Inspiring Conversations with Sue Breland of Nishati Physical Therapy/Sports Performance & Wellness

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sue Breland.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My journey began as a teenager growing up in Flushing, NY, raised by immigrant parents from Taiwan. We moved frequently along the East Coast—and even spent time in Wyoming—as my parents searched for a permanent place to raise their three children. My first job was as a ball girl at the US Open, which was a lot of fun. I also worked at Burger King as my parents thought of running a fast-food restaurant.
After working in both medical and non-medical settings, I knew I wanted to pursue a profession in healthcare.

I am very fortunate to be able to pursue my passion in medicine, landing in the field of physical therapy. I worked at the UCLA immunology lab and knew that what I needed was to interact with people. I am grateful and blessed that I am able to bring my knowledge, skills and passion to help my patients create a safe environment where I can guide them in their journey to emotional and physical healing.

I’m a holistic practitioner and movement specialist, with an emphasis on orthopedic injuries. I incorporate neuro cognitive retraining and manual techniques as an orthopedic specialist using a special biofeedback device (Oov) that allows movement in 3 planes of motion. I love seeing the immediate improvements that often occur after just one session.

Many of my patients come to me after seeing multiple clinicians—neurologists, orthopedic surgeons, physical therapists, chiropractors, and acupuncturists—often as a last resort. I tell them that I would love to see them to help solve their puzzle and get them back to what they enjoy doing again.

I also specialize in Aquatic Physical Therapy and have successfully rehabilitated patients recovering from ACL and meniscus injuries, spinal fusions, hip replacements, and rotator cuff surgeries.

I incorporate Pilates and Yoga into my treatment plan and each person receives access to a digital home exercise program on their first visit.
I strive to guide and empower my patients in their healing journey and it’s amazing to see the transformation even after just the first few sessions.

I try to practice mindfulness and live a healthy lifestyle so that I can lead by example. I practice yoga, Pilates, jiu jitsu, play volleyball, hockey, and go on many nature hikes. As a vegan, I educate my patients about the powerful connection between gut health and brain function. Food is our energy and what we eat can affect the body’s healing process. I view food as natural medicine and our fuel to our mind and body.

My goal is to help guide and support my patients in achieving their optimal health and well-being through their own connection with their mind, body and spirit. I see myself as a guiding branch—helping people form new neural connections within their bodies to initiate healing.

As one patient so eloquently stated: I offer ‘deep, integrative healing’—a reflection of the holistic and compassionate care I strive to provide.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
“Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get”

I think everyone has experienced some bumpy roads along the way, some bumpier than others but I think it helps to shape who you are as a person today.

I was fortunate enough to get accepted to UCLA and decided to pack my bags and move 2500 miles away so that I can carve out my own path but it was one of the most difficult decisions I’ve had to make at 17 y.o. (I was helping to raise my sister who was 10 y.o. at the time).

From the many bumps along the way, both physically and mentally it’s shaped me the person I am today and how I am able to relate/connect to my patients in a deeper way and to be able to have that connection is key to providing them the safe environment in order for any healing to occur.

In 2016, I underwent two major surgeries in the same year—a craniectomy (surgery to remove a tumor in my brain that resulted in 1 titanium plate and 7 nano screws) and a C-section and in between my mother-in-law having a stroke/ 5 hr carotid artery surgery. As a result, I had to quit my job that I love at the Dept of Navy in SD, in order to heal myself physically and emotionally so that I can help heal patients.

Thankfully I had my husband, sister and best friends to get me through this difficult time. I have to also thank my mom for her quirky way of sending some of her spiritual healing energy to me along the way.
(Sometimes I look back and think, Wow, we made it. I’m incredibly grateful for the support system that carried me through.

So, I try to remember what my patients are going through, and I want to make sure I can provide them that same support emotionally and physically– to give them confidence and hope that they can also overcome their injuries and that they are not alone.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Nishati means ‘energy’ in Swahili, so I chose that to represent healing energy.

We all have an innate ability to heal.

My specialties include orthopedics and aquatic physical therapy. I incorporate my manual skills with Pilates, Yoga, Tai Chi, and Qi Gong to optimize the healing process. My patients see and feel the changes within their body immediately after just one treatment session.

What differentiate myself from others is my compassion and determination for my patient’s well being both mentally and physically.

What sets me apart is my compassion and unwavering dedication to my patients’ mental and physical well-being.
I’m always accessible whether it’d be weekends or evenings. Even while attending the C3 Annual Summit in Denver—a collaborative conference on physical and regenerative medicine—I remained accessible, providing support to a patient in California. I’ve also done telehealth for patients traveling out of town and out of the country so that their treatment isn’t interrupted at critical stages of the recovery.

I spend 100% of the time with my patients and each patient gets an individualized home exercise program the 1st day and are expected to be compliant with their home program.

We make the sessions fun but can be challenging yet very rewarding as my patients see significant improvements on the same day.

What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
Listen to your patients, Listen to your intuition. Be curious and have an open mind. Think outside the box and reach out to others if you need help to solve the puzzle. Never stop learning and never stop asking questions.
There is always a different way, the key is to find the most efficient way. Learn from your mistakes and don’t be afraid to take a different approach if something isn’t working the way you think it should go. Listen to your intuition.

I’ve sent patients back to their MDs to get additional imaging studies as they weren’t progressing the way I had expected. As it turns out with one patient, they had a tumor in their spine and so I am glad that I listened to my intuition.

I always tell my patients to listen to their body as they themselves know their body the best.

I also listened to my own body when I experienced severe headaches for two weeks. I requested a CT scan, thinking it might be sinus-related—but they discovered a brain tumor. That experience underscored the importance of trusting your intuition.
I consulted three neurosurgeons, and each of them recommended surgery. I often advise my patients that if surgery is ever necessary, it’s wise to seek at least three expert opinions before making a decision.

My favorite slogan to live by is “Viva, Rire, Amore” (a mix of French, Spanish, Italian).

Pricing:

• I do not take insurance (I provide a Superbill to patients where they can submit to their insurance). Length of the session will be determined after a phone consult.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.nishatipt.com/home
• Instagram: @nishatipt
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550021736716&mibextid=ZbWKwL
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/nishati-physical-therapy-sports-performances-and-wellness-pasadena

Image Credits
Yoga Six