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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
Looking Back at the 2024 Olympics & Paralympics
The 2024 Olympics and Paralympics may be over, but Shirley Ryan AbilityLab celebrated the athletes and para athletes, the spirit of competition, and human ability in ways that will live on after the games. Here’s a look back at top memories from Paris 2024.
Blog
Shirley Ryan AbilityLab Psychologist Featured in PBS Next Avenue Story about Chronic Pain
Next Avenue, a digital PBS publication, recently featured Shirley Ryan AbilityLab clinical psychologist Claire Pedersen, PsyD, in a story about the connection between chronic pain and anger — and how anger can have an impact on the perception, intensity and frequency of pain.
News
A Guide to Rock Climbing After a Long Break
Rock climbing is a rigorous sport that is very demanding on the whole body. From the fingertips to the toes, large forces are constantly being placed on small structures, which can create a potential for injury.
Blog
A Focus on Women’s Health: Pelvic Floor Health, Exercise, Bone Density & More
Women’s Health & Fitness Day is celebrated every year to promote the importance of health awareness and physical activity in women. In recognition, here is a roundup of articles about pelvic floor health, exercise, bone density and more by Shirley Ryan AbilityLab’s women’s health experts.
Blog
Megan’s Story: Movement Is Key to Living with Chronic Pain
Megan H.’s first memory of living with pain dates back to high school as a freshman athlete experiencing shin splints. Though she had her legs elevated and iced, with tears running down her face, she was told to “lace up her running shoes” and “get back out there.”
Patient Story
Shirley Ryan AbilityLab Patient Featured in Science News Story About Chronic Pain Alternatives
Science News, an independent, nonprofit science news publication, recently featured Shirley Ryan AbilityLab patient Megan H. in a story about the growth in alternative treatments for chronic pain — and how many people living with chronic pain could benefit from a broad mix of treatments beyond pharmacological options.
News
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.
Patient Story
Managing Chronic Pain through Mindfulness
For individuals who live with chronic pain — either from an injury, illness or chronic condition — it can be challenging to remain present. Pain can lead to an increased focus on physical symptoms and internal feelings, which can exacerbate the pain experience.
Blog
Graded Motor Imagery for Managing Chronic Pain
Chronic pain can interfere with an individual’s participation in daily activities, including sports and recreation, hobbies, housekeeping, cooking, self-care, personal hygiene and social engagement. In fact, individuals may find themselves moving less or avoiding these activities entirely due to a fear of pain.
Blog
Three Shirley Ryan AbilityLab Nurses Receive 40 Under 40 Emerging Nurse Leaders Award
Three Shirley Ryan AbilityLab nurses — Rachel Adekoya, RN, nurse manager; Katie Earnest, RN, director, Nursing Research; and Lindsay Hong, RN, nurse manager — have been recognized by the Illinois Nurses Foundation with the 40 Under 40 Emerging Nurse Leaders Award.
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