Shirley Ryan AbilityLab

Shirley Ryan AbilityLab Shirley Ryan AbilityLab is Advancing Ability for thousands of adults and children around the globe.
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Welcome to the New RIC On March 25, 2017 the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago became the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab. More than just a change of address, this shift enables our continued mission .

POTS — postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome — is a chronic autonomic disorder that affects an estimated 1-3 million...
09/03/2026

POTS — postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome — is a chronic autonomic disorder that affects an estimated 1-3 million Americans. It is characterized by a rapid heart rate increase (tachycardia) and symptoms like dizziness, chronic fatigue and brain fog.

Tae Hwan Chung, MD, physician-scientist at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab and one of the world’s foremost experts on POTS, recently authored a review article published in JAMA.

“POTS can substantially impair daily functioning and quality of life for patients, yet obtaining an accurate diagnosis and specialized care remains challenging,” said Dr. Chung. “This review aims to provide physicians who may be less familiar with POTS a practical guide to recognizing the condition, making the diagnosis and helping patients manage their symptoms.”

Read the key takeaways on our blog: https://bit.ly/4ib7XBm

09/01/2026

All the way up to the 103rd floor: Are you in?

Sign up for SkyRise Chicago 2026! Join us Sunday, Nov. 8, to climb the Willis Tower to SkyDeck Chicago.

Register, build your team and learn more about Shirley Ryan AbilityLab today: https://bit.ly/45V4PlN

“Adaptive sailing has shown me that even after a life-changing injury, I am still capable of learning new skills, overco...
08/31/2026

“Adaptive sailing has shown me that even after a life-changing injury, I am still capable of learning new skills, overcoming obstacles and enjoying meaningful experiences.”

Jake H. experienced cardiac arrest and an anoxic brain injury at age 27, due to a serious medical emergency related to having Type 1 diabetes. He came to Shirley Ryan AbilityLab for brain injury recovery, participating in intensive inpatient, DayRehab and outpatient rehabilitation. During his time as a patient, Jake also reconnected with his love of sailing through the Judd Goldman Adaptive Sailing Program.

Read Jake’s story to learn how he charted a new course through adaptive sailing … and rediscovered a sense of independence, confidence and adventure: https://bit.ly/4xASHCw

“Raising money for Shirley Ryan AbilityLab is my way of giving back and helping others who are beginning their own recov...
08/30/2026

“Raising money for Shirley Ryan AbilityLab is my way of giving back and helping others who are beginning their own recovery journeys find the hope, care and support they deserve!”

Stephen A. has run countless 5Ks and 10Ks, as well as two half marathons. This year, he decided to tackle the 2026 Bank of America Chicago Marathon, coming up on Sunday, Oct. 11, as part of Shirley Ryan AbilityLab’s team.

Fifteen years ago, right before his 25th birthday, Stephen survived a stroke. Though he wasn’t a patient at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, he says he is running and fundraising for our team because he knows how life-changing recovery can be after a stroke. Thanks for supporting our mission, Stephen!

Learn how you can support our entire marathon team and help advance Shirley Ryan AbilityLab’s mission: https://bit.ly/4xYHlYE.

We are thrilled to share that nationally recognized brain injury expert and distinguished physiatrist Flora Hammond, MD,...
08/26/2026

We are thrilled to share that nationally recognized brain injury expert and distinguished physiatrist Flora Hammond, MD, has been named the Paul B. Magnuson Professor and chair of the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, effective January 2027. She also will serve as senior vice president at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab.

In these roles, Dr. Hammond will oversee our PM&R department’s clinical, research and educational missions and No. 1-rated residency program, with a focus on advancing innovation in rehabilitation science, strengthening interdisciplinary collaboration and enhancing patient outcomes.

“Dr. Hammond’s career reflects the very best of academic rehabilitation medicine — rigorous science, compassionate patient care and a deep commitment to improving patient outcomes,” said Pablo Celnik, MD, chief executive officer, Shirley Ryan AbilityLab. “Her expertise will be invaluable in advancing our academic mission and preparing the next generation of leaders in physical medicine and rehabilitation.”

Learn more: https://bit.ly/3Ua05WO

In recognition of National Dog Day, we’re proud to introduce a pawsome new member of our team!Meet Tala, a 15-month-old ...
08/26/2026

In recognition of National Dog Day, we’re proud to introduce a pawsome new member of our team!

Meet Tala, a 15-month-old golden retriever. She loves stuffies, playing fetch, and — most importantly — receiving lots of pets and snuggles from our patients! Tala joins our animal-assisted therapy program alongside veterans Louie and Wrigley. Animal-assisted therapy has a long history at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab as part of our efforts to promote patient engagement, motivation, emotional well-being and connection during the rehabilitation process.

Welcome to the team, Tala! 🐾 Learn more about animal-assisted therapy at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab: https://bit.ly/4gMWA18

08/19/2026

Brett Gray, an actor and singer, first graced the stage at 7 years old. ​He started working with our Performing Arts Medicine Program earlier this year in preparation for a run on Broadway.

A highly trained group of physicians and therapists conducted a comprehensive, head-to-toe assessment. They designed a tailored plan to meet Brett’s needs, utilizing specialized, targeted interventions — from ultrasound to motion analysis to a running assessment — to prepare him for an incredibly demanding performance schedule. ​

In the process, they’ve helped Brett perform at a higher level, with a focus on his long-term mobility and endurance. ​

Learn more about our Performing Arts Medicine Program: https://bit.ly/4bX92bX

Little League elbow and Little League shoulder are overuse injuries affecting the growth plates in young throwing athlet...
08/17/2026

Little League elbow and Little League shoulder are overuse injuries affecting the growth plates in young throwing athletes — most commonly baseball pitchers. In our latest article, one of our expert physical therapists offers helpful information about both conditions, including common risk factors, when to seek medical attention and when outpatient physical therapy can help your athlete prevent or recover from an injury.

Read more: https://bit.ly/4crcUC3

Jared B. was 19 years old when his left leg was amputated as a result of a rare type of bone cancer. After coming to Shi...
08/12/2026

Jared B. was 19 years old when his left leg was amputated as a result of a rare type of bone cancer. After coming to Shirley Ryan AbilityLab for outpatient therapy and getting fitted by our Prosthetics & Orthotics team for a lower-limb prosthesis, Jared returned to what he loves most — sports and running.

Now, at age 25, Jared has achieved a significant personal milestone: competing in his first paratriathlon and placing third in his division! Read Jared’s story to learn how he is propelling forward in athletics and finding physical and mental healing after limb loss: https://bit.ly/4gbF9WO

Following a catastrophic injury or serious illness, ventilators save lives for patients who are unable to breathe effici...
08/11/2026

Following a catastrophic injury or serious illness, ventilators save lives for patients who are unable to breathe efficiently — or at all — on their own. And, Shirley Ryan AbilityLab is one of the few rehabilitation hospitals in the United States to accept patients on ventilatory support.

Ventilator weaning, or as we call it “ventilator liberation,” is often a top priority during rehabilitation care. Increasing overall health, longevity and quality of life depend on weaning patients from ventilators as quickly as possible — and liberating a patient, permanently or for intervals, represents a life-changing outcome.

In our latest blog article, learn about our novel approach to ventilator liberation and how we combine clinical expertise, research insights and advanced diagnostics — such as the use of diaphragmatic ultrasound — to help our patients achieve their best outcomes: https://bit.ly/4go8VIX

08/04/2026

For the 36th year, U.S. News and World Report has named Shirley Ryan AbilityLab the No. 1 rehabilitation hospital in the nation — an achievement unmatched in healthcare.

“Our 36th consecutive No. 1 ranking by U.S. News & World Report reflects decades of excellence, and the people and purpose defining our success,” said Pablo Celnik, MD, CEO. “This recognition is one measure of a much larger story — the breadth of our impact across patient care, research, and education, and our shared commitment to shaping the future of human ability.”

Read more: bit.ly/45oJ4dT

Join us for Shirley Ryan AbilityLab’s Parkinson’s Disease Technology Discovery Fair on Sunday, Aug. 9, 1-4 pm. Explore t...
08/03/2026

Join us for Shirley Ryan AbilityLab’s Parkinson’s Disease Technology Discovery Fair on Sunday, Aug. 9, 1-4 pm.

Explore technologies designed to support people living with Parkinson's disease (PD) through home use and rehabilitation. Hear from experts, discover the latest innovations and experience hands-on demonstrations. Open to individuals with PD, caregivers, clinicians, researchers and the community.

For more details and to register: bit.ly/4btKEOT

Our team showed up and showed out at the 23rd Annual Disability Pride Parade in downtown Chicago last weekend, all decke...
08/03/2026

Our team showed up and showed out at the 23rd Annual Disability Pride Parade in downtown Chicago last weekend, all decked out in colorful balloons!

A group of 44 Shirley Ryan AbilityLab staff and family members marched in the parade, plus our very own Kelsey LeFevour, manager of our adaptive sports programs, served as the 2026 grand marshal. An all-around great day to celebrate the achievements and voices of people with disabilities!

Interested in becoming a proud member of our team? Learn about careers at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab: bit.ly/4pWFtNB

Address

355 East Erie Street
Chicago, IL
60611

Telephone

+13122381000

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