A new physical therapy practice has opened in Chatham and it's a family affair.
Randa Dagher is the owner of Riverside Physical Therapy, which opened this week. The practice offers a wide variety of services including a physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, chiropractic therapy and reiki.
The dream of getting involved in physical therapy was a long time coming for Dagher. She came to Canada 20 years ago from Lebanon. A nurse in her native country, her career path was put on hold when she arrived in Canada to focus on taking care of her family of seven as well as her ill mother.
While she was sick, Dagher's mother would go to physical therapy three times a week and Dagher said she noticed what a dramatic difference it made in relieving her mother's ailments. Since then she has had an admiration for the practice.
"I wish she was still alive to enjoy and see this. She kept telling me 'Randa, you're a nurse, you should go and do something to help.' I used to help her and get taught by her physical therapist how to do things at home to relieve her pain. That's why I insist on having a professional team here, to help out others and to heal. This is my biggest aim," said Dagher.
Although her mother is not able to see the fruits of her labour, things have come full circle for Dagher. She's now able to run the practice with her son, Joe, a recent graduate with a masters degree in psychology.
"I like him being around. I don't want to call this a hard project, nothing is too hard but Joe is helping me," Dagher said. "As a mother, I need the help, and when I need him he's always around."
Following complications during her last childbirth, Dagher was faced with chronic pain that hindered her ability to stand for long periods of time but she was determined to work towards her goal of helping others. The 57-year-old has a message for anyone who thinks adversity will get in the way of their dreams.
"I got my diploma in accounting and payroll and went back to school. I want to tell ladies, never feel it's too late. Always try," said Dagher.
Riverside Physical Therapy is located at 61 Dover St. in Chatham.