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.
Press Release
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New York Times Features Exercise Routine Designed by Shirley Ryan AbilityLab Certified Hand Therapist
Shirley Ryan AbilityLab certified hand therapist and occupational therapist Michelle Annes, OTR/L, CHT, recently was featured in The New York Times — sharing exercises to improve upper-body mobility and functional movement so individuals can confidently handle everyday tasks, such as opening a jar or lifting a bag and engaging in hobbies they love like cooking or gardening.
News
Dr. Monica Rho Discusses Injury Prevention in Women Athletes
Chicago Health magazine recently published an article about reducing the risk of injury in women athletes, featuring Shirley Ryan AbilityLab’s Monica Rho, MD, vice president, chief of medical affairs and section chief of musculoskeletal medicine.
News
Making the Miles Matter: Shirley Ryan AbilityLab Staff Support Hospital in 2025 Bank of America Chicago Marathon
Shirley Ryan AbilityLab staff reflect on their reasons for running the marathon — and how they’re making their miles matter through their individual fundraising.
Blog
Words of Wisdom: Shirley Ryan AbilityLab Patients Share What They’ve Learned After Spinal Cord Injury
In recognition of SCI Awareness Month, current patients at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab recently shared their top advice following SCI.
Blog
Shirley Ryan AbilityLab’s Dr. Katholi Featured on WGN About POTS
Shirley Ryan AbilityLab physician Benjamin Katholi, MD, recently appeared in a WGN Morning News segment to explain POTS and treatment solutions. Dr. Katholi is an attending pediatric physician in the hospital’s outpatient Pain Management Center, where he cares for adolescent patients with POTS and chronic pain.
News
A Day in the Life: Michelle Annes, Certified Hand Therapist
Michelle Annes is a CHT at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab. In her unique role, she treats a diverse range of complex upper extremity cases in both outpatient musculoskeletal and inpatient rehabilitation. She primarily sees patients with shoulder, arm, elbow, forearm, wrist, and hand and digit injuries.
Blog
Returning to Sports at the Right Time: Why Patience & Planning Matter
Whether recovering from an ACL reconstruction, a rotator cuff repair or a nagging ankle sprain, the urge to get back to running, lifting or playing your favorite sport can be overwhelming. However, returning too soon is one of the biggest risk factors for reinjury, and the consequences can set you back months — or even years.
Blog
Ask the Expert: Leslie Marriott, OT, Offers School-year Tips for Kids With Disabilities
With a new school year in full swing, the latest featured expert, Leslie Marriott, OT, offers tips for a successful school year for kids with disabilities.
Blog
Shirley Ryan AbilityLab Patient Featured in Newsweek Story About Treating Chronic Pain
Megan H., 46, has lived with chronic pain her entire adult life. She finally learned strategies and techniques for better managing her pain and flare-ups when she discovered Shirley Ryan AbilityLab’s Pain Management Center, one of the only interdisciplinary pain clinics in the country that offers a novel, team-based approach to help patients with pain.
News
Cassandra’s Story: Back on Her Feet While Managing Chronic Pain
Cassandra H., 63, has spent a lifetime on her feet. She was a clinical pharmacist and worked on her feet most days while helping patients. As a young woman, she played volleyball, basketball and ran track. She has continued to enjoy physical activities like bowling, golfing and exercising.
Patient Story
Larke’s Advice for College Students With Disabilities
Larke always has driven to be independent, and she wants kids with CP or other disabilities to believe that college is possible for them, too. Below read a Q&A with Larke’s advice for students who want to continue their education.
Patient Story
‘College is Possible’ With Cerebral Palsy: Larke’s Story
Larke was diagnosed with cerebral palsy as a baby and has been receiving outpatient care at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab ever since. Her clinicians have tailored Larke’s therapies to help her achieve new milestones — from practicing wheelchair skills and navigating the city to preparing for a big transition: attending college.
Patient Story