We recently had the chance to connect with Bree Nishibun and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Bree, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
My Saint Bernard, Elle, lost her ability to walk a few months ago. I have been working with her every day on regaining function and something that has made me laugh was she stood up on her own and stared at me. I think we were both shocked that she was able to stand up on her own. She can’t walk without me or her wheelchair so I think she was looking to me as though she was saying, “I need your help”. I am proud that she is making progress and I always laugh at the subtle communication we have. My best friend is now one of my clients which is something I never expected.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Dr. Bree Nishibun PT, DPT, founder of OUT Performance Physical Therapy. I believe that fitness is a form of healthcare. My mission is to bridge the gap between rehab and high-level performance by offering individualized, evidence-based physical therapy and strength coaching, all in an inclusive, empowering space. What makes me different is that I don’t just treat injuries, I help people thrive. Whether you’re an athlete returning to sport, someone navigating chronic pain, or simply looking to feel stronger and more confident in your abilities, my approach is built around you. I blend clinical expertise with functional training to get you back to doing what you love, without limitations.
I am proud to serve the San Diego community with care that’s thoughtful, personalized, and rooted in the belief that everyone deserves access to high-quality movement and rehabilitation.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
My earliest memory of feeling powerful was when I started CrossFit. I had always worked out on my own, never realizing that what I was doing was actually impressive. But stepping into that gym and into a community that saw and celebrated my strength shifted something in me.
As someone who grew up without much muscle, who was often overlooked or bullied as an Asian girl in a predominantly white community, strength wasn’t something I associated with myself. But in that space, I felt seen. I felt included. And for the first time, I felt powerful, not just because of what my body could do, but because of the confidence and presence I was finally allowed to own.
Is there something you miss that no one else knows about?
Something I miss, that I rarely talk about, isn’t alcohol itself, but the version of me that used to show up when I was drinking. I stopped drinking four years ago, and I’m incredibly proud of that decision. I don’t miss the alcohol. I don’t miss the hangovers. But I do sometimes miss the goofy, carefree Bree that came with it.
Alcohol quieted my social anxiety. It made it easier to be playful, spontaneous, and just let go. While I know that person is still in me, it sometimes feels harder to access her without that social buffer. Through therapy and mindfulness, I’ve been learning how to build confidence and ease in social spaces, how to be fully myself without needing to soften the edges.
I don’t want to glorify drinking, because truly, I don’t need it to have fun. But I do occasionally miss the funny, uninhibited memories that came with it. What I’m learning now is how to tap into that joy, that freedom, without anything external and that journey, while hard, feels a lot more honest
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
The biggest project I’m committed to, no matter how long it takes, is giving my dog Elle the best life I possibly can. She has cancer and is suffering from IVDD, she can’t walk on her own anymore. But every day, I show up with the same determination and hope: that maybe, just maybe, we’ll get her there.
We work on her walking, strength, and balance everyday. I treat her not as broken, but as capable, because she is still so full of life. She may never walk unassisted again, but I’ll never stop trying. I want her to feel love in every moment, to know that her life still matters deeply, and that she’s not going through this alone. No matter how long we have together, I’m committed to making sure she lives her days with dignity, joy, and the same fierce devotion she’s always given me.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I was born to help people. It’s something that deeply fulfills me, not because I was told to do it, but because it aligns with who I am at my core. Helping others brings me a sense of purpose and joy that I can’t ignore. This calling can take many forms, but as a physical therapist, it allows me to show up fully: using my knowledge, empathy, and creativity to support people through pain, healing, and transformation. It’s not just about fixing injuries, it’s about empowering people to feel strong, capable, and confident in their own bodies. So yes, I believe I’m doing what I was born to do and I’m grateful every day that I get to live it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://outperformance.fit
- Instagram: drbreenish
