Alumna Spotlight: Lindsey Liggen
The Kinesiology program at CSULB is a rewarding experience for students in more ways than one. Meet Lindsey Liggen, a graduate of the class of 2009. Through her extra curricular activities and extensive passion and research in the field of physical therapy she has used her educational foundation at The Beach to lauch an impressive career as a physical therapist and now an Assistant professor at Western University. Read on to learn more about Lindsey's academic journey.
I always thought that I wanted to do something in the medical field, but I became interested in pursuing a career in physical therapy after I injured my knee playing field hockey in high school. The rehabilitation process was frustrating and painful, but my physical therapist was there to guide me on my journey to regain strength and function. My physical therapist was an educator, a scientist, and an artist in the way that he challenged the limits of my physicality to help me heal. It was his exquisite care and knowledge that inspired me to become a physical therapist.
I have chosen to pursue a clinical specialty in women’s and pelvic health physical therapy. Within this specialty I see many patients that experience urinary incontinence, bowel issues, pelvic pain, sexual dysfunction, and many other pelvic floor related issues. Patients that experience pelvic floor dysfunction are often extremely embarrassed to discuss issues related to such a private part of their body, despite the impact that symptoms can have on their quality of life. As a physical therapist It can be challenging to make patients feel comfortable discussing sensitive topics and to build trust with patients when they are feeling hopeless about their recovery.
My favorite part of my job is that I get to be an educator. There is nothing more rewarding than being able to share my knowledge with patients, students, and the public. I love the moment when a patient realizes that there are muscles in their pelvis that are contributing to their pain and symptoms. I also enjoy when a student has an “ah ha” moment and they realize that their anatomy, physiology, and kinesiology knowledge can be applied to a patient scenario in a practical exam. These are the moments that make my career as a physical therapist extremely rewarding.
Yes, my kinesiology courses and major provided a solid foundation of knowledge to build upon when I entered physical therapy school.
I was on the rowing team during my time at CSULB and I also participated in a pre-healthcare professionals club on campus. My time on the rowing team taught me discipline and perseverance. It is not easy waking up for practice every morning at 5 AM and then going to school for eight hours of class, but some how I did it. The healthcare club taught me the importance of professionalism and networking, which are skills that I am still using to this day.
The kinesiology program is a rigorous one. At times you may feel like you are struggling but realize that growth comes from facing things that are challenging. The most amazing part of being a kinesiology student at CSULB is that you have a brilliant and supportive group of faculty and peers to learn from and to be challenged by, so take advantage of that gift. My final piece of advice is to find comfort in discomfort, be inquisitive, and enjoy yourself.
