EXHIBIT (5)

             [HASKELL SLAUGHTER YOUNG & REDIKER, L.L.C. LETTERHEAD]





                                November 19, 2001

HEALTHSOUTH Corporation
One HealthSouth Parkway
Birmingham, Alabama 35243

Attention:  Legal Department

         RE:  REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON FORM S-4

Gentlemen:

         We have served as counsel to HEALTHSOUTH Corporation, a Delaware
corporation (the "Company"), in connection with the proposed exchange offer (the
"Exchange Offer") which is more fully described in the Registration Statement on
Form S-4 (Commission File No. 333-_______) filed under the Securities Act of
1933, as amended, with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 19,
2001 (the "Registration Statement"), to exchange the Company's 7 3/8% Senior
Notes due 2006 and 8 3/8% Senior Notes due 2011 (collectively, the "Exchange
Notes"), for an equal principal amount of the Company's outstanding 7 3/8%
Senior Notes due 2006 and 8 3/8% Senior Notes due 2011, respectively
(collectively, the "Private Notes"). This opinion is furnished to you pursuant
to the requirements of Form S-4.

         In connection with this opinion, we have examined and are familiar with
the originals or copies (certified or otherwise identified to our satisfaction)
of such documents, corporate records and other instruments relating to the
formation of the Company and the authorization and issuance of the Exchange
Notes as we have deemed necessary and appropriate.

         Based upon the foregoing, and having regard for such legal
considerations as we have deemed relevant, it is our opinion that:







HEALTHSOUTH Corporation
November 19, 2001
Page 2


         1. The Exchange Notes have been duly authorized; and

         2. Upon issuance, exchange and delivery of the Exchange Notes as
contemplated in the Registration Statement, the Exchange Notes will be legally
issued and will constitute the valid and binding obligations of the Company.

         We do hereby consent to the reference to our Firm in the Prospectus
which forms a part of the Registration Statement, and to the filing of this
opinion as an Exhibit thereto.

                                    Very truly yours,

                                    HASKELL SLAUGHTER YOUNG & REDIKER, L.L.C.



                                    By       /s/ Robert E. Lee Garner
                                       -----------------------------------------
                                                 Robert E. Lee Garner