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Understanding and Applying Pain Science in Physical Therapy
Science has come a long way in helping individuals understand the experience of pain. Previously, pain was believed to be a result of a purely physical or anatomical issue, stemming from injury, illness or tissue damage.
Fortunately, a newer understanding of how pain works — pain science — takes a far more complex and nuanced view. Pain science moves away from the idea that tissue damage alone equates to pain. Rather, pain science suggests that the whole sum of a person — including biological, social and psychological factors — must be taken into account in order to fully understand their pain experience.
Fortunately, a newer understanding of how pain works — pain science — takes a far more complex and nuanced view. Pain science moves away from the idea that tissue damage alone equates to pain. Rather, pain science suggests that the whole sum of a person — including biological, social and psychological factors — must be taken into account in order to fully understand their pain experience.
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A Day in the Life: Mary Yonkaitis, Physical Therapist
Physical therapists (PTs) play a critical role on the care teams at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab —helping patients regain function and improve balance, mobility, strength, endurance and range of motion.
Follow along for a day in the life of Mary Yonkaitis, a PT in the Margaret & Mark Stephan Legs + Walking Lab at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab’s flagship hospital in Chicago, where she primarily cares for patients recovering from stroke.
Follow along for a day in the life of Mary Yonkaitis, a PT in the Margaret & Mark Stephan Legs + Walking Lab at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab’s flagship hospital in Chicago, where she primarily cares for patients recovering from stroke.
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Concussions & Teen Sports: A Q&A With Hollis Bell, MD
Learn how parents and athletes can be “concussion aware” for safe participation in sports.
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Shirley Ryan AbilityLab Earns 5th Straight Magnet Recognition for Nursing Excellence
For the fifth consecutive time, Shirley Ryan AbilityLab earned the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s (ANCC) prestigious Magnet designation — the highest national recognition given for nursing excellence.
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Athlete Spotlight: Ione Discovers Adaptive Sports with Enthusiasm
Ione S. is only 9 years old, but she already has been involved in adaptive sports for a few years. She initially came to Shirley Ryan AbilityLab for the Gait Camp program, a multi-week summer initiative that provides daily intensive mobility, strength, and endurance work for children.
Patient Story
Dave Takes Big Step in Journey from Limb Loss to Lawyer
Thirty-five-year-old Dave J. graduated from law school with hopes of embarking on a legal career. However, a congenital heart defect slowed Dave’s progress toward becoming a lawyer. He was told he needed a heart transplant. Read Dave's full story.
Patient Story
Shirley Ryan AbilityLab Adaptive Skiers Hit the Slopes in Colorado
Shirley Ryan AbilityLab’s Adaptive Sports Program kicked off 2025 with its third annual ski trip to the Rocky Mountains in Crested Butte, Colo.
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John’s Story: Stroke Recovery Through Research Participation
Following a stroke, 79-year-old John H. was paralyzed on the left side of his body. After living an independent life — with a long career in business and as an active father — the impact of the stroke was devastating for John and his family. However, John started his journey to regain independence with his daughters, Marie and Patricia, at his side to help him find the resources he needed.
Patient Story
Super Aretha: Lifelong Learner Walks with New Prosthetic Leg at 93
Aretha J.’s 93rd birthday celebration had it all: A birthday balloon … her kids beside her to celebrate another year in her long, active and happy life … a celebratory t-shirt that read “Super Aretha” on the front, with a sparkly 93 on the back.
Patient Story
Engineering a Successful Stroke Recovery
Igal survived a stroke and was told he would not walk or speak again. This engineering professor attended our Intensive Aphasia Program to regain his abilities.
Patient Story
Evelyn’s Story: A Moving Milestone on Anniversary of Spinal Cord Injury
Evelyn and her young daughter, Julia, were rear-ended by a driver traveling at high speed. After 10 days in an acute-care hospital, Evelyn transferred to Shirley Ryan AbilityLab for inpatient care and rehabilitation.
Patient Story
Summer Fun Kicks Off with 2024 Sports for Kids Camp
Shirley Ryan AbilityLab kicked off summer by welcoming more than 30 campers to an action-packed week of adaptive sports at the annual Tengelsen Family Foundation Sports for Kids Camp, held in partnership with the Chicago Park District.
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