Special Tree

Special Tree Established in 1974, Special Tree is one of the premiere rehabilitation providers for persons with brain injury, spinal cord injury, and other neuro diagnoses.

Founded in 1974, Special Tree is a post-acute specialty rehabilitation center providing treatment for brain injury, spinal cord injury, and other neurological disorders. It was the first post-acute neuro rehabilitation organization established in Michigan. Special Tree provides a comprehensive range of care and treatment options, including Post-Acute Inpatient Neuro Rehabilitation, Outpatient Neuro Rehabilitation, Residential Neuro Rehabilitation, Day Treatment and Vocational Rehabilitation. Our specialty neurorehabilitation campus serves the greater Southeastern Michigan area, conveniently located 25 minutes from downtown Detroit and just a 10 minute drive from Detroit Metro Airport. We serve patients throughout Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, and throughout the United States. Since 1991, Special Tree has achieved accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). It is designated as a Comprehensive Integrated Inpatient Rehabilitation Program (CIIRP), making it one of only two organizations worldwide that has received CARF accreditation for both brain injury and spinal cord injury specialties for adults in a skilled nursing facility. In 2020, Special Tree was honored with the Michigan Performance Excellence Award, the state’s highest recognition for organizations that demonstrate outstanding performance, leadership, and operational excellence, and was a Detroit Free Press Top Workplace for ten years running. Our primary focus is to assist patients in their recovery, helping them achieve the best possible outcomes with maximum independence.

Here's some !
04/06/2026

Here's some !

As the Chinese proverb goes, "Three humble shoemakers brainstorming will make a great statesman." We can all achieve great things by virtue of own talent and...

Happy Occupational Therapy Month from the OTs and COTAs at Special Tree! We are proud to help individuals build strength...
04/06/2026

Happy Occupational Therapy Month from the OTs and COTAs at Special Tree! We are proud to help individuals build strength, confidence, and independence through meaningful, functional care every day. Grateful to be part of each client’s journey and to do the work we love alongside such an amazing team.

🎉 Let’s go TIGERS! Excited for a Pizza Party lunch while we cheer on the team during the season opener! 🍕 ⚾🐯
04/03/2026

🎉 Let’s go TIGERS! Excited for a Pizza Party lunch while we cheer on the team during the season opener! 🍕 ⚾🐯

04/03/2026

Tall kneeling is one of the most effective positions for retraining core stability and postural control after SCI because it removes lower extremity compensation and forces the trunk to do the work.

Here is Chris working with OT Kyle in tall kneeling to target core stability post-Spinal Cord Injury💪🏼

Tall kneeling challenges:
• Trunk control and postural stability
• Dynamic balance
• Weight shifting and coordination

Building a strong foundation for functional mobility — because proximal stability drives everything 🙌🏼

TBT to just a couple of weeks ago, when the Washtenaw Sheriff’s Department dropped by to see their buddy, Detective Scot...
04/03/2026

TBT to just a couple of weeks ago, when the Washtenaw Sheriff’s Department dropped by to see their buddy, Detective Scott! They even included a K9 demo during their visit. Love seeing this kind of support during the rehab process! 🐾💙

03/27/2026

Ergys working hard in neuro rehab — with a little help from Baba 🐶

Ergys is practicing dog walking with OT Alyssa and her dog-Baba, combining therapy with purpose. Animal-assisted therapy helps build strength, balance, and confidence in a way that feels natural and motivating.

Animal-assisted therapy isn’t just fun, it’s functional. Practicing dog walking helps improve:
• Dynamic balance
• Gait and coordination
• Endurance
• Dual-tasking and attention

Meaningful, motivating, and real-life practice = better carryover beyond the clinic💪🏼

🌟 Calling all Special Tree RSTs, CNAs, Team Coordinators, and Direct Care Staff! 🌟 This Fall 2026, Special Tree is excit...
03/26/2026

🌟 Calling all Special Tree RSTs, CNAs, Team Coordinators, and Direct Care Staff! 🌟 This Fall 2026, Special Tree is excited to sponsor 8 team members for the Brain Injury Association of America Brain Injury Fundamentals course—a fantastic chance to learn and grow together!

Created by leading clinicians and rehab pros, this certificate program is perfect for anyone who cares for or supports individuals impacted by brain injury. Virtual, instructor-led classes are happening in September and November! Want in? Chat with your team leader or check the Special Tree intranet for details on how to apply.

03/20/2026

Gait training is about more than walking—it builds balance, strength, endurance, and confidence for everyday life.

With the use of the Second Step Gait Harness System, gait training helps improve strength, balance, coordination, endurance, and confidence with mobility—supporting safer and more independent participation in ADLs.

Here is Donald 6 months post TBI working on his walking skills with PTA Nicole. Keep up the great work!🚶🏻💪🏼

03/20/2026

Rick serenading us with guitar playing this morning! Rick has been working extremely hard to get back to doing what he loves, which is music🎶🎸

03/13/2026

Stair management training post stroke is beneficial to promote task-specific improvement in dynamic balance, lower extremity strength, motor planning, gait efficiency, endurance, and safety with household/community mobility supporting increased functional independence and reduced fall risk.

Training on the stairs also improves dynamic balance and postural control because stair negotiation requires weight shifting, single-leg stance, trunk control, and coordinated stepping. Repetitive task practice for balance/stepping after stroke is recommended in rehab guidance.

Here is Warren with PTA Bryan working hard to make it a step closer to returning home!💪

03/11/2026

We’re so thankful to Jason Dennie for sharing such lovely music with us today!

Here's some Monday Motivation!
03/09/2026

Here's some Monday Motivation!

Address

10909 Hannan Road
Romulus, MI
48174

Telephone

+18006486885

Website

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Welcome to Special Tree

Since 1974, Special Tree has been one of the premiere rehabilitation providers for persons with brain injury, spinal cord injury, and other disabilities, and was Michigan’s first post-acute neurorehabilitation organization. Special Tree provides a full range of care for children and adults including sub acute, outpatient, residential, vocational, and home health care services at over 30 locations throughout Southeastern and Mid-Michigan. Special Tree has achieved accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities, received the Michigan Quality Council’s highest award for quality excellence, and has been a Detroit Free Press Top Workplace every year since 2009. Helping patients in their recovery to reach the best outcomes possible with maximum independence is our top priority.