Tits Up — A Physical Therapist on Breast Health, Posture & Reconnecting With Your Body
Dr. Jennifer Ashby talks with UCSF physical therapist Dr. Hidelisa Manibusan, DPT, MBA, about breast health beyond breast cancer: the rehab no one mentions after breast surgery, why posture and the core are the foundation, how to keep the lymphatic system moving, breastfeeding ergonomics, the stress–breast connection, bras, and knowing your "normal" so you catch changes early.
THE ENERGY PRESCRIPTION
Dr. Jennifer Ashby's new Wiley book, turns her whole-body, East-meets-West approach into a daily toolbox for thriving through perimenopause and menopause. 👉 Pre-order here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1394389663 [https://www.amazon.com/dp/1394389663]
5 KEY TAKEAWAYS
1. Physical therapy for breasts exists and is underused — rehab restores mobility and helps women reconnect with their bodies after surgery, radiation, or reconstruction.
2. "Squeeze low" is the posture pearl: gently draw the shoulder blades down (not up), opening the chest and activating the core.
3. Your lymphatic system runs on hydration, diaphragmatic breathing, and movement; ease back in after surgery (the 50/50 rule).
4. Breastfeeding is hard on body and mind — use passive support, switch sides, and protect your mental health.
5. Stress shows up in the breast (cortisol); build daily joy, manage stress, and do regular self-exams to know your normal.
TIMESTAMPS
00:00 START – Welcome + today's topic: breasts, all of it 01:00 – Meet Dr. Hidelisa Manibusan, DPT — UCSF breast & lymphedema rehab
03:30 – Rehab after breast surgery; reconnecting with your body
08:30 – Boobs, identity & culture
15:30 – Posture & breast health; lordosis & body type
19:45 – The weight of breasts, the spine as a chain, lymphatic flow
26:00 – The core: it's a bowl of muscles
31:00 – Lymphatic system 101 + the 50/50 rule
36:00 – Hydration (and the Tahoe hot-tub tale)
42:00 – Self lymphatic drainage + "squeeze low"
44:30 – Breastfeeding ergonomics & protecting mental health 51:30 – Clogged ducts & mastitis: massage & vibration
58:00 – Diet, alcohol, caffeine & feeding the breast
1:02:30 – Stress in the breast: cortisol & daily joy
1:11:30 – Knowing your normal, self-exams, bras & what's next
GUEST
Dr. Hidelisa Manibusan, DPT, MBA — physical therapist at UCSF (14+ years) leading breast cancer & lymphedema rehab. DPT, University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences; EMBA, Auburn University.
🔗 CONNECT WITH DR. JEN ASHBY
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RESOURCES
1. The Energy Prescription (pre-order) — https://www.amazon.com/dp/1394389663 [https://www.amazon.com/dp/1394389663]
2. UCSF Osher Center — https://osher.ucsf.edu/ [https://osher.ucsf.edu/]
