Finding purpose in movement: Becoming a physical therapist at USask

It was a sports medicine class in high school that sparked Allyssa Lusung’s interest in exploring health professions. This week, she celebrates her convocation from the University of Saskatchewan (USask) alongside 51 fellow Master of Physical Therapy (MPT) graduates.

Lusung was born in the Philippines and immigrated to Canada in 2007. Prior to entering the MPT program, Lusung completed a Bachelor of Science in Physiology and Pharmacology at USask.  

“What really solidified my decision [to pursue physical therapy] was becoming a student trainer for the Huskies,” she said.

Through this experience, she saw first-hand the impact physical therapists had on clients’ recovery, confidence, and overall quality of life.

“It was amazing watching them assess injuries, use different treatment techniques, and problem-solve in real time,” she said. “Honestly, it almost felt like magic to me at the time.”

While she initially believed a strong sports background was required to become a physical therapist, Lusung’s outlook on the profession was shaped by two very impactful clinical placement experiences as an MPT student.

At the Alvin Buckwold Child Development Program, she came to appreciate just how meaningful and rewarding it is to work with children.

“Their resilience, creativity and joy completely changed the way I viewed rehabilitation and taught me to celebrate even the smallest milestones.”

A placement in Vietnam, through the Global Health Certificate program, expanded her perspective on health care and introduced her to diverse approaches to physical therapy in international settings.

“It taught me the importance of health literacy, adaptability, and collaboration, and reinforced that there is no single “right” way to practice physiotherapy,” she said.

In reflecting on her time as a student, she emphasized the importance of staying focused on your own path.

“Everyone brings different experiences, strengths, and perspectives, and that diversity is what makes healthcare stronger,” she said.

Lusung encourages students to pursue experiences that genuinely interest them and help them connect with others.

“Physical therapy is so much more than anatomy and exercise prescription. It’s about communication, empathy, adaptability, and building meaningful relationships.”

Now a practicing physical therapist at Empower Physiotherapy in Regina, Lusung relishes opportunities to see her clients making progress, whether it be returning to a hobby they once enjoyed, building strength, or experiencing less daily pain. She finds it especially rewarding getting to know her clients and understanding what matters most to them.

“Right now, my long-term goal is to specialize in areas I am truly passionate about, particularly pediatrics and women’s health,” she said. “I am especially interested in how Pilates can be incorporated into physiotherapy to support pelvic health.”

Looking back on her decision to pursue physical therapy and what she thought was needed to be a physical therapist, Lusung realizes that this profession is more than sports. It’s about helping people move better, increasing participation in activities that are important to them, and ultimately, improving quality of life.