As an experienced physical therapist with more than 15 years in the field, Allison Massopust has a diverse background that includes working in various clinical settings. Her care has been shaped by this range of unique and complementary experiences. Each role has expanded her perspective and deepened her commitment to providing patient-centered, evidence-based care.

Movement has consistently captivated Allison, shaped by a lifelong involvement in sports and physical activity. Beginning with T-ball and soccer at the age of four and culminating in four years of collegiate tennis at the University of California, San Diego, each experience has contributed to her deepening understanding of human movement. Allison engaged in various other organized sports such as basketball, soccer and softball, while also pursuing recreational interests such as skiing, volleyball, golf, running, and yoga. These diverse athletic experiences have given her valuable insight into the client perspective—particularly as individuals navigate the physical and emotional challenges of injury and recovery.

After earning her physical therapy degree at UCSF, Allison completed an international PNF (Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation) residency (IPNFA) at Kaiser Vallejo Acute Rehabilitation Hospital, where she primarily worked with stroke and spinal cord injury survivors. This environment provided intensive, manual-based strength training for neurologically injured patients. The techniques of PNF blended perfectly into her main passion of orthopedics, where she spent the next decade studying and practicing in the field.

At the Palo Alto Medical Foundation, she pursued advanced post-doctoral training through the Institute of Physical Art. This residency focused on extensive manual therapy techniques targeted toward orthopedics. Here, she delivered holistic care addressing orthopedic surgeries and injuries. This led to her certification as a Functional Manual Therapist (CFMT), a specialization she has held and practiced for the past 10 years. Soon after, she obtained her Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS) certification through the American Physical Therapy Association advancing her understanding of orthopaedic intricacies.

With the goal of deepening her focus on Functional Manual Therapy (CFMT) techniques, she joined Beacon Physical Therapy, a private outpatient clinic in San Francisco. In this setting, manual-based, deep bodywork treatments were emphasized in the orthopedic context, and this continues to be Allison’s focus to this day. These techniques target muscular, fascial, tendinous, ligamentous, bony/joint, neurovascular, and visceral structures, creating a comprehensive treatment approach to maximize mobility and strength.

Outside of clinical care, Allison also serves as a national instructor for the Institute of Physical Art, teaching in various states including New York, California, Washington, Oregon, Colorado and New Mexico. With 10 years of teaching experience, her clinical practice benefits greatly from educating patients directly in each session, empowering them to take initiative in their own path to recovery.

From early clinical training to advanced residency work, every step has contributed to the thorough and compassionate care Allison provides. Whether working with patients, colleagues, or students, her goal is always the same: to deliver thoughtful, informed, and empathetic care that meets people where they are.