AbilityLab Blog
See the latest news, updates and patient stories from Shirley Ryan AbilityLab.
Shirley Ryan AbilityLab Ranked No. 1 by U.S. News & World Report for 34th Consecutive Year
Shirley Ryan AbilityLab again has been recognized as the national leader in physical medicine and rehabilitation, topping the U.S. News & World Report list for the 34th consecutive year. It remains the only hospital of any kind to hold this distinction.
Press Release
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Shirley Ryan AbilityLab Speech-Language Pathologist, Patient Featured in WBEZ Chicago Story about Long COVID
Five years after the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, approximately 1 in 5 adults continue to have a health condition that might be related to their previous COVID illness, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. However, at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago, rehabilitation is one pathway to support those struggling with long COVID.
News
Meet Baby Harvey: A Year in the Life with Cerebral Palsy
Harvey S. was only four months old when he traveled with his parents, Michele and Jake, from Virginia to Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. He was diagnosed with cerebral palsy (CP) and soon began inpatient “habilitative therapy” — a type of therapy geared toward developing new skills, often used in children with chronic conditions.
Patient Story
Ask the Expert: Traumatic Brain Injury with Amy Basken, Patient Parent & Caregiver
To recognize Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Awareness Month, we invited patient parent and caregiver Amy Basken to answer audience questions for our monthly “Ask the Expert” series. After her son, Matthew, experienced a TBI, he came to Shirley Ryan AbilityLab for rehabilitation. Now, three years later, Amy shares her experiences and reflections as the mother of a person living with a TBI.
Blog
John’s Story: Finding Healing & Self-Acceptance in Art Therapy
John D. was diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), a rare disorder in which the body’s immune system attacks the nerves, often without warning. The resulting nerve damage can cause muscle weakness and, in John’s case, paralysis.
Patient Story
Shirley Ryan AbilityLab Physician Shares Pelvic Health Insights in Woman’s World
As a physiatrist and director of women’s health rehabilitation at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, Sarah Hwang, MD, is an expert in the health of the pelvic floor — an important group of muscles responsible for stabilizing the pelvis and lower back; supporting internal pelvic organs; maintaining bowel and bladder continence; aiding in circulation between the legs and the heart; and facilitating sexual function.
News
Shirley Ryan AbilityLab Physical Therapist Shares Insights in The New York Times about Pain & Exercise
Shirley Ryan AbilityLab’s Conor O’Donovan, DPT — a physical therapist in the rehabilitation hospital’s Pain Management Center — shared his expertise about pain and exercise in a recent article by The New York Times, Your Workout Should Hurt. But When is Pain a Red Flag?
News
Nick’s Story: How Assistive Technology Gave Him a Voice
Nick lost the ability to communicate at just 17 years old when his heart stopped during a routine surgery on his jaw. He went without oxygen for 10 minutes, leaving him with a severe brain injury and unable to walk, talk or eat.
Patient Story
The Benefits of Recreation Therapy in Inpatient Rehabilitation
After a life-changing injury or illness, many people choose to continue their recovery in an inpatient rehabilitation hospital like Shirley Ryan AbilityLab — to restore function, recover lost abilities and regain independence.
Blog
Bob’s Story: Helping Patients Envision Life After a Left Ventricular Assist Device
Bob, who will turn 85 on his next birthday, served as one of approximately 35 volunteers in the Peer Mentorship Program offered through the rehabilitation hospital’s Henry B. Betts, MD, LIFE Center.
Patient Story
Ask the Expert: Monica Rho, MD, on Sports Medicine
The latest featured expert is Monica Rho, MD, the Reva and David Logan Section Chief of Musculoskeletal Medicine at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab. Dr. Rho also is the lead team physician for the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team — and was part of the staff that helped the players win the gold medal at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.
Blog
Tracy’s Big Year: From the Paralympics to Parenthood
It has been a whirlwind of a year for Tracy O. — who has gone from competing as a Paralympian at the 2024 Paris summer games to embarking on a new adventure, parenthood.
Patient Story
Treating Swallowing Disorders through Swallow Therapy
Swallowing disorders can be distressing: Imagine coughing every time you take a drink of water, or feeling like food is stuck in your throat each time you take a bite. Imagine being told it could be dangerous for you to eat or drink your favorite foods and beverages.
Blog