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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Research Spotlight: Cognitive Rehabilitation Improves Quality of Life for Patients with Long COVID Brain Fog
A recent study published in the Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation — and led by Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in collaboration with Northwestern Medicine — highlights the positive effects of cognitive rehabilitation in patients experiencing lingering cognitive difficulties, or “brain fog,” after experiencing COVID-19.
Blog
A Day in the Life: Jessica Smit, Certified Prosthetist Orthotist
In recognition of Limb Loss Awareness Month this April, follow a day in the life of Jessica Smit, one of our certified prosthetist orthotists (CPOs). She shares insight into her busy day as a CPO — from fitting patients for prosthetic limbs to making adjustments for comfort and seeing some take their first steps with a prosthetic leg.
Blog
Creating an Adjustable Prosthesis for Aquatic Therapy
In 2023, Shenan set out to find a solution for an adjustable prosthesis that would allow patients with limb loss to participate in aquatic therapy safely and easily.
Blog
Ask the Expert: Bridget Conniff, OT, on Occupational Therapy
Bridget shares her experiences as an OT and how she works with those in inpatient rehabilitation, helping them regain function and independence.
Blog
Pain Management for Thumb Arthritis
Carpometacarpal (CMC) arthritis — also known as thumb arthritis — is a common condition that affects the CMC joint, which is located at the base of the thumb (where it connects with the wrist). This type of arthritis can occur from overuse, repetitive tight gripping and pinching, age or injury to the joint. It can cause severe pain and make it difficult to complete easy daily tasks, like opening a jar or turning a doorknob.
Blog
DeMarcus’ Story: Finding Healing after Limb Loss through Art Therapy
DeMarcus P. came to Shirley Ryan AbilityLab after his left foot was amputated following a work accident. Through intensive inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation, he regained strength and learned to walk using a prosthetic leg. DeMarcus also discovered healing in our art therapy program — utilizing his creativity to process the frustration and emotional stress of his injury and recovery.
Patient Story
Schroth Method for Scoliosis: A Path to Better Spinal Health
One option for the treatment of scoliosis is the Schroth method, an exercise-based physical therapy approach. This method is available on an outpatient basis at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab for patients who have scoliosis, as well as kyphosis — another spinal condition marked by an excessive rounding of the upper back.
Blog
Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility vs. Skilled Nursing Facility: Choosing the Level of Care That’s Right for You
Patients and families have an important choice to make when deciding where to receive rehabilitation care. Two common options include inpatient rehabilitation facilities (IRFs), like Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, and skilled nursing facilities (SNFs). The differences between them are significant — and can affect the extent and speed of recovery.
News
Five Tips for Managing Tennis Elbow
Tennis elbow can be frustrating and painful but, with the right approach— and even, possibly, outpatient occupational therapy — recovery is possible. Here are a few easy tips to effectively reduce pain and promote healing:
Blog
Sarah Reaches New Heights after Guillain-Barré Syndrome
Meet Sarah, who came to us for extensive therapy after being diagnosed with GBS. Today, her function and independence are restored.
Patient Story
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