Shirley Ryan AbilityLab

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Shirley Ryan AbilityLab

Shirley Ryan AbilityLab is Advancing Ability for thousands of adults and children around the globe.
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Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, formerly the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago (RIC), is the nation's #1-ranked provider of comprehensive physical medicine and rehabilitation care to patients from around the world and is the leader in research and development of the cutting-edge treatments and technologies in its field. Shirley Ryan AbilityLab is not just a new research hospital, it’s a new kind of res

earch hospital, one that is revolutionizing the future of rehabilitation and creating a new category of medicine. We invested $550 million in this state-of-the-art research hospital. It is designed explicitly for the practice of “translational medicine” — a model for medical care in which research is applied directly (translated) during patient care. It is the world’s first and only center of its kind on the planet. Research will not just co-exist with patient care, it will be integrated full time, 24/7, into the clinical environment. Our five ability labs, where researchers and clinicians work side-by-side are organized by functional outcome (e.g., legs + walking; arms + hands, etc.), rather than by diagnosis (e.g., brain injury, stroke, etc.). Designed to advance clinical care — there are no boundaries in our ability labs.

29/07/2025

For the 35th year in a row, U.S. News and World Report has ranked Shirley Ryan AbilityLab the No. 1 rehabilitation hospital in the country. We are the only healthcare organization to hold this record of distinction.

This recognition is more than a number — it’s a reflection of the lives we impact. Every year, we care for more than 50,000 patients. Their progress is our greatest collective achievement.

Read more: bit.ly/44Tzsbz

28/07/2025

AFO, KAFO, LSO — what's the difference? When it comes to orthotic devices — braces that help to align or support a weak part of the body — the numerous technical terms and acronyms can be daunting.

As Disability Pride Month wraps up, read our guide to common terminology to learn about the different types of orthoses available to patients.

Read the full article: bit.ly/4mc8IZn

26/07/2025

At Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, we do more than provide care — we help patients return to the lives they love. Through specialized quality-of-life programs, we offer support throughout patients' recovery journeys. Many of these vital services aren’t covered by insurance.

Support our patients — and these programs — by climbing 105 flights to Skydeck Chicago at SkyRise Chicago 2025 on Nov. 2! Register now: skyrisechicago.org

25/07/2025

“Since my injury, I have learned to become a lot more adaptable. As a person living with a disability in a very inaccessible world, I face challenges every single day, all day long. Learning how to face those challenges and adapt to them has become my superpower.”

To recognize Disability Pride Month, we invited Molly Farrell to answer questions for our monthly “Ask the Expert” series. Molly came to us for intensive rehabilitation in 2002 after experiencing a spinal cord injury (SCI), and today she is a speech-language pathologist, adaptive fashion expert and disability advocate.

In this Q&A, Molly shares information about living with an SCI and adaptive fashion. Read more: bit.ly/46nlekl

22/07/2025

On , we're honoring the patients recovering from stroke and traumatic brain injury (TBI) — and celebrating the care and science that support them.

Learn how Shirley Ryan AbilityLab combines leading research and expert care to help patients achieve their best outcomes after a stroke or brain injury: bit.ly/4m6ScKa

21/07/2025

After a spinal cord injury (SCI), patients and their families often face a flood of unfamiliar medical terms.

As we recognize Disability Pride Month, we’re sharing our guide to common terms about SCI — designed to make it easier to understand complex terminology so that patients can take an active role in their rehabilitation and healing.

Read the full article to learn more: bit.ly/3GzgdL6

18/07/2025

For those who have experienced limb loss or who were born with a limb difference, prosthetic devices are a gamechanger, supporting function, mobility and independence — and helping patients live productive and rewarding lives.

In recognition of , check out our guide to common terminology about the different types of upper- and lower-limb amputation and the wide variety of prostheses available to patients.

Swipe to learn more and read the full article: bit.ly/3UhEXdQ

15/07/2025

93 days to go, 1,500+ miles down — safe to say, the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab Bank of America Chicago Marathon team's training is full steam ahead! 🏃

Whether you’re an experienced marathoner or just starting out, a running assessment can help you optimize your gait and running technique, improve performance and prevent injury.

In our latest Q&A, our expert physical therapists explain the benefits of a running assessment. Read our blog to learn more and book your assessment today: bit.ly/3IKkUSG

11/07/2025

We are thrilled to announce the appointment of Cheri Blauwet, MD, as senior vice president and chief clinical officer. She will begin her role in September, succeeding James Sliwa, DO, who is retiring following more than four decades of impactful service.

This transition represents a homecoming for Dr. Blauwet. A Midwest native, she completed her fellowship in sports medicine at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab.

Since then, she has established herself as a leader in our field and advocate for accessibility — from medaling in the Paralympics seven times to recently being named to Forbes’ inaugural Accessibility 100 list, which celebrates the “biggest innovators and impact-makers” for people with disabilities.

Read more on our blog: bit.ly/4eKPOXg

10/07/2025

Charlie S. came to us for intensive rehabilitation after sustaining a serious traumatic brain injury. Throughout his recovery journey, his therapists have used a gait belt to support him every step of the way ... as he walks, balances and learns to climb stairs once again. Keep up the great work, Charlie!

Read our latest article to learn how clinicians use gait belts in therapy — helping patients like Charlie make progress in their balance, strength, coordination and mobility: bit.ly/46yUsVZ

09/07/2025

Wearable devices such as Fitbit are widely used to track steps, sleep and more. Now, our researchers at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab have identified a new use, and with exciting results.

Using Fitbits, and a novel algorithm our scientists developed, researchers were able to more quickly predict postoperative complications in kids who had undergone appendectomies. This research, published today in Science Advances has the potential to change the paradigm of postoperative monitoring and care — and improve patient outcomes in the process.

Learn more on our blog: bit.ly/44ua0HW

Science
Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago
Northwestern Medicine
Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
UAB - The University of Alabama at Birmingham

08/07/2025

This week, Shirley Ryan AbilityLab's Prakash Jayabalan, MD, PhD, physician-scientist director of the Nancy W. Knowles Strength + Endurance Lab, and Melissa Kolski, PT, DPT, physical therapist, and Colleen Hanlon, PT, physical therapist, are playing an important role at the 2025 U.S. Adaptive Open Championship.

For the fourth consecutive year, Dr. Jayabalan and Melissa are on hand to consult with rules officials and United States Golf Association - USGA organizers, providing player eligibility assessments — the process of determining which of eight impairment categories a golfer should compete in.

Join us in cheering on this year's golfers and catch the tournament live on the Golf Channel this Wednesday from 2-4 pm EDT! ⛳

03/07/2025

Declan C. is spending a few months in intensive inpatient therapy related to having cerebral palsy (CP). He came to us after a surgical procedure called selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR) that aims to reduce muscle spasticity, or tightness, in his lower limbs.

At age 6, Declan’s already an inquisitive guy with a developing interest in science … so imagine his curiosity and delight when he toured our Biologics Lab — a state-of-the-art space where researchers study living cells to gain a better understanding of movement impairments at the cellular level. Here, they are developing biological approaches to treat conditions like CP and other neuromuscular diseases.

Research scientist Andy Domenighetti, PhD, served as Declan’s “tour guide” during the special visit. Declan looked at cells under a microscope, explored lab equipment and learned how the brain sends signals throughout the body to help muscles contract and move. Thanks for treating Declan to such a special day of discovery, Dr. Domenighetti!

Learn how our Biologics Lab is advancing breakthrough research: bit.ly/4l63deN

02/07/2025

Though there’s nothing more fun than a summer day at the beach, soft sand and tricky terrain can make it challenging for wheelchair users to roll safely. However, with the right equipment and advance planning, the beach is within reach for everyone! 🏖️♿

Swipe through to learn more and read the full article: bit.ly/44Hmayu

30/06/2025

To mark the last day of National Aphasia Awareness Month, we've rounded up our recent articles about aphasia — a condition that can occur suddenly after a stroke or brain injury and impacts a person’s ability to speak and communicate.

Read more about aphasia treatment and research from our experts at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab and meet a few of our patients living with aphasia: bit.ly/45KQfOR

27/06/2025

Take us out to the ballgame! Pablo Celnik, MD, our CEO, took the mound to throw out the first pitch at a recent Chicago White Sox game!

Special thanks to the White Sox for having us — it was a total home run for the team at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab! ⚾

26/06/2025

After 30 years of speaking with ease and confidence as an English professor, Joe lost his voice after a stroke at age 57. He experienced both aphasia and apraxia — disorders that can result from a stroke that affect different aspects of communication.

Joe came to Shirley Ryan AbilityLab to build back his speech and language skills. By participating in our aphasia community groups for the last three years, as well as in research studies, he’s made steady progress in addressing stroke-related communication impairments:

📖 Joe’s reading comprehension and writing have improved.
📱 He’s found new ways to express himself, such as keeping a digital journal and using text-to-speech tools to stay connected on social media.
💬 He’s advocating for himself, creating a personalized aphasia card that explains how the condition affects his speech and informs people how best to have a conversation with him.
🧠 He’s helping others by participating in research at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab that strives to find new ways to personalize treatment and improve outcomes for people with aphasia.

In recognition of National Aphasia Awareness Month this June, read Joe’s story to learn how he’s rediscovering his voice — and his confidence: bit.ly/4epxnXU

25/06/2025

June is National Cancer Survivors Month. In recognition, we're offering a collection of recent patient stories; expert information about cancer rehabilitation research; and articles about the benefits of rehabilitation and exercise for patients with cancer — whether you’re newly diagnosed, in treatment or a long-term survivor.

Read more: bit.ly/43ZdCms

24/06/2025

We had a great time at the Abilities Expo Chicago this past weekend! Thanks to all who stopped by Shirley Ryan AbilityLab's sports zone to try out adaptive equipment and connect with other community members.

Learn more about our adaptive sports and fitness program: bit.ly/44hHPvY

18/06/2025

No one expects to experience a life-changing illness or injury, but deciding what to do next can affect the extent and speed of recovery. Many people need rehabilitation after treatment in an acute-care hospital — and our latest blog explains how an inpatient rehabilitation facility (IRF) helps patients regain physical and cognitive function.

Read more to learn if an IRF like Shirley Ryan AbilityLab is the right option for you or your loved one: bit.ly/44kCRj8

13/06/2025

“Whether you're newly diagnosed with cancer, in treatment, or a long-term survivor, rehabilitation can help improve your function, strength and quality of life.”

In honor of National Cancer Survivors Month this June, we invited Shirley Ryan AbilityLab attending physician Ishan Roy, MD, PhD, to answer audience questions about cancer rehabilitation and research for our monthly “Ask the Expert” series.

Read more about cancer rehabilitation: bit.ly/4n0O1kk

12/06/2025

In recognition of National Aphasia Awareness Month this June, read Annelies T.’s story to learn how she discovered connection and community while living with aphasia — a condition that can occur suddenly after a stroke and impacts a person’s ability to speak and communicate.

By participating in Shirley Ryan AbilityLab’s Intensive Comprehensive Aphasia Program — and forging connections in our community aphasia groups and volunteering at local organizations along with other people with aphasia — Annelies found healing, comfort and a lifeline back to the world.

Read Annelies’ story on our blog: bit.ly/4e0C1vj

10/06/2025

SkyRise Chicago 2025 registration is officially OPEN!

Join us Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, at Willis Tower as we climb together to advance human ability.

No matter where you live or what your connection may be, you can step up in support of Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in person or virtually.

Register today at skyrisechicago.org!

09/06/2025

We love to see our patients return to the lives they love … and experience picture-perfect moments like this one!

Chuy G., a dad to six kids, came to us from Minnesota for intensive rehabilitation following a workplace accident that led to a double amputation. He has been in Chicago for the last seven months recovering and learning to use a custom prosthetic arm and leg. Throughout, he has remained focused on a big goal: returning home to stand up in prom pictures with his daughter, Anahly.

We’re so proud of how hard Chuy has worked to build strength and ability in physical and occupational therapy, recently allowing him to share in his daughter’s special day!

Join us in celebrating Chuy’s milestone, and learn more about our expertise creating custom prosthetics: bit.ly/3ZTL3Eo

06/06/2025

“Wanna start from the beginning and I’ll sing it?”

Imagine the thrill when Katharine McPhee said this to Cayden B., a teenager from Kentucky, during a recent visit to Shirley Ryan AbilityLab. A musician himself, Cayden’s life was put on hold when he sustained a severe brain injury in a motorcycle accident.

At first, he was unable to walk and talk. Thanks to intensive rehabilitation, which also included music therapy, he began rebuilding skills.

His time as an inpatient at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab culminated with this impromptu concert on his very last day.

Learn more about how we help patients with brain injury: bit.ly/4kVbq58

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