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Jordan walking

Stroke Awareness Month: A Focus on Recovery

View our roundup of articles about stroke recovery and patient stories illustrating how intensive rehabilitation helped them return to the lives they love.

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Paityn

“I Can Do Hard Things”: Paityn’s Recovery from Guillain-Barré Syndrome at 14

After suddenly becoming paralyzed and diagnosed with a rare neurologic condition, Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), 14-year-old Paityn C. came to Shirley Ryan AbilityLab.

Patient Story

Grissom

Ask the Expert: Matthew Grissom, RN, on Rehabilitation Nursing

In the following Q&A, Matthew shares his experiences as a rehabilitation nurse:

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David

David’s Story: The Power of Possibility after Guillain-Barré Syndrome

One Saturday evening, David started to notice tingling in his feet. He assumed he had sat for too long in one position and expected it to fade by morning — but it didn’t. Instead, it spread and intensified throughout his body. He got himself to the emergency room — and collapsed at the front desk.

Patient Story

Nickolas

Nickolas’ Story: Healing through Education After Guillain-Barré Syndrome

Nickolas G., a physician, came to Shirley Ryan AbilityLab for intensive rehabilitation after becoming paralyzed by Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) — a rare disorder in which the body’s immune system attacks the nerves.

Patient Story

brain fog

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.

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Jess Smit

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.

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Prosthesis for Aquatic Therapy

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.

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Bridget Conniff

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.

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hand turning doorknob

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.

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DeMarcus

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

Semi hanging Schroth exercise

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.

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