Shirley Ryan AbilityLab

10/16/2026

AARP recently featured Shirley Ryan AbilityLab’s aphasia program, pioneering research and leading aphasia experts in a story about neural plasticity and the brain’s potential to rewire itself after stroke.

The article highlights our decades of expertise in aphasia care — from our innovative therapies to brain-imaging research and supportive conversation groups. Visit our blog to learn more: https://bit.ly/4ztI1pU

10/15/2026

Shirley Ryan AbilityLab physician-scientist Colin Franz, MD, PhD, and his team in our Regenerative Neurorehabilitation Laboratory continue to advance the study of peripheral nerve injury rehabilitation.

The latest research explores the safety and therapeutic effects of using peripheral nerve stimulation to treat neuropathic pain in patients undergoing surgical reconstruction of severe peripheral nerve injuries.

Visit our blog for insights about the new research findings and to read more about recent studies focused on peripheral nerve injury. https://bit.ly/4BgaMrV

Research was undertaken by physician-scientist Colin Franz, MD, PhD, and a team of researchers in the rehabilitation hospital’s Regenerative Neurorehabilitation Laboratory.

10/07/2026

“Shirley Ryan AbilityLab really transforms people’s lives. I've gotten joy back in my life because of the help I got there. I wouldn't be doing the things that I am now without it."

After having a stroke, Justin H. spent the next two years searching for answers for why he continued to have persistent symptoms like vertigo, sound sensitivity, blurred vision and intense headaches. He came to Shirley Ryan AbilityLab’s Burr Ridge Outpatient & DayRehab Center, where detailed observations from his outpatient therapy team helped his movement neurologist finally reach the right diagnosis: functional movement disorder (FMD).

From there, Justin gained strategies to manage his symptoms, regain his independence — and find joy once again — thanks to specialized physical and occupational therapy, participation in our intensive FMD Clinic, and vocational rehabilitation that enabled him to continue working.

Check out Justin's story to learn how he’s doing today. https://bit.ly/4zeiot9

10/06/2026

High five to our Cerebral Palsy Center of Excellence, which supports pediatric and adult patients with cerebral palsy (CP) on and every day!

From diagnosis through adulthood, our team at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab provides continuous care to patients across the lifespan, through clinical programs such as:

💚 Our Early Motor Development Clinic that facilitates the early identification and diagnosis of CP in infants and toddlers
💚 Our Complex Movement Disorders Clinic that serves young patients with complex movement disorders, including CP, to improve movement and function
💚 And, our transition programs that help patients navigate into adolescence, adulthood and the the workforce

Thank you to our team for promoting functional independence and an enhanced quality of life for our patients at every stage! Learn about the CP Center of Excellence: https://bit.ly/4hFyynZ

10/04/2026

“Shirley Ryan AbilityLab supported our family when we needed it most!”

Viviana G. is running her first marathon this year — as part of Shirley Ryan AbilityLab’s team for the 2026 Bank of America Chicago Marathon on Sunday, Oct. 11 — to mark a meaningful milestone for her dad, Enrique.

Exactly 10 years ago, Enrique was paralyzed from the waist down. He came to Shirley Ryan AbilityLab for rehabilitation, and, after countless hours of physical therapy, he has regained most of his function. He now is able to walk on his own, occasionally using a cane for assistance, and he is a big fan of staying active and going to the gym!

Give today to support Viviana, Enrique’s progress, our marathon team and all of our patients at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab: https://bit.ly/4dhxh5i

10/02/2026

In recognition of Spina Bifida Awareness Month, meet 15-year-old Yaretzi A.

Yaretzi has spina bifida, a lifelong neurological condition that affects the spine and is usually apparent at birth. She has been coming to Shirley Ryan AbilityLab since she was a baby. Over the years, we’ve helped her build and maintain strength and endurance to pursue the things she loves!

Not only does Yaretzi continue to come to us for outpatient physical therapy and care through our Wheelchair Seating & Positioning Center … she also is an active athlete who plays wheelchair basketball and softball through our adaptive sports program.

Watch Yaretzi on and off the court, and learn more about youth adaptive sports at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab: https://bit.ly/46CwTe3

10/01/2026

At a special ribbon-cutting ceremony, Shirley Ryan AbilityLab leadership, staff and patients recently celebrated the opening of a newly constructed, state-of-the-art, 41,000-square-foot clinical space on the 16th floor of our Streeterville hospital in Chicago. The new floor will serve more than 275 patients each day, including more than 100 through the DayRehab Center — which offers an intensive rehabilitation program for patients who no longer need hospitalization but still require high-level rehabilitation care — and 175 through the hospital’s outpatient musculoskeletal program — which offers one-on-one, highly individualized sessions to help patients improve function.

The space, designed to facilitate high-intensity care and optimize patient recoveries, features:

-Specialized treatment environments
-A playful pediatric therapy area
-An activities of daily living studio
-Integration of research into care
-Dedicated spaces for vestibular therapy; prosthetic and orthotic care; vocational rehabilitation; and patient education

Read more on our blog: https://bit.ly/4hy85Jb

09/29/2026

We celebrated strength in community as we recognized National Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Awareness Month this year! Peer mentors from our Henry B. Betts, MD, LIFE Center joined us for a panel to share firsthand perspectives with current patients about the many paths forward following an SCI.

We’re ever grateful for our peer mentors — including former patients, family members and caregivers who share their lived experiences and support current patients during their rehabilitation journeys. Thank you!

(Pictured left to right: Peer mentors Tyler, Jorge, Kelly and Ken, and Cris Mix, OTR/L, education program manager at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab)

09/27/2026

Tracy D. and her husband, Kevin, are gearing up to run in the 2026 Bank of America Chicago Marathon for the fourth time as part of Shirley Ryan AbilityLab’s team — raising funds to help us advance our mission!

Ten years ago, Tracy was training for a marathon when she had a stroke. Two years later, after recovering from the stroke, she was hit by a car during a run and sustained a traumatic brain injury. After undergoing intensive physical, occupational and speech therapy at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, she was able to return to her refuge — running — as part of her ongoing recovery.

Good luck on race day, Tracy and Kevin! Read their full story: https://bit.ly/4y5HvOA

09/25/2026

Today marks Cancer Cachexia Awareness Day, a time to increase understanding of cachexia — a muscle-wasting syndrome that can stem from chronic illnesses, including cancer.

A few facts about cachexia:
- 50% of all individuals with cancer will experience cachexia at some point in their cancer journey.
- Up to 80% of patients with advanced cancer are affected by cachexia.
- Cachexia symptoms include loss of muscle mass, weight loss, reduced appetite, frailty, fatigue and weakness.
- The condition can reduce the ability to participate in everyday activities.

The good news: Early diagnosis of cachexia can help patients better tolerate cancer treatments, maintain everyday function and improve quality of life — especially when paired with a cancer rehabilitation program that includes guided exercise and physical therapy.

Hear from our experts Samman Shahpar, MD, and Ishan Roy, MD, PhD, on the many benefits of cancer rehabilitation, and learn more about our program at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab: https://bit.ly/4ydwISA

09/24/2026

In recognition of Pain Awareness Month, Karina Bouffard, MD, MPH, an attending physician and double board-certified pain physiatrist in our Pain Management Center, shares insights on pain procedures — including injections, nerve blocks and neuromodulation — and how these interventions support a comprehensive rehabilitation approach to chronic pain.

Read the full Q&A on our blog: https://bit.ly/47haQtu

09/23/2026

What a fun day for our pediatric patients!⚾ Thank you to Chicago White Sox mascot, Southpaw, and Chicago White Sox Charities for visiting us this week — and for your continued support of Shirley Ryan AbilityLab. Your generosity helps our young patients thrive!

During the visit, Southpaw delivered a new video game system for patients to enjoy, spent time gaming and coloring with the kids, and shared White Sox spirit with members of our team, including Pablo Celnik, MD, CEO, and Gadi Revivo, DO, section chief of pediatric rehabilitation medicine. The White Sox also donated youth jerseys, which our occupational therapists will be able to use to help patients practice dressing skills during therapy.

Thanks again for a great day! Learn more about pediatric rehabilitation at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab: https://bit.ly/4jlU4R7