Shirley Ryan AbilityLab image

Shirley Ryan AbilityLab

Hospital Physiotherapy center General hospital Non profit organization Rehabilitation center Research institute

One of the Most Reviewed Physiotherapy centers in Chicago


Address

355 E Erie St, Chicago, IL 60611, United States

Website

www.sralab.org

Contact

+1 312-238-1000

Rating on Google Maps

4.20 (480 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Tuesday: Open 24 hours
  • Wednesday: Open 24 hours
  • Thursday: Open 24 hours
  • Friday: Open 24 hours
  • Saturday: Open 24 hours
  • Sunday: Open 24 hours
  • Monday: Open 24 hours

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: care (31) Shirley (26) Ryan (26) therapy (18) facility (18) great (13) staff (13) patient (12) time (11) people (11)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 3/5 David M. 7 months ago on Google • 49 reviews
    I took physical therapy from them, as well as occupational therapy (focusing on the wrists and hands) from them. I had two different instructors, one for the hands and one for everything else (including back, legs, arms, etc.) Usually they focus on just one body part but my primary care physician wrote an order for them to focus a little bit all over (as fibromyalgia often manifests). This was in the midst of the pandemic — all appointments (except of a more emergency nature) were held remotely over telehealth video calls, making learning the exercises more difficult and not very productive for me. However, I have a friend who had a stroke and in the aftermath really benefited from Shirley Ryan’s care. He had in-person care. Had I had in-person care, maybe I would have had a better experience. It soon will be time for me to return to Ability Lab for physical therapy soon and I hope I have a better experience now that the care will hopefully be in-person. :-)
    15 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Guerrero F. 1 year ago on Google
    My mother didn't even survive 24 hrs at Shirley Ryan. They made her wait until the next day to do anything about her high sugar levels. The nurse Diana shoved pills in her mouth. My mom was a stroke survivor, her medication had to be crushed. It wasn't until I told the doctor that my mom was incoherent during the skin check that she actually decided to check her blood pressure. My mother went into cardiac arrest. While the doctor was doing the skin check, she had been paged from the lab. She assumed that they were going to tell her about my mom's sugar levels so she ignored it. While the other nurse checked my mom's blood pressure and they saw it was very low, the doctor decided to check in with the page... They hadn't even fully admitted her and while we were at Northwester they were trying to call to finish the admission paperwork. 2 days later we came across another family whose parent also went into cardiac arrest and sent from Shirley Ryan. Both our parents died at Northwestern on the same day. Both our parents were doing okay prior to being at Shirley Ryan. If your family member needs monitoring don't send them here. The night team will tell you that the day team will take care of things. You will be told to not press the nurse call button as there are other patients as well. We had mentioned that she hadn't eaten either and the nurses referred us to the McDonalds across the street. If we hadn't been there our parent she would have died alone waiting for a nurse to check in on her. AVOID IF YOUR FAMILY MEMBER ACTUALLY NEEDS MONITORING.
    14 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Kristin V. 1 year ago on Google
    Had a time-sensitive procedure recommended for my young daughter and scheduled it. Found out she got COVID a week before the appointment and thought it prudent to inform the hospital in order to keep other kids from being exposed, although she would have passed her quarantine period. Warned husband that her health and medical care may be punished for our honesty and wasn't sure what to do. He thought they may be able to rework an appointment into our slot and us into theirs a week or two later; we were so ignorant. Instead, as a "reward" for our honesty, we were scheduled more than 6 months later. With medical attitudes like that, it's no wonder many people bring in sick kids and let everyone else take their chances. So now our daughter will not be getting the care she needs for another 6 months and her health is punished for our honesty. If that's how they feel about medical care for children- "god forbid it be COVID but making sure that time sensitive procedure be done soon? Nah... That kid can wait that long"- I honestly need to find a better place to go.
    11 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Criss T. 3 years ago on Google
    The overall experience was great. I was interested in inpatient therapy for my son, I didn't like the fact that the scheduling people are not informed about many characteristics to qualify for inpatient therapy, which would save lots of time and not only. I'm not sure we will do any therapy with them, as we already go somewhere else for weekly therapy and the insurance might not approve another location for therapy. The doctors, nurses and front staff, they are all very nice. The view is mesmerizing 🥰 in and out
    10 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Joe M. 2 years ago on Google
    From top to bottom these people are amazing. They really are doing incredible things & the facility is top of the line. If you are considering sending a loved one to this facility I can assure you that they will be in the very best hands. We will be forever thankful for the care received while at the Shirley Ryan Ability Lab. ❤️
    9 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Martin C. 4 months ago on Google • 107 reviews
    After Northwestern Medical saved my father’s life after a stroke, they transferred him here for a month of rehab. It was world-class and restored my father’s speech, motor skills… We practically lived here with him. Views aren’t too bad either…

  • 5/5 Sarah H. 5 months ago on Google • 26 reviews
    Shirley Ryan and the staff nurses drs etc are far beyond any 5 star rating. We were so lucky to be admitted following the month long stay in the ICU and hospital in Fort Wayne Indiana. My daughter was hit by a drunk driver ejected from her vehicle and sustained a severe traumatic brain injury. Her recovery was possible bc of these great people. They love their jobs and are so invested in their patients that when given the opportunity to finish doctoring and rehabbing in Fort Wayne at a different facility or at Shirley Ryan in Chicago…. I’ll continue to ALWAYS choose the 4 hour drive and the people at SRAL. Thank you all for investing in our lives. ❤️
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Patty M. 1 year ago on Google • 11 reviews
    Shirley Ryan AbilityLab exceeded our expectations. They took care of our father after he broke his neck. It was a long road ahead and they had a team ready to guide us through the next chapter. Their attitude was phenomenal. They all worked as a team for one goal and that was the patient to have the mindset and the physical capacity to challenge themselves with one on one physical therapy, as well as the round table and share experiences with those needing more encouragement to push through. Truly mesmerizing to see the experience and the attention to detail. On behalf of our family we are forever grateful.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ruth F. 10 months ago on Google • 3 reviews
    Shirley Ryan Ability Lab is the place to be after an accident. I was hit while riding my bike over two years ago and I can’t tell you enough about the wonderful people that work at Shirley Ryan. I am back to normal now but I am so grateful that I was sent there straight from the hospital. I also spent almost a month going to the branch in Glenview as an outpatient. What a great place!!!!
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 sharon l. 2 years ago on Google
    This place is great overall. I was a patient at Shirley Ryan Ability Lab for 2 months (2 different stays) & they got me right both times. From my Dr., Nurses, Therapist, & also the surprisingly the dietary people that took my food order were very pleasant, motivating & uplifting Every single day! The Therapist work you hard and get you back to where you need to be! SHOUT OUT TO THE ENTIRE 19TH FLOOR!! Thank you Shirley Ryan!!! 🤗
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Cathy W. 2 years ago on Google
    Wonderful facility haven't been to the downtown location. My husband was in Homewood location .The staff is great took and good care of my husband , but i just dont like how some therapist handle their opinions or decisions for the clients. In my situation my husband was discharged due to attendance and transportation issues they use the attendances as a reason to discharge him, or to say no consistency again not his fault .His progression could be better and more time was needed and it was taken from him .To make story short some things should not be held accountable to clients if its beyond their control.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Pamela F. 9 months ago on Google
    My mom spent nearly four amazing weeks at SRAL after a recent stroke. The care she received was absolutely superior in every way. The professionalism, kindness and compassion of the staff, therapists and doctors was beyond anything we could have anticipated. In a time when nothing seemed to be right, they gave us time, hope and knowledge.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 nutan prabhat n. 2 years ago on Google
    They have a wonderful facility for sure, but they charge an arm and a leg for basic visits. My wife and I visited this facility for her hip issue with all the test records we have, all the doctor did is to go over the reports and analyze what is he next plan. That is all they did and got 2 bills later in the coming weeks, office visit (total charges $398, after insurance $250.83), Clinic (total charges $447, after insurance $216.35). They did not mention this in any of the fine print and this is ridiculous for the type of visit.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Diane N. 1 year ago on Google
    I have high praise for The AbilityLab. It is a beautiful facility that seems to run like clockwork. Appointments were easy to make and I was always met by my therapist at the time I booked. I had the benefit of working with three different physical therapists for hip and knee problems.The exercises they prescribed were updated as I progressed, and exercise were available for me to view online, making it easy for me to check that I was doing the exercise correctly after I left the session. All three therapists were easy to work with and showed compassion and concern for my progress.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Matthew F. 2 years ago on Google
    I received care at SRAL in 2018 for a stoke suffered at the age of 45. The care I received there is the main reason that I recovered to the extent I did. The therapist and nurses there are top notch and result-minded. I was there 2 weeks and I had about 35 sessions (physical, speech, occupational). It is not a vacation there, it is rehab. I think the damage that the stroke caused to me was less in comparison to some of the other patients there, and I was on the young side. They challenge you with compassion which is a tough needle to thread. The "vibe" there is good as well which is important when you arrive there after a traumatic experience.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Arin C. 7 months ago on Google
    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 effort.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 krishna s. 2 years ago on Google
    I wish I could give 0 stars and had gone through the reviews before making an appointment. I visited the facility and facility seemed top notch. The surprise that came later to my mail box were the bills. One of which said facility charge. I did receive and anticipated another bill that said physicians charge which I am not surprised about. But the facility charge was something I felt I was not informed about. When I went in, I was given a bunch of papers to sign. I was told I should sign it before I see a physician. Now when I called them to ask why I was not informed about the facility charge, I was told I signed it and hence I consented (as if signing was optional). Facility charge means, patient visiting a physician on appointment and waiting for the physican at the facility alone will costs the patient more than the physicians charge. The bills go through the roof at this facility.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Emily P. 3 years ago on Google
    The staff are all very friendly, and ready to help in any way they can. At one point I needed a doctor's note and they were more than willing to write me one. In my therapy sessions or doctor appointments, everything was explained in a simple way that I was able to understand what was going on with my body and how I can improve it. Because of the determination I see from all the people whom have working with me - or are currently working with me - I highly recommend this place. I especially love the email, text, and/or phone call reminders about any upcoming appointments. My schedule can be a bit crazy at times, so those definitely come in handy.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Raminder K. 2 years ago on Google
    I have been an outpatient in this hospital as well as an inpatient after surgery on both my femurs. It is for a very good reason that it is considered to be the best rehab hospital in the country. Rehab was great from therapists to the Rehab doctor. I was surprised as to how good the food was, in most hospitals it is barely edible. Nursing staff was great as well, quick to respond and very kind. I also get outpatient care for pain management (I suffer from chronic pain from fibromyalgia) and I could not be happier with it. I also go for outpatient PT and again it is BEST in the country.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Tetiana T. 5 months ago on Google • 19 reviews
    Very professional place ! All the stuff are professional and polite! They are doing something more than just a health care —- soul care !

  • 2/5 Dawn V. 2 years ago on Google
    I saw a rehab physician recently for a complicated spinal issue. The care I received from the physician was adequate but was told to get PT (have been in PT for 5 yrs). It was a consult only for 15 minutes at most. I was rushed in from the waiting room and did not even have time to fill out the forms. The Dr. completed the health and history and I was asked to sign forms before I left (after 15 minute appt) which of course I did to vacate the exam room. I did not have any xray, bloodwork or anything but a consult I received then 2 bills. One for the physician fee of 398.00 of which I pay $60 copay. I then received another bill for $447 stating "clinic". I called to ask what this was for and was told this was a "facilities fee" ....so for being in the building and sitting in a room!!!!!! I spoke with the billing department and expressed that this was exorbitant as I was in the building less that 30 mins (in an exam room 15 mins at most). He told me it was always done that way and wasn't going to change nor would they reduce what I owed of that ($212.77). I asked to speak with someone else and was told I could but they would tell me the same. So for a 15 min appt they received $234 from my insurance just for me breathing their air. Please beware that this occurs. I am very disappointed. I expect this from surgery centers and hospitals during procedures but not for office visits. Sorry I feel it's a scam.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Linda G. 1 year ago on Google
    Ever since I started my therapy for my lymphoma from breast cancer the care and support from my Therapist Melissa Gonzales has been amazing. I would highly recommend her & Shirley Ryan as a positive force. I can’t imagine going through something like this without her. Thanks Again Linda
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 DeDe S. 8 months ago on Google
    I had an initial consultation with Dr. Elliot Roth yesterday. It was my first experience at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab. I feel compelled to write this review. First of all the procedure to sign in on the 15th floor was done by a very pleasant lady named Debra. Her deamour put all my anxieties at ease, from her pleasant smile to her positive attitude. As a nurse for 45 years I evaluate my care through observant eyes. Dr. Roth was very professional but engaging. He was very thorough in my examination and made every attempt to find out about me as a person; my medical history, my chief complaint. He explored my needs and suggested a care plan for interventions. He made referrals to casting, wheelchair and technology clinics in addition to a follow up appointment. He is what a physician should be and a rarity in our present health care system. Thank you Dr. Roth. I would recommend Shirley Ryan AbilityLab and Dr. Roth to anyone needing Rehabilitative care. They are #1 in the US for a reason.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Rachel W. 2 years ago on Google
    I absolutely have loved the high quality medical care I have received at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab but the only reason I give it 3 stars is because trying to get through to central scheduling is a nightmare. You never can get the same answer from two people there is no uniformity when speaking to the call center. And you are extremely likely to be hung up on while waiting to speak to someone, I have called over a dozen times this week and I have been hung up every single call. But if you can ever schedule an appointment the clinicians are wonderful and so is everyone in the building, its just the schedulers who boil my blood.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Gary F. 3 months ago on Google • 12 reviews New
    I was diagnosed with Guillain-Barre in April 2022. I spent over 4 weeks in rehab at Shirley Ryan Ability. They certainly helped me in my condition. With therapy, rehabilitation, and pool aquatics, I would not be where I'm at now. I have to say they have the best doctors, nurses, and physical and occupational therapy people in the country.

  • 5/5 Chris S. 3 months ago on Google • 8 reviews New
    The nurses and pct's do an excellent job of patient care and the therapist do great to motivate and push you to do your best. I improved tremendously in the six weeks I was in therapy there. I'm very thankful for their services.

  • 5/5 Sandra C. 2 years ago on Google
    I have been an outpatient in this emergency clinic just as an inpatient after a medical procedure on both my femurs. It is for an excellent explanation that it is viewed as the best recovery clinic in the country. Recovery was incredible from specialists to the Rehab specialist. I was shocked regarding how great the food was, in many medical clinics it is scarcely consumable. Nursing staff was incredible also, speedy to react and exceptionally kind. I additionally get outpatient care for torment the board (I experience the ill effects of constant agony from fibromyalgia) and I was unable to be more joyful with it. I likewise go for outpatient PT and again it is BEST in the country.

  • 5/5 carol n. 6 months ago on Google
    My son is blessed to be a patient at Shirley Ryan. No words can describe the excellent care he receives as a patient. I highly recommend this hospital and the devoted staff of doctors and nurses. You will be in more than good hands. You can more than trust them.

  • 1/5 Lizzie W. 1 year ago on Google
    This facility is amazing but please do yourself a favor and call your insurance to verify cost before you go to your first appointment! This facility does not do the typical practice of quoting patient financial responsibility before treatment. I was sent through the ringer to seek out this info because they took over a month to send the first claim to my insurance. By that time I already had 5 visits and racked up $1,000 in costs. During that month I desperately tried to get them to quote my responsibility and after weeks got the answer that I would “just need to pay my copay”. That was inaccurate, my ins is only copay after deductible. Disappointing. SRA Lab, please consider adding quoting patient responsibility to your normal protocols.

  • 5/5 BJ 1 year ago on Google
    Shirley Ryan Lab is a Blessing from God. The entire staff is amazing. My son was there for a month and they treated him like he was one of their own kids. The love, kindness and compassion they offer is one I haven’t seen in years. The night staff, Charles, Tonia and the rest of the crew would drive me to my hotel every night while giving an encouraging word to keep me going. Shirley Ryan not only has the latest technology, but the knowledge and the craft to put them in a class all by themselves. The best spinal injury rehabilitation center in the US. hands down. No wonder they’re # 1…

  • 5/5 Mk 1 year ago on Google
    My brother was in a horrible motorcycle accident a little over a year ago. We were told to give up because he has no chance of survival and to just unplug him. We chose to keep fighting because we believed that he will survive and be okay. A year later he is finally a patient at Shirley Ryan( was a year overdue and a very long wait to get accepted) and here is our experience- they are PHENOMENAL!! Worth the wait! I don’t understand why there are bad reviews in regards to the therapists and patient treatment at Shirley ryan because our experience has been nothing but positive and overwhelming with kindness and care. Krystal( PT) is phenomenal! My brother loves his sessions with her. She goes absolutely above and beyond when caring and helping my brother. My father says she is the absolute best and enjoys watching her sessions with my brother. She pushes my brother and because of the phenomenal work she’s put in with him he’s been able to walk on his own a lot longer with a walker and barely any assistance. There is also Lauren who is absolutely wonderful and my brother wanted to make sure that I mention how great and kind she is to him. Sara( OT) is amazing! She’s been working on helping my brother work and push on being more independent and helping with his weaker side as well as helping him achieve his goals weekly. Lindsey( ST) is by far one of the best speech therapists we’ve encountered. So kind, very knowledgeable and is willing to listen to whatever input we may have as a family as well as help us implement all exercises that’ll help improve his speech which by the way he speaks so much more clearer now than a month ago. All in all such a positive experience here and we are so grateful for all that the staff, doctors and therapists have done for my brother. This is the place to be to help you get your life back. Forever grateful, The Jarad Family.

  • 5/5 Robert N. 1 year ago on Google
    Excellent care. They are very thorough in evaluating your condition and devising a plan of action. My therapist, Ryan Coxe, was great. I had significant progress in a fairly short time, and he provided me with an excellent home exercise program to keep me improving.

  • 5/5 G Jacky R. 2 years ago on Google
    My orthopedic surgeon recommended an outpatient OT post ORIF on my left wrist. I'm glad I picked Shirley Ryan AbilityLab to have my therapy. Thank you to Occupational therapists Joanna and Andrea for their great service and professionalism. Great rehabilitation facility with great staff who respect their patients.

  • 5/5 Susan M. 2 years ago on Google
    I want to thank all of the amazing employees at Shirley Ryan Ability Lab, Burr Ridge. The care from Laurie, at the front desk, to Julie, my husband’s speech therapist is commendable. We Chicagoans are very lucky to have the number one rehab facility in the country. You’ve been a comfort to both John and me during this very difficult time.

  • 1/5 Patrice M. 2 years ago on Google
    I posted prior about difficulties in getting through to the staff on the phone and not being able to get enough information from their website. They're response was to email asking for information and to call and leave a message. I emailed to the address they gave to me and called twice and left messages. Their email response said they would be back in touch within 72 hours. I haven't had any type of response. I won't be going to Shirley Ryan Ability Lab for any type of treatment. I'm canceling my appointment tomorrow. Their lack of professionalism tells me how I would be treated as a patient!

  • 5/5 Janet R. 3 months ago on Google • 2 reviews New
    I'm glad that my sister Darlene had experience going to physical therapy there, she likes that you showed her love when she came, can't wait for her to start back again, what I here you all work with them and motivate them. I wish I knew about Shirley Ryan Rehabilitation 5 years ago I give you all a 10.

  • 5/5 Sylvia G. 3 months ago on Google • 1 review New
    Where do I even start! This place was amazing! The people there are absolutely incredible! Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech were amazing! The doctors, the nurses, the technicians, the CNA’s everyone there were perfect in my eyes!


Similar Rehabilitation centers nearby

Last updated:
()