AbilityLab Blog
See the latest news, updates and patient stories from Shirley Ryan AbilityLab.
Ranked No. 1 by U.S. News & World Report for 35th Consecutive Year
Shirley Ryan AbilityLab again has been recognized as the national leader in rehabilitation, topping the U.S. News & World Report list for the 35th consecutive year. It remains the only hospital of any kind to hold this distinction, and has been ranked the No. 1 rehabilitation hospital every year since 1991.
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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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On Your Mark: The Benefits of a Running Assessment
In the following Q&A, Shirley Ryan AbilityLab’s Lauren Bradley, DPT, and Meghan Hennessy, DPT, explain how such an assessment can help runners understand their technique, improve performance, and address and prevent musculoskeletal-related injury.
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Emotional Adjustment After Medical Challenges
After an injury or diagnosis of a serious medical condition, individuals often face emotional adjustment as they recover during rehabilitation — and as they return home to their families and communities with changes in abilities or function.
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SkyRise Chicago 2024 Recap
Shirley Ryan AbilityLab team members thank all who participated in our 16th Annual SkyRise Chicago on Nov. 3, 2024! Together, we surpassed our fundraising goal to raise more than $1.4 million — an all-time record.
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Research Spotlight: Shirley Ryan AbilityLab Advances Study of Respiratory Muscle Weakness
Clinicians and scientists at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab are leading new research to expand understanding of respiratory muscle weakness and the diaphragm — a critically important muscle for breathing — in two new studies published in peer-reviewed journals. The research has implications for clinicians to create more effective treatment plans, set precise rehabilitation goals and help patients reach improved outcomes as they recover from impairments to their breathing.
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Make Your Choice Count: Voting with a Communication Disability
Although many people may take the voting process for granted, individuals with communication disabilities may face significant barriers to exercising their constitutional right to vote. Communication disorders (e.g. aphasia, apraxia and dysarthria, etc.) may impact individuals’ ability to communicate with election officials or interfere with their ability to read written text on a ballot.
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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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Reflections from Paris with Monica Rho, MD, Lead Team Physician of the U.S. Women's National Soccer Team
Usually Monica Rho, MD, can be spotted in a white coat in her role as the Reva and David Logan Section Chief of Musculoskeletal Medicine at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab.
Recently, however, she has spent time in an additional role. She serves as the lead team physician for the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team — and was part of the staff who helped the players win the gold medal at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.
Recently, however, she has spent time in an additional role. She serves as the lead team physician for the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team — and was part of the staff who helped the players win the gold medal at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.
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Understanding and Applying Pain Science in Physical Therapy
Conor O’Donovan, Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT), in Shirley Ryan AbilityLab’s Pain Management Center, explains pain science and how physical therapy and exercise can help people living with pain.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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