This place is the best. The people who work here are there because they care about you and helping you recover in all aspects of health THIS IS THE BEST read more

"Chicago-based Shirley Ryan AbilityLab is the top-ranked rehabilitation hospital in the U.S., according to U.S. News and World Report's 2025-2026 ranking, published July 29." I'm not sure what parameters U.S. News and World Report used to arrive at their ranking. My stay at Shirley Ryan was not what I expected. It was frequently unpleasant and very stressful. I knew that their physical therapy and occupational therapy staff were supposed to be top-notch, and they are. It's the support staff services (nurses, techs) that can be dramatically improved. I was at Shirley Ryan approximately 1 month after spending 3 months at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. I frequently encountered rude and sometimes incompetent/untrained nurses and techs. I did not always get the same staff assigned, so I experienced several nurses and techs. Sadly, I rarely had staff assigned who did a great job and truly seemed to care about my recovery. The others appeared to see me as just a task they had to complete as part of their job, which they did not seem to like. My daily housekeeping staff was more pleasant than many of my nurse/tech caregivers. I'll refrain from naming those I consider the worst of the bunch. Just keep in mind that you'll likely encounter inconsistent and poor care from some of the Shirley Ryan nurses and techs. If so, don't hesitate to speak up to management (Charge Nurse, etc.) should you experience inadequate care. read more

Shirley Ryan AbilityLab - Picture of the Shirley Ryan gym - Medical Centers Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

First and formost: upon arriving for my mother's visit, I was told I had to sign a HIPPA form. I asked for a copy of the form that they wanted me so that I first may read what I a signing. I was told I had to sign in order for my mother to be seen. We had 5. min to read several pages of small font. This is NOT true-she LIED- You do not have to to sign a HIPPA authorization form in order to be seen. Now for the therapist. My mother was having an evaluation for PT. The therapist (Burr Ridge ) spent the entire time talking, asking questions that I had already answered on the forms. As a result of her incompantency, we had to have another eval session. I called and stated that the next session had to be a therapy session., I was assured that it would be. Well it wasn't- it was just another eval session. Further, when I read the clinical notes, there was information documented about my mother cognitive function-are PT now neurologists, psychologists, licensed to evaluate a person cognitive function? Also, this therapist ) also wrote down in quotes what she perceived I had said...what was written could be so misunderstoon-possibly a defamation lawsuit should be filed????? Totally unprofessional...STAY AWAY !!! read more

Back to the same facility 6 months later as an outpatient being evaluated for my cognitive skills. The receptionist was nice enough to allow me to check in without my driver's license since the state revoked it during my visit to the DMV due to my health episode. The day started with a brief interview with a psychologist. Then, I met another psychologist for a variety of tests and evaluations. I realized I don't use my brain to its fullest capacity and potential due to performing the same tasks for many years post college. He then recommended some books and exercises I can do. Both were professional and cordial. I look forward to a comprehensive discussion of the evaluation to further my recovery process in a couple of weeks. read more

Shirley Ryan AbilityLab - Medical Centers Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

See all

This is an update. Prior reviews were positive. This is the Q4 2025 update for SRALab Chicago. Building arrival area was clean and well organized albeit busy. The intake and registration area was abnormally busy. Can't blame them for having no chairs. What I can praise them for is being aware and passively aware that my pain was escalating with the standing room only situation and sure enough they radio'd in back and asked if they could get me into a bay quicker. I was quickly moved to a private bay. Dr Reger is AWESOME at his job. He is a very fast in and out with the needle and as a transgender MtF with high level spasticity and neuropsychiatric turbulence due to estrogen uptake not being optimized yet a fast and secure experience is crucial. I used to allow residents and students however due to a problem with a resident causing a severe pain event by missing the port I initiated an account level block. Residents and students are not permitted in the sterile zone. It's me Dr Reger and the technologist if needed. And this is the best way. The refill procedure usually takes 10-15 minutes end to end but this was done in 5 minutes end to end (not including 3 minutes for programmer and non invasive time) Total invasive needle out time was 3 minutes. Needle in on minute 1 draw out and inject during minute 2 and needle withdrawn by minute 3. Dr Reger is the man they should use to program robots to do these pumps. He is fast he is precise and if there is anyone I would trust to be the man who programs every robot to access these pumps it would be Dr Reger that I would be recording motion from into our robots. Dr Reger has great bedside manners and handles high risk patients with proper level of care. If you are a high risk patient or caregiver for a high risk patient then select Dr Reger read more

Shirley Ryan AbilityLab - Front door of SRALab Chicago - Medical Centers Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

See all

I cannot reccomend Shirley Ryan AbilityLab enough. Their staff got me back on my feet after cancer surgery and did the same to my aunt.

There is a reason why they are number one in stroke recovery. They got me out of the wheelchair and walking / driving. It was hard work over many months, but worth it. Shirley Ryan also has excellent resources and contacts to support your interests and activity (e.g., Life Center, Dare2Tri, Judd Goldman Adaptive Sailing Program.) read more

In early May I had neck surgery at U of Chicago. The surgery, performed by Dr. Ramos went very well. When patient coordinator asked where I wanted to rehab I said Shirley Ryan Rehab based on someone's recommendation to me. The surgery was on a Monday morning and by Wednesday late afternoon I was picked up by paramedics and driven to Shirley Ryan. I arrived during shift changes which slowed communications a bit. However, once I was settled in the "magic" began to happen. I am handicapped and cannot walk so I worried how I would be cared for. They had procedures for each of my concerns. Most importantly the therapists were amazing, very friendly/caring nurses and aides, and the rest of the staff could not be nicer. Also, Shirley Ryan is immaculate which is also very important to me. I left there with a plan to continue my therapy at a day center near my home for 2-3 hours 3/week. read more

The staff at Shirley Ryan are great wonderful caring very professional the nurse are Grt on 20th floor thank you for everything ‼‼

I had a therapist named Riley who should never be allowed to speak to patients. She is a Burt, non caring and obviously has no bedside manner. Avoid her at all costs. read more

i have been cared for by anna kipstein since my open-heart surgery and many other issues for the last 2 to 3 years. she is kind, skilled, and i am happy to have her for pt. i was an inpatient for two weeks after my open-heart surgery. the doctors, nurses, physical therapists were excellent and got me back on my feet. read more

While physician care is excellent, the office and scheduling experience is far below average. Parking payment machines are unreliable and despite having a discounted coupon, the machine did not process correctly and over charged for parking by $21.00. Also, scheduled outpatient PT via the phone which went okay. However, I needed to reschedule an assessment appointment due to transportation issues during a polar vortex event. Again, despite having a routine PT appointment with the same therapist that was scheduled 2 days later after the frigid temperatures eased , I was told that he had the maximum number of assessments on that day and that the RULES prevented them from changing my existing appointment to the assessment. I canceled all future PT appointments due to this completely unfriendly process. I have had issues in the past with the scheduling and telephone process. This was the final straw, I'm planning on switching physicians and practices in the hope of getting better patient access. Again, the physician care is excellent. If you can tolerate bad office and scheduling processes, go ahead seek your care with them. I'm with Ric V's review. read more

It is a complete rip off. Over $500 for 30 min physical therapy session. Unconscionable. They also do not let their therapists work with you until recovery. They cut you off if the improvement is too slow. Four of five sessions and they kick you out. Not sure why, but I am guessing to keep their 'success rate' statistics higher, so that they only show those patients who improved fast. Crazy, but the worst is the price of their services, which is absolutely obscene and unreasonable! read more

This place has failed on every front - after the 'Ability Labs' switchover from the original Rehab Institute. I've been a patient there for decades and have watched the slow collapse of the service quality under this new (phony) rebranding. When I last visited in Dec '23 I was treated by a 25 year-old with an iPad App and what appeared to be zero hands-on clinical experience with the differential diagnoses process. I experienced a completely pathetic and dehumanized intake experience with no positive outcomes - as The formerly world-renown RIC has obviously moved dramatically and all-in -- on the 'profit mill' business strategy, by emulating the Athletico formula of hiring cheap, 2-year-degreed PT's with no clinical experience -- rather than continuing to actually provide the disabled community with high-quality rehabilitation services as the RIC had once stood for. All the fancy rebranding and colorful fonts - cant disguise the greedy corporate rot at the core of this once proud entity. What's ironic is The 'Ability Labs' complete LACK of ABILITY under this regime. read more

This place is amazing. My aunt had a brain bleed stroke and they got her back to the way she was before the stroke in 3 weeks. Accept no substitutions as SHIRLEY RYAN ABILITY LABS is the best rehab facility in the world. read more

Virginia Wirth-Pattullo is a great therapist. Virginia is enthusiastic, knowledgeable and empathetic. I have used her a few different times over the years-both knees, shoulder, etc. Virginia is very booked up (the great ones always are) so I have to make my appointments well in advance. This last surgery I wasn't as organised as I like, so I ended up with a different therapy practice and therapist. Big mistake! The other therapists (saw more than one) were not as experienced or knowledgeable. Virginia takes a moment to explain WHY and HOW before she gives me a new exercise and I appreciate her thoroughness in working to heal my knees. I recommend her to anyone recovering from surgery or suffering a chronic injury. read more

They are greedy liars who think who they are, they actually forced us out! My mother had a stroke, then a brain bleed due to over medication, which led to a seizure, so there was a setback. We appealed for an extended stay with insurance. Shirley Ryan lied and told us that the appeal was denied. That we must go to a sub acute facility while they had a bed available, bcause we didn't have the supplies to bring her home. She is nonverbal, cannot walk, cognitive skills are severely damaged! They said that there wasn't an approved appeal in 14 years! We went to a subacute facility and it was horrible! The following day of transfer, we received the appeal and it was approved! Shirley Ryan would not take my mother back! Although the therapy was very good, and my mother was making progress, the management and doctors DO NOT CARE ABOUT A PATIENT'S STATE OF HEALTH! If you are sick and up in your age, they treat you as being EXPENDABLE! They disregarded my mother's well being! PLEASE AVOID! You will save yourself a lot of stress and heartache! Shirley Ryan in Elk Grove Village DESERVES to be shut down! I wouldn't trust them with my pet Rock!!! If I could rate them a minus five stars, I would a thousand times over! read more

DO NOT USE IF YOU HAVE A CHRONIC CONDITION, MENTAL HEALTH CONDITION OR A JOB 1. When their pain management doctor showed up an hour late without apologizing, it should have tipped me off. Then after telling BOTH the pain doc and the pain psychiatrist I have exertion fatigue, they both still recommended an 8h a day program. When I said I couldn't do group classes her face looked like she'd drank sour milk. 2. Their pain management program might be amazing. I'll never know because you have to be able to commit to 4-8h a day, 5 days a week for a month to access most of their program. If you ask too many questions or sound at all like you have issues, you'll be stonewalled. (That's what happened to me. ) 3. It will take you months to get into said program. 4. They are absolutely terrible in how they handle any mental health concerns and it seems like they have no training at all on being sensitive in this matter. I'm autistic and have ADHD and both of those things were not accommodated AT ALL the only reason I'm giving 2 stars is the physician was very nice and I got a super useful x ray and managed to get me set up for cortisone injection. But not until after I got kicked from the program. Seems like yet another place that won't help unless you can be cured. In short, if you don't play ball exactly their way it's not worth your time. read more

I saw Dr Egan at Shirley Ryan hospital Jan 2025 and I was referred for pain program by my doc. I was scheduled to see her for 1 hour and she didn't ask me one clinical question .She was verbally abusive to me which was very surprising to me as in my medical note from nurses say I was cooperative .she has zero notes on portal of visit which is also unprofessional , I was cooperative . She yelled at me on my first visit with her in a loud, abusive ,bullying,unprofessional manner as she referred she said I wasn't going to be a candidate for pain program during (the year approx wait) to see her I had seen my own pt Practioner and this was the reason and made no sense as I have a right to be treated in a year wait to see Dr Egan and this makes no sense to turn me down for a urgent need for a chronic pain program . This was the reason as I have a level 10 chronic pain for many years and desperate for help. As I am a former adjunct professor as well as union film maker boss for long career , I knew the resident was in the room as well when this happened and not only is this unprofessional for a teaching hospital for the resident but to me and the trauma I have after a year wait how Dr E violated SR code of ethics as the patient experiences person Wendy agreed with me . No I am left with no hope and desperate an urgent pain to be treated for some ridiculous reason that it's not even clinical. I demand a explanation. read more

Update-IMPORTANT NOTE IF YOU'RE ON MEDICARE: YOU GET 3 WEEKS OF CARE--and you're out. You can appeal--& 99% of those are not approved. (per staff that works with these) Be aware--because the notice to exit came abruptly and not directly from the social worker to the family. Came to the patient--not helpful when they misunderstand or forget. Nice people/caring people--just a heads up read more

I suffered a traumatic brain injury in the summer of 2017. After emergency surgery at Hinsdale hospital, I was transferred to Shirley Ryan Ability labs, in downtown Chicago, and I couldn't be more grateful! If I had not had three months at Shirley Ryan, I know for a fact that I would not be walking today. I honestly don't know where to begin... I loved my nurses. They & My physical therapists still get holiday cards from me, and always will. They made the worst, most terrifying experience of my entire life bearable, conquerable, and survivable! They even assisted in continued treatment for a medical mystery that I'd been dealing with for half a decade. I spent almost an entire year bouncing between hospitals after my TBI, but when I ended up here, it actually felt welcoming and almost like a family. To this day, Eugenia is the best nurse I have ever encountered! I occasionally still miss some of the patients, and staff that I had developed friendships with. Also... staff was incredibly helpful in encouraging me to seek disability, and assisted withfilling out paperwork. After my departure, they have proven to be very very prompt & thorough in transferring medical records to other facilities, upon request read more

Bells and whistles everywhere in this beautiful, state of the art facility. Very thankful that it's right across the street from Northwestern and easy enough to get to. My mom had her leg amputated below the knee and this was her site for rehab. Trust me, I have seen enough of hospitals, hopefully for a LONG while as this has been stressful. read more

Shirley Ryan AbilityLab - Check-in floor - Medical Centers Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

We are new patients of the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab--the top ranked rehabilitation hospital in America. Formerly the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago (RIC), Shirley Ryan is the first-ever "translational" research hospital in which clinicians, scientists, innovators work together under the same roof, surrounding patients, discovering new approaches, and applying research in real-time. Upon entering the building, it literally felt like entering a giant futuristic spaceship, and we were the experiments. The building is clean and bright, colorful and spacious--a true work of art. There are garden areas you can visit (when open...most likely in the warmer months). Check in on the 10th floor Skydeck, and they scan you in and you're on your way. I think there must be "pre-cogs" in a room somewhere (Minority Report reference). My hubby was referred to Dr. Alexander Sheng from a friend, in hopes of discovering a non-surgical therapy to relieve severe nerve damage in his left arm/shoulder. It was a fairly quick initial visit, and now we're proceeding to physical therapy for a month as a trial. I will continue to update our experience as it unfolds. Easy parking access. Validation if you park in their lot. read more

See all

This staff and facility is AMAZING! They truly worked hard to get my father rehabilitated after his emergency heart surgery. They kept us involved in his care and treatment plan and stayed committed. I'm not sure that my father would be here today, has it not been for his team at Shirley Ryan. We are forever grateful. read more

Wonderful therapists and attentive care. They are ranked the best for a good reason.

If I could clone this place I would !! From the moment you go there it is beyond amazing! They took such care and brought my husband so far . Even with his limitations ! The staff from nurses to the business office were kind and informative, the care was very good and personally applied. No cookie cutter care! But gentle yet tough ! If you want wonderful care and concern that is the place to go!! read more

Today I brought my nephew that has Huntington's disease to Shirley Ryan for an appointment at 1:00 pm. As I was driving the 40 miles to an appointment with his neurologist at Northwestern at 11:00 I received at phone call saying my appointment was at 11:00. I explained that we received a text saying it was at 1:00 pm as that was the agreed upon time, since it would work with the neurologist appointment. This was set up months prior. I explained that often my nephews appointment is quick and possibly I can make a little after 11. The girl on phone said that would be okay. When we got there about 11:25 the receptionist was very kind but said our appointment was cancelled. The PT Deborah Pucci came out to explain that we never had an appointment at 1:00 pm. I showed Deborah Puccini the text and she said that was from vendor and they sent in error. I explained that this 40 mile trip is not easy on my nephew and since the chair is ready can she please squeeze him in. She said the vendor is not there and they both have appointments with other patients at 1:00. Never did she apologize or try to make this right. At one point she said I could wait 4 1/2 for opening. I would not do that to my nephew that has issues sitting for long periods plus gets very fatigued. The first appointment we had, Deborah Pucci seemed very cold to my nephew and did not take any thoughts he had into consideration. It's a very good possibility that she does not treat Medicaid patients with respect. My nephew is 43 and never thought he would be in this position, he is a positive and an inspiration to many in the Huntington's world. I would hope that Shirley Ryan would contact him and bring the chair to his home for how they made him feel today. read more

Shirley Ryan AbilityLab - This is our text about appointment. - Medical Centers Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

The facility is gorgeous, clean and the staff are amazing. Yet, knowing that I have a great coverage with my insurance, I got hit with big bills on services that was not needed and billed by a doctor who is always late or no show where he doesn't respect our time, very rude, and when he is present he never listened and always typing on his laptop AND he is out of my network although I explained clearly to stay within my insurance, I am not that rich. Sending bills with unexplained codes that a patient will never understand or avoid the patient requests is not ethical. I regret coming here and never going back. Now I go to ATI and they are the best in Chicago! read more

Shirley ryan in Homewood is racist. They treated my son terribly after he was shot 11x. Kala tried everything she could to get him terminated from the program. She pretend she was helping us but she wasn't. Then you have Rayleen who suppose to be the supervisor isn't no better. She lied as well. He missed a few appointments do to his injuries and transportation. I called each and every time anything changes. They act like I didn't when I did. The first day they were acting racist. The choice of words and actions they were given. We continue with the attitude they gave because my son needs the help.... He still do..... we going to continue you to seek and find help. GOD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME!. ITS been 2 long weeks full of lies from them....Everyone the is bad.... just a few read more

Last December of 2018, my father had a reference to go to Shirley Ryan Rehab facility. He has congestive heart failure or COPD. He didnt think it was fun going to a rehab facility for his medical problems. However, from my observations, I felt the physical, occupational, and speech therapists helped his situation from not walking or unable to go to the bathroom on his own into being independent... Dr Nenad Brkic was an excellent doctor...Doctor could speak Serbian .. It was a painful ordeal for him...and he was not in the greatest mental state of mind @ the time. I give them a 5 for the medical care... As for the facility, it can be described as state of the art facility with new equipments for rehab. Maintenance of the facility is nice and tidy clean.... They have an awesome cafeteria for the guests and father never complained of the food... Parking was convenient...Building has 9 floors of parking and another 10 floors of medical rehab treatment areas... My father had a great room view of the downtown Chicago skyline ... You think you are staying @ the Ritz Carlton... I rate the facility a 5.... read more

See all

This place is the worst place to work. The people are fake and untrustworthy it's disgusting. They lie just to make themselves look better than you. Will kick you to the curb if you have a misfortune in your life. They are not understanding of life struggles and will lie and say they are. Will talk to you as if you're not even a human being. Theses people in this place have no respect for others. Everyone looks down or talks down on another person. If you ever get hired and hear them say "we're a family here" RUN DONT WALK! read more

What an incredible facility. I have a friend who's dad is here for rehab and I was so impressed with the facility. The staff is incredible. So positive and encouraging. Just what you would want after suffering any kind of accident. I wish it had more common areas for family and friends to be cozy while staying with or visiting patients. I read that many people have had issues with billing practices here. I can't speak to that since I have never been a patient here myself. My review is strictly based on the structure of the facility and the therapy I witnessed taking place. read more

I've been transporting clients between Shirley Ryan and our community since 2021 and it used to be a good arrangement. I'd drop the clients off at the driveway on the east side of the building. They've changed the rules and only allow private cars to use that driveway. The staff directed me to some ambulance entrance and shipping dock off of Erie. I'm neither an ambulance nor a delivery truck; I drive frail senior citizens to their physical therapy appointments. This past month, I'm getting reprimanded for not following the rule of the day of where I can or cannot drop off my handicap passengers. I'd suggest using Northwestern's nearest drop-off spot one block west, but these physical therapy clients cannot reasonably do that commute. I'll be speaking with my team about this in hopes we can eliminate Shirley Ryan from our list of approved medical stops. Fortunately we have a smaller physical therapy company in house who we can refer these patients to. Seriously, Shirley Ryan? You hassle ADA equipped vehicles dropping off and picking up your patients in a dense part of the city? Maybe you'd be better off in a suburb where the parking is plentiful, because many of us advocate against single-occupancy vehicles here. read more

The doctors, nurses, occupational therapists, physical therapists, and speech therapists are hard working. They are committed to getting you well. read more

Like my dr. Facilities are clean. Easy to get in and get an MRI done. Always easy in and out. There are however incredibly rude people in the lobby who pick and choose who they let sit in the lobby. Attitudes and egos which sucks when you are not feeling great and are there to see a dr. Overall good place with a great doctor. read more

The Ability Lab offered me a tremendous opportunity to recover from two orthopedic procedures. The physical therapists who worked with me provided excellent care and the facility is state-of-the-art. read more

Don't be fooled by the glitzy building/ambience, location or by the rooms with nice views of the lake. The medical care here is substandard -- my mother got admitted at Shirley Ryan after a brain tumor removal and immediately contracted infections at Shirley Ryan due to staff negligence and improper medical care (wrong diagnoses, medication lapses, incorrect medication doses, delayed medical care and other serious judgments in error) -- she is back in ICU. As for the physical therapy aspect -- they do 1 hour of that each day and the rest of the time the patient languishes in the room. Would not admit someone here post op unless they are in stable health and unless you can have a family member or patient advocate staying overnight to project manage the care. read more

their solution to my severe pain was to "just ignore it" it's not possible for me to ignore this kind of pain.. Do they tell people to "just ignore" their cancer? does not live up to the hype. read more

This place is a complete and total nightmare. They are great at telling us how they are a top rated Hospital, but in my experience, that is anything but the case. I have too much to say, and it's impossible to review both my stays at the hospital as well as the center for bionic medicine so I think I will start with the later. They would have us believe their experts at building and repairing wheelchairs yet they have no idea how to do this. I worked my way up to a text relationship with the head of this department, Jack Avila, and he has done absolutely nothing to help me. I currently have a brand new $40,000 wheelchair which was purchased through them that is still incredibly painful to me. It was put together incorrectly by National Seating and Mobility. When I was an inpatient at Shirley Ryan, at the end of November, they attempted to fix it, using their other Wheelchair company, NuMotion. this was an epic failure and my chair is still not properly positioned. There is a tilt even though I requested no tilts. The base seat sits at about 100° angle instead of a 90° angle like a normal seat. It tilts forward and the Feet pedals drag on the floor as it's too low. This is crazy! This is a brand new chair and they totally ruined it and refused to fix it! I am told if I want it fixed I need to get another doctors approval to see them! why do I need a doctors approval Jack? It has nothing to do with fixing the wheelchair that you built! How many times does my doctor to refer me back to you until you can manage to get it right? Five? 10? 15 I am disabled and I live in a wheelchair and I can't run to Shirley Ryan weekly for you to try to figure out how to actually fix a wheelchair this is supposed to be your business and you're supposed to be the best! I don't know what to do at this point but I have contacted the attorney general because I'm fresh out of ideas. Maybe you should make me a new chair and start all over again? It's a sin what you do to disabled people, so please stop acting like you're holier than thou , because you have more horror stories to tell when you do success. read more

So very disappointed with outpatient services. Dr Reese is a joke of a replacement for Dr Joe Ihm. Adios Shirley Ryan.