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Middletown Life

Movement is freedom

Dec 31, 2020 11:22AM ● By Tricia Hoadley
By Marcella Peyre-Ferry
Contributing Writer

Clients of ALL Therapy in Middletown know Dr. Aisha Ryan for her practice as a physical therapist, helping people relieve pain and regain movement. There is actually much more to Dr. Ryan, who has held the titles of Mrs. Middletown, Mrs. Delaware America, and Mrs. Trinidad & Tobago World.

In August, Ryan completed her year as the reigning Mrs. Middletown and Mrs. Delaware. During her time as the title holder, she promoted her platform of “Movement is Freedom.”

“That’s a trademark I came up with in connection to my business,” Ryan said. “It covers how I approach the world as it relates to looking at patients.”

Ryan explained how one patient in particular demonstrated the message. “She was no longer herself because of the pain she was feeling every day,” she explained. “She was dwindling away. During the course of time she came to therapy we saw this dramatic change in her personality. She was outgoing, she went back to walking her dog, and meeting her girlfriends to go out to lunch or the theater. Without pain and movement limitations, you have more independence and you are able to be the best version of yourself.”

Ryan has been in practice 15 years, starting in Washington, D.C. She moved the practice to Delaware seven years ago, and recently relocated to downtown Middletown.

“I used to participate in pageants in my youth. When I got past the age limit, I never really looked into trying to pursue pageantry anymore,” Ryan said. When a call went out for contestants for Mrs. Delaware America, Ryan was contacted to take part.

In spite of a busy lifestyle, Ryan was willing to take on the challenge. “I’ve heard multiple times, ‘if you want to get something done, you give it to a busy person,’” she explained. “My husband and I are always active.”

With encouragement from her family, Ryan committed herself to the process. She has an extensive background in dance, but still wanted to be in tip-top shape. “It took a lot of preparation. I hired a personal trainer. I had to really buckle down and make a lot of commitments to present my best self while representing the state on the national stage.”

Ryan was among the top 15 finalists in the Mrs. America competition, the highest placing for the state of Delaware in the competition’s history. Ryan also won the award for Most Exotic Costume during the 2020 Mrs. World competition.

“It’s been a wonderful experience,” she said. “I was Mrs. Middletown first—that’s the preliminary round to be selected to represent your region and then you go to the statewide competition. That entire process was wonderful. It was exciting, it was invigorating, and it was one of the greatest opportunities I’ve ever had to connect with and be surrounded by women who are so passionate about their platforms, their families, and the ability to make a difference in the world. You have this period of time when you’re able to be a spokesperson for causes that are bigger than yourself.”

During her time as Mrs. Delaware, Ryan loved being able to incorporate her family into her activities. Her husband Nick and their three children Nya, Naja, and Nicholas went to events with her and took part in activities.

“Incorporating my family in various community events was one of the best parts,” she said. “It was wonderful to be able to take my family along on the pageant journey.”

Last Christmas, Ryan hosted a program along with Daphne Chaniz-Rico, Miss Delaware for America 2019, that featured a book drive, story time readings, children’s crafts and snacks. “It was a great way to engage the community and promote fun while enjoying activities with the youth,” she said.

Speaking opportunities, community events, workshops and seminars gave Ryan a chance to talk about her platform. She stresses that there are many ways people can be mindful about their health, be active and have an active lifestyle. There are numerous ways to promote cardiovascular endurance and help anyone be the best version of themselves.

“I believe that during this pageant I was definitely able to give a sense of myself as it related to showing my commitment to the town and showing my commitment to the state,” Ryan said. “I loved being able to share my platform. Who they see is who they interact with in my practice.”

Ryan has been able to find the time to fill all her duties as Mrs. Delaware as well as taking care of her family and keeping everything running smoothly at ALL Therapy.

“It’s great to be in the heart of the community. We’re so embedded in the Middletown area. It’s been a great place to raise our family,” Ryan said. “We’re very people oriented and friendly. I’m looking forward to being here for years to come and to continue as a voice in the community.”

ALL Therapy is located at 101 North Broad St., Middletown, DE. For more information, visit the website at www.ALLTherapy.net or call at 302-376-5578.

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