR) as a Model System for the treatment and research of both spinal cord injury and traumatic brain injury. It is that same level of expertise that distinguishes each of our highly specialized rehabilitation programs - and one reason why thousands of individuals from throughout the region, across the country and around the world choose Kessler for their rehabilitation.
Here, in a dynamic rehabilitation environment, treatment and technology, hard work, determination and hope come together to support the recovery of each patient.
Because of our size, Kessler typically treats large numbers of patients with similar conditions. We believe this leads to greater clinical expertise, stronger patient outcomes and a superior rehabilitation experience. We continually seek to raise that bar even higher by investing our time, energy and resources to improving our programs and expanding our services. In recent years, for example, Kessler has introduced unique programs for individuals with medically complex strokes, severe disorders of consciousness, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease.
Our primary focus, however, is always on patient care. Under the leadership of a physiatrist (a doctor specializing in physical medicine and rehabilitation) or a neurologist, our team of rehabilitation professionals tailors treatment to the individual medical, physical, functional, emotional and vocational needs and goals of our patients.
At each of our three hospital campuses – located in West Orange, Saddle Brook and Chester, New Jersey – patients benefit from this comprehensive, personalized approach to care. We offer a strong continuum of inpatient and outpatient programs for individuals who have experienced medically complex injuries or have more common conditions, such as chronic pain, balance or vestibular disorders, or sports-related injuries. Specialized services include our renowned driver rehabilitation, orthotics and prosthetic services, urology and fertility services, wheelchair services and our Cognitive Rehabilitation Program.
Kessler’s more than 1300 dedicated rehabilitation specialists – physicians; rehabilitation nurses; physical, occupational, respiratory, and recreation therapists; speech-language pathologists; psychologists and neuropsychologists; case managers, as well as other clinical and support staff – work together to leverage their collective knowledge, embrace best practices, explore new avenues of treatment and adopt the most advanced technologies to support patient recovery. Among these leading-edge technologies are robotic therapies, locomotor training, electrical stimulation, neuroprosthetic devices, augmentative communication equipment and computer orthoptics.
The innovative research conducted at Kessler continues to translate into new evidence-based clinical practices. In fact, Kessler is eagerly sought by research scientists around the world as a partner for clinical trials and the introduction of new protocols that further rehabilitation science. A wide range of studies are currently underway, including those on vision, mobility and other challenges following stroke; functional recovery among persons with spinal cord injury; and phantom limb pain.
Kessler is committed to the future of medical rehabilitation and in partnership with the Kessler Foundation Research Center and the UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School, is one of the most highly sought after teaching hospitals in the country.
Furthermore, Kessler has earned a reputation for its leadership in educational programming. We offer more than 300 courses and workshops, seminars and conferences annually, most of which provide continuing education credits (CEUs) to rehabilitation professionals from throughout the region and across the country. We also provide extensive educational programming, counseling and support groups for patients and their families to ensure that life ahead will be as productive, independent, and rewarding as possible.
Indeed, there are many challenges in healthcare today, but Kessler remains committed to the delivery of the highest quality of care to patients at our specialized rehabilitation hospitals and more than 75 outpatient Kessler Rehabilitation Centers. We continue to expand our work, challenging ourselves to develop the most clinically effective programs. And we will continue to focus on our patients, for we know that it is their individual success that ultimately determines our own.
Services and Special Capabilities
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Specialized Programs & Services
Kessler offers comprehensive inpatient and outpatient programs for persons with spinal cord injury, brain injury, stroke, amputation, orthopedic or musculoskeletal conditions, and neurological diseases, as well as sports- and work-related injuries. -
Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation
Kessler is a federally-designated Model System for Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) treatment and offers a highly integrated, intensive program of medical, nursing and therapy to address complex patient needs, including ventilator dependency. -
Brain Injury Rehabilitation
A federally-desingated Model System for Brain Injury rehabilitation, Kessler provides a unique continuum of care that optimizes the recovery of patients from those in a minimally conscious state to those requiring ongoing cognitive rehabilitation. -
Stroke Rehabilitation
Kessler addresses the full spectrum of medical, physical, cognitive and behavioral needs of stroke patients, including those whose recovery is complicated by arousal issues, confusion/agitation, debility, age-related factors or other medical needs. -
Amputee Rehabilitation
From wound care and limb management to the recovery of strength and coordination, Kessler offers amputees a life-long approach to care, including the fitting and custom-manufacture of a state-of-the art prosthesis designed to meet individual needs. -
Orthopedic & Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation
At Kessler, individuals with orthopedic injuries, joint replacement surgeries and musculoskeletal conditions benefit from a specialized program of medical, nursing and therapy treatment designed to restore function and mobility. -
Neurorehabiltiation
For individuals with Multiple Sclerosis, ALS, Parkinson's disease and other neurodegenerative conditions, Kessler offers dedicated treatment and advanced therapies to maximize function and cognition, balance and mobility, speech and swallowing. -
Cognitive Rehabilitation
Kessler's renowned Cognitive Rehabilitation Program helps individuals to improve physical function and mobility, build life skills and address any psychological or social problems that may interfere with life at home, work or in the community. -
Outpatient Services
Kessler offers highly specialized outpatient programs, including ongoing physician's services; physical, occupational, and speech therapy; psychology; driver rehabilitation; wheelchair services; pain management; orthotics and prosthetics; and more.
Awards and Recognition
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Recognition
Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation is proud to have received numerous awards and recognition through the years, but we're most proud of our patients and the progress they make each day. -
Accreditations
Kessler is accredited by The Joint Commission and the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) with special accreditation in spinal cord injury, brain injury, stroke and general rehabilitation. -
NIDRR Model System
Kessler is one of only six centers in the nation to be recognized by the National Insitute on Disability Rehabilitation and Research (NIDRR) as a model system for both spinal cord injury and traumatic brain injury treatment and research. -
Top Docs
Each year, many Kessler physicians are recognized by a number of independent surveys as being the best in their fields, including physical medicine and rehabilitation, neurology and urology. -
Governor's Nursing Awards
Two Kessler nurses were among the ten honorees from throughout the state to receive the prestigious 2009 Governor's Nursing Merit Award for their work in patient care and nursing research. -
Health Care Heroes
Kessler earned the Healthcare Heroes award for its "excellence in program, treatments and quality of life for their patients" and the impact the hopsital has on the overall quality of healthcare in New Jersey.