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:

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 

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. 

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.

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.

“ 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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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, Tyson dove into coaching courses and online resources, determined to grow alongside the team. In both cases, he found joy in watching the kids develop their skills and come together as strong, connected teams.

When asked about his favourite teachers, Tyson shared a beautiful tapestry of gratitude, naming mentors from every stage of life. His parents top the list – his mom, for her unwavering care and kindness, and his dad, for the gift of communication and connection, all of which Tyson now sees as vital in his physiotherapy practice. A standout school memory came from his grade two teacher, Mrs. Hoglund, whose warmth and ability to inspire made a lasting impact especially during an Olympic year that lit a spark in him. Tyson also spoke about the many physiotherapy mentors who guided his early career, from supportive colleagues like Louise Taylor, now Tyson’s business partner, and Andrea Kosa, to leaders like Louise Vien and Kevin Wagner who helped shape his path in high-performance sport. Great teachers, whether in life, school, or work, leave lasting marks not just through what they know, but through how they care, connect, and invest in others’ growth.

One of Tyson’s proudest professional moments comes from his ten-year journey supporting Canadian Olympic bobsled pilot Justin Kripps. Starting as a young physio in 2012, Tyson began working with Justin just as he transitioned into piloting. Faced with challenges, like achilles tendon issues that held back his sprinting, Tyson and Justin created a plan to get him back on track. Despite setbacks like a crash at his first Olympics and other injuries along the way, their partnership remained strong. Tyson speaks with admiration about Justin’s professionalism, consistency, and drive – qualities that not only shaped Justin’s path to Olympic gold in 2018 and bronze in 2022, but also pushed Tyson to grow into a stronger physiotherapist.

When asked what he’s curious to learn next, Tyson shared that he’s been noticing a rise in pickleball injuries – despite never having played the sport himself. True to his learner mindset, he’s challenged himself to pick up pickleball not just recreationally, but as a way to better understand and treat the injuries he’s seeing in his practice. For Tyson, understanding the movement and mechanics firsthand helps him offer more thoughtful and effective care. And with a pickleball net heading out to the cabin this summer, he’s hopeful some hands-on experience is just around the corner.

When asked who he’d love to learn from, Tyson didn’t hesitate – Mark Messier. As a kid, Messier was his favorite hockey player, but admiration grew deeper as Tyson started taking on leadership roles himself. He studied how Messier led with confidence, treated his teammates, and created a strong sense of team unity. Having once met him briefly at West Edmonton Mall as a child, Tyson would now love the chance to sit down with him and talk about leadership, handling team dynamics, and what it truly means to be a great teammate.

Tyson shares that setting big goals and working backward to create a clear plan has been key in his journey – from aiming for the Olympics as a physiotherapist to working with high-level hockey players. He emphasizes persistence, even when doors close, because the right opportunity can come when you least expect it. Tyson recalls how treating one hockey player led to working with an NHL athlete, showing that chances often come through connections and being prepared. His advice is simple but powerful: no matter who you’re working with, whether a grandparent or a pro athlete, always give your best care, be genuine, and show you truly care.

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Today’s episode is produced by VOLT Productions, a full-service podcast production agency helping creators and entrepreneurs launch, grow and monetize their shows. You can learn more about the agency’s founder Simona, their work and their team by going to www.voltproductions.co.