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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Recovered quadriplegic from Chicago prepares to swim in San Francisco Bay to raise awareness of paralysis. ‘Doesn’t surprise me a bit,’ says mom.
From the beach where he swims on Lake Michigan, Rob Heitz can point out the green facade of the rehabilitation hospital where he began his recovery journey after being paralyzed from the neck down 19 years ago.
News
Youth Adaptive Swim Team Earns Outstanding Results at Junior Nationals
Six members of Shirley Ryan AbilityLab's recreational swim program — the Megalodons (named for the largest shark of all time, which lived at the time of dinosaurs) — recently won an outstanding 12 medals in Paralympic events at the Moved United Junior Nationals in Denver.
News
How People With Disabilities Can Overcome Barriers to Physical Activity
Whether people are born with a disability or develop one due to an illness, injury or chronic condition, regular physical activity can help improve quality of life and reduce the risk for other health issues or complications.
Blog
Behind the Scenes: Sensory Room
Our sensory room offers a customizable experience for patients to explore and is geared toward all ability levels — from those who are minimally conscious to those with behavior regulation disorders. Shirley Ryan AbilityLab is the only rehabilitation hospital to offer this innovative space.
Watch as Alison and Kyra introduce this space and learn more about our Brain Injury program: https://bit.ly/3Or9UYd
Watch as Alison and Kyra introduce this space and learn more about our Brain Injury program: https://bit.ly/3Or9UYd
Blog
Performing Arts Medicine’s Kathleen Darley, Lindsay Backiev & Dr. Maria Reese Spotlighted
Three Shirley Ryan AbilityLab clinicians shared insights on their experiences in the Performing Arts Medicine Program, and specifically on what they like most about caring for patients with dance-related injuries and conditions.
Blog
Dr. Jordan Grafman Co-Authors Study on Link Between Brain Lesions and Addiction
A recent study identified links between addiction to smoking and alcohol and locations of lesions in the brains of patients recovering from strokes or traumatic brain injuries.
Blog
Watch Spark! 2022 Video: Behind the Scenes of SCI Neurostimulation Research with Dr. Monica Perez
Dr. Perez demonstrates neurostimulation from Shirley Ryan AbilityLab’s Spark! 2022 virtual fundraising event.
Blog
Kyle's Journey with Locked-in Syndrome
At 30 years old, Kyle experienced a rare brainstem stroke causing a condition called locked-in syndrome. Although his cognitive abilities were completely intact, he was unable to move or talk.
Patient Story
In the News: Dr. Hargrove Featured on CNBC
CNBC’s The News with Shepard Smith recently aired a segment on artificial touch in prosthetic limbs. The story included quotes from Levi Hargrove, PhD, scientific chair, Regenstein Foundation Center for Bionic Medicine, offering expert opinion on the future of bionics.
News
Behind the Scenes: SCI Neurostimulation Research
Research led by Monica Perez, PhD, uses a noninvasive neurostimulation treatment to target synaptic connections in the spinal cord. In the process, it improves and preserves physical therapy functional improvements in patients with spinal cord injury — temporarily mending the broken connection between the brain and spinal cord.
Blog
Shirley Ryan AbilityLab Ranked No. 1 by U.S. News & World Report for 32nd Consecutive Year
Shirley Ryan AbilityLab (formerly Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago) again has been recognized as the national leader in physical medicine and rehabilitation, topping the U.S. News & World Report list for the 32nd consecutive year. It remains the only hospital of any kind to hold this distinction.
Press Release
Dr. Mitra Lavasani Earns Prestigious R01 Grant from NIH
Is there a way to turn back the clock on aging? With a recently announced R01 grant from the National Institutes of Health’s (NIH) National Institute on Aging, Shirley Ryan AbilityLab’s Mitra Lavasani, PhD, director, Translational Cell Therapy Lab, will advance a novel approach that could help find an answer.
News