By Jamie and Scott
In May, members of the STEPS team flew out to Chicago to attend RehabWeek 2025, a biennial event showcasing the latest research and technology that is utilised for rehabilitation.
After a busy few weeks since returning to Sheffield, STEPS physiotherapists Jamie and Scott, have had the time to reflect on their time in Chicago.
Read on to hear Jamie and Scott’s highlights from the trip.
First impressions of the ‘Windy City’
It was our first time in the US for both of us, and we were welcomed to Chicago by glorious weather. Before the conference started, we were lucky enough to have the opportunity to explore the area and try the local food.
Our group met up with the team at Thor Assistive Technology and joined them for an architectural boat tour along the Chicago River. It was a great opportunity to admire the city’s skyline before the event started.
All of us were buzzing with excitement for RehabWeek to start, and we couldn’t wait to meet with engineers, clinicians, and researchers from across the world.
RehabWeek begins
Day three of our trip marked the official start of the conference. This was also the day we held our workshop on lower limb technology, highlighting advanced assistive devices within real-world clinical applications.
Our session explored how mechanical innovation must be matched with clinical reasoning and human understanding to achieve the best outcomes for each individual client.
Using three case studies, we demonstrated how STEPS applies technologies such as STROLLL, Bioness, Luna, and ExoAtlet, and explained why devices were implemented at certain stages of clients’ rehabilitation journeys.
With support from Stephen Ruffle, Commercial Director, Thor Assistive Technologies (UK) and contributions from guest collaborators; Anna Poswiata, Clinical Manager, EGZOTech, Val Brown, US Sales Director, Strolll® (US) and Kong Keun Cho, Chief Marketing Officer, ExoAtlet (Los Angeles, US) the workshop provided an interactive and insightful experience for RehabWeek attendees.
A week of learning and collaboration
Following our session, the STEPS team was able to break out into smaller groups to attend various other talks, workshops and bustling exhibition area throughout the week. We had a packed schedule that included sessions on neuromodulation, spinal cord injury recovery, and the future of robotics in rehabilitation. We tried out new innovations on the exhibition floor (with Scott particularly interested in the antigravity treadmill!) and connected with many enthusiastic and knowledgeable clinicians and engineers.
While we were in Chicago, we also had the privilege of visiting the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab (SRAL), a world-renowned research centre in Chicago. It is known for its work treating patients with severe, complex conditions, and for its innovative research hospital model.
Back from across the pond
Returning to Sheffield from Chicago, we both feel energised and inspired by the innovation we witnessed at RehabWeek 2025. The insights we gained have already sparked several ideas for project development that we can’t wait to incorporate into the work we do at STEPS. Plans have already started to be implemented as a result.
We would like to thank everyone who supported us in making this trip possible, particularly STEPS Founders Jules and Toria.
Being part of RehabWeek was not only an exciting and insightful experience, it also reminded us all how far STEPS has come in establishing itself as a leading voice in specialised rehabilitation. We can’t wait to see what the future holds for STEPS, including our next trip to RehabWeek 2027 in Switzerland.