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Bob’s Story: Helping Patients Envision Life After a Left Ventricular Assist Device
Bob, who will turn 85 on his next birthday, served as one of approximately 35 volunteers in the Peer Mentorship Program offered through the rehabilitation hospital’s Henry B. Betts, MD, LIFE Center.
Patient Story
The Benefits of Recreation Therapy in Inpatient Rehabilitation
After a life-changing injury or illness, many people choose to continue their recovery in an inpatient rehabilitation hospital like Shirley Ryan AbilityLab — to restore function, recover lost abilities and regain independence.
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Nick’s Story: How Assistive Technology Gave Him a Voice
Nick lost the ability to communicate at just 17 years old when his heart stopped during a routine surgery on his jaw. He went without oxygen for 10 minutes, leaving him with a severe brain injury and unable to walk, talk or eat.
Patient Story
Shirley Ryan AbilityLab Physical Therapist Shares Insights in The New York Times about Pain & Exercise
Shirley Ryan AbilityLab’s Conor O’Donovan, DPT — a physical therapist in the rehabilitation hospital’s Pain Management Center — shared his expertise about pain and exercise in a recent article by The New York Times, Your Workout Should Hurt. But When is Pain a Red Flag?
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Shirley Ryan AbilityLab Physician Shares Pelvic Health Insights in Woman’s World
As a physiatrist and director of women’s health rehabilitation at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, Sarah Hwang, MD, is an expert in the health of the pelvic floor — an important group of muscles responsible for stabilizing the pelvis and lower back; supporting internal pelvic organs; maintaining bowel and bladder continence; aiding in circulation between the legs and the heart; and facilitating sexual function.
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John’s Story: Finding Healing & Self-Acceptance in Art Therapy
John D. was diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), a rare disorder in which the body’s immune system attacks the nerves, often without warning. The resulting nerve damage can cause muscle weakness and, in John’s case, paralysis.
Patient Story
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
Shirley Ryan AbilityLab Speech-Language Pathologist, Patient Featured in WBEZ Chicago Story about Long COVID
A recent story on WBEZ-FM, Chicago’s NPR affiliate, highlighted Shirley Ryan AbilityLab’s outpatient COVID Rehabilitation Unit, which opened in 2021 to provide care for patients experiencing long COVID symptoms.
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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
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:
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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.
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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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