This is Kessler

75 years of Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation

A message from our president

Welcome to Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation. Since its creation by Dr. Henry H. Kessler in 1948, our facility has grown from a single 16-bed rehabilitation hospital to four world renowned rehabilitation hospitals with over 350 beds and more than 100 outpatient therapy centers throughout New Jersey.

Building on Dr. Kessler’s legacy, Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation has become a worldwide leader in the field of medical rehabilitation. As you visit our halls or browse our website, you will see the phrase “Restoring hope. Rebuilding lives,” used often. It is the “why” of everything we do and the foundation of our reputation. We are proud to be named the Best Physical Rehabilitation Center in the Northeast Region by Newsweek and ranked #3 in the nation for rehabilitation hospitals by U.S. News & World Report.

On this website, you will find information on the conditions we treat, our incredible team and, most importantly, our valued patients. You can also learn about Kessler’s research, education and advocacy initiatives. Our goal is to provide an exceptional online patient and caregiver experience for those needing our services and a valuable resource for professionals seeking continuing education and research opportunities.

In the years ahead, Kessler will remain dedicated to the development of effective rehabilitation programs that help each patient reach their greatest potential using our unique combination of treatment, technology, hope and healing.

Thank you for considering Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation. We look forward to being part of your journey towards healing and recovery.

Sincerely,
Sam Bayoumy, PT, MBA

Our history

Henry H. Kessler, an orthopedic surgeon during World War II, founded Kessler Institute. His early medical career and war experiences led him to a new vision for the field of rehabilitation which, at the time, focused solely on the physical recovery of individuals with catastrophic injuries and illnesses. Dr. Kessler believed an effective rehabilitation program must address “the whole individual" and "help him or her successfully regain physical, mental, social, vocational and economic usefulness to the fullest possible degree." In 1948, that became the cornerstone upon which the Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation was founded.

Over the past 75 years, Kessler Institute has grown to become one of the largest rehabilitation providers in the U.S., with 398 beds across four campuses in West Orange, Saddle Brook, Chester and Marlton, New Jersey. The hospital has also achieved many “firsts:”

• 1956: Establishes one of the nation’s first pre-vocational diagnostic programs to help patients return to work, school and community activities.
• 1975: Forms New Jersey’s first residency training program in physical medicine and rehabilitation in affiliation with the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey.
• 1986: Opens Kessler’s first free-standing outpatient center in Union, New Jersey, expanding the hospital’s continuum of care.
• 1990: Receives hospital’s first Spinal Cord Injury Model System grant from the National Institute on Disability Rehabilitation and Research.
• 2000: Awarded its first Traumatic Brain Injury Model System grant -- one of only ten centers to hold both designations.
• 2011: Becomes the first U.S. rehabilitation center in collaboration with Kessler Foundation, to apply new, innovative robotic technology (the Lokomat training system) to advance patient care.
• 2012: Develops residency program in neurologic physical therapy – a first in New Jersey and one of only 12 nationwide.
• 2020: The Reynolds Center for Spinal Stimulation was established by Kessler Foundation on the hospital’s West Orange campus. This first-of-its-kind lab allows research scientists, physicians and clinical teams to explore and collaborate new treatments for patients with paralysis.

Kessler has remained a leader in the field delivering an exceptional rehabilitation experience to every patient despite an increasingly complex health care environment.

Acquired by Select Medical in 2003, Kessler is part of a nationwide rehabilitation hospital network collaborating to enhance best practices, improve outcomes, develop new treatments and continue to meet the needs and goals of every patient we serve.

Our mission, vision and values

Our Mission
The Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation is committed to providing an exceptional patient care experience that promotes healing and recovery in a compassionate environment.

Our Vision
To serve our communities as the premier provider of adult rehabilitation care, resulting in the highest level of independence for our patients.

Our Values
We deliver superior quality care in all that we do.
We treat others as they would like to be treated.
We are results-oriented and achieve our objectives.
We are team players.
We are resourceful in overcoming obstacles.