What happens when physiotherapy care goes beyond treating just the injury? In this episode of The People Teaching People Podcast, I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with someone I’ve known my entire life - my younger brother, Tyson Plesuk. Tyson is a sports and manual physiotherapist, a three-time Olympic medical team member, and co-owner of Movement Sports Clinic. Our conversation was an exploration into what it means to lead, teach, and grow through movement, injury, and recovery. Tyson’s journey into physiotherapy began with an injury at age 15 and the care of an athletic therapist who not only treated his body, but inspired his future. Since then, Tyson’s career has spanned amateur and professional sport, international competition, and community health. He has worked with everyone from Olympic athletes to grandparents chasing their grandkids, always bringing the same level of care, curiosity, and connection. What sets Tyson apart is his deep commitment to lifelong learning and his belief that healing is a team effort. In our conversation, he shares how his competitive drive and love of sport translate into a constant pursuit of excellence - not just for himself, but for his patients, his team, and his own children, whom he now coaches. We talk about the evolution of physiotherapy, what it means to teach and empower patients, and how mentorship plays a key role in his clinic’s culture. Tyson also opens up about pinch-me moments in his career - from walking in the Olympic opening ceremonies to helping athletes achieve gold - and the many mentors who shaped him along the way. Whether you’re dreaming of a career in physiotherapy, navigating your own recovery, or just love a good story of perseverance, leadership, and growth, this episode will leave you inspired. Tyson’s journey reminds us that education isn’t just found in classrooms. It’s lived on ice rinks, in treatment rooms, through coaching, and in every small act of care that helps someone move forward.   Listen in as we talk about: 04:55 Tyson's journey into physiotherapy 07:43 Commitment to continuous learning 10:19 From challenges to pinch-me moments 12:42 Learning together, healing together 20:12 The heart of leadership 23:09 Advice for aspiring physiotherapists 25:10 Life lessons through sport 26:30 Continuing to grow in physio 28:08 Coaching, learning, and growth 30:40 Lessons from mentors 35:06 Proud moments through partnership 37:24 A growing curiosity for pickleball 38:39 Learning from a legend 39:37 Creating your own luck   Connect with Tyson: Websites:  Tyson Physiotherapy: https://tysonphysiotherapy.com/ Movement Sports Clinic: https://movementsportsclinic.ca/ LinkedIn: Tyson Plesuk Instagram:  @tyson_physio @movesportclinic Facebook: @movementsportclinic   Connect with Tiana: Website: https://tianafech.com LinkedIn: Tiana Fech Instagram: @tianafech  Facebook: @tianafech  Book: Online Course Creation 101: A step-by-step guide to creating your first online course    TYSON’S JOURNEY INTO PHYSIOTHERAPY When Tyson was just 15, a hip flexor injury at a hockey camp started his pathway towards a career in physiotherapy. A caring and skilled athletic therapist named Rick Chamney helped him recover so effectively that Tyson skated off the ice inspired, wondering if a role like Rick’s could be his career in the future. From there, Tyson explored related paths like sports medicine and chiropractic, but volunteering under physiotherapist Kathryn Jeans cemented his decision. Watching her guide people from injury to full recovery showed him the powerful and personal role physiotherapists can play in someone’s journey.    COMMITMENT TO CONTINUOUS LEARNING Tyson’s dedication to continual learning stems from two big parts of his story. First, he started hockey later than most kids, which lit a fire in him to catch up - putting in extra time at the rink and practicing endlessly, even using his younger sister as a stand-in goalie. That early lesson stuck: if you want to grow, you’ve got to go the extra mile. Second, his passion for helping others, especially athletes, fuels his desire to always learn more and improve his skills. Even after 18 years as a physiotherapist, he still sees endless room to grow. And while his competitive spirit once led to Monopoly boards flying across the room, he now channels that same drive into being the best support he can be for his clients and a great example for his kids.   FROM CHALLENGES TO PINCH-ME MOMENTS Tyson’s journey into physiotherapy wasn’t without its hurdles - getting into physio school was one of the biggest. He recalls a high-pressure, performance-based interview where he had to navigate challenging scenarios, including one where he had to assert himself in a group discussion just to be heard. But those early experiences helped build the confidence and determination that would later take him to incredible heights. One of his proudest moments was representing Canada as part of the medical staff at three Olympic Winter Games. That dream began when he was a kid watching the Calgary Winter Olympics, determined to one day wear the maple leaf. While he didn’t end up competing as an athlete, being part of the athletes’ journey as a physio felt just as meaningful. Another standout moment was being recognized as one of Canada’s top physiotherapists during the profession’s 100-year celebration - an honour shared with mentors and legends he had long admired.   LEARNING TOGETHER, HEALING TOGETHER “ I have a thirst for knowledge, and am always looking for different ways to keep learning. I like to challenge my ideas. I don't want to just do the same thing.” Tyson’s commitment to staying current in the ever-evolving world of physiotherapy comes from a deep curiosity and a desire to do better for those he works with. He keeps learning through courses, conferences, journals, and even social media, while also exchanging knowledge with his clinic team. But learning isn’t something he does alone. It’s woven into every part of how he works with patients. Whether he’s helping an Olympian or someone’s grandma, Tyson believes in building a partnership grounded in education and mutual feedback. He takes time to explain injuries, uses tools like personalized video demos, and encourages people to take ownership of their recovery. For him, listening is just as important as teaching, and the goal is always to grow - together.   THE HEART OF LEADERSHIP From the hockey rink to the clinic, Tyson’s approach to leadership has always been rooted in responsibility, communication, and leading by example. As a young assistant captain and later team captain, he learned the importance of showing up consistently, working hard, and including everyone on the team. Now, as a clinic co-owner and mentor to students, he continues to carry those same values - prioritizing clear communication, team-building, and creating a supportive environment. He believes leadership isn’t about being the loudest voice in the room but about being intentional, inclusive, and committed to growth for yourself and those around you. Leadership doesn’t have one look or sound. What matters most is showing up with integrity, care, and a willingness to grow alongside others.   ADVICE FOR ASPIRING PHYSIOTHERAPISTS If you're curious about a career in physiotherapy, Tyson encourages getting hands-on experience early on. Volunteering in different settings, from sports clinics to hospitals to neurological rehab, can give you a real sense of the many paths within the field. He points out that while most people picture physio as sports-related, the profession actually spans everything from cardio-respiratory recovery to stroke rehabilitation. Tyson also recommends reaching out to practicing physiotherapists to hear firsthand what the work is really like. He’s always happy to chat with those interested in the profession. The best way to know if physiotherapy is right for you is to step into the spaces where it happens and talk to the people who do it every day.   LIFE LESSONS THROUGH SPORT Tyson shares how his experience in sports has shaped who he is far beyond the rink. He’s a strong believer in the power of sport - not just for physical activity, but for learning how to work as a team, build resilience, and push through challenges together. He recalls a standout season with an underdog hockey team that, through grit and unity, became league champions and national bronze medalists. That experience taught him how powerful it is when people align around a shared goal and commit to giving their best. Today, those same lessons influence how he approaches his work, relationships, and everyday challenges. Some of the most lasting and meaningful lessons don’t come from a classroom. They come from the communities and experiences that teach us how to show up, work together, and keep going.   CONTINUING TO GROW IN PHYSIO Even after achieving some of the biggest goals in his field, including supporting Olympic athletes and being named one of Canada’s top 100 physiotherapists, Tyson isn’t done dreaming or growing. He’s passionate about mentoring the next generation of physiotherapists, offering them the same kind of support and guidance that helped shape his own path. He’s also expanding his work on the ice, helping hockey players return from injury with a full-circle rehab approach that moves from clinic to gym to rink. It’s clear Tyson’s commitment to learning, evolving, and helping others thrive continues to drive him forward.   COACHING, LEARNING, AND GROWTH Coaching his own kids in hockey and basketball has been a deeply rewarding, and at times humbling, experience for Tyson. While hockey felt familiar after years of playing, he still challenged himself to adapt his coaching style to each player's learning needs. Basketball, on the other hand, pushed him completely out of his comfort zone. With limited personal experience,