Dr. Catherine Buchan
Physical Therapist
I am originally from Monroe, Louisiana where I also remained for college, attending the University of Louisiana at Monroe (ULM) where I received a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology with a minor in Psychology. I then continued my education at ULM, receiving a Master of Science in Exercise Science. During this time, I also worked as a Graduate Assistant for the university, teaching undergraduate Kinesiology courses, managing the Performance Lab on campus, and assisting in faculty research. I moved to New Orleans to complete my education at LSU Health Sciences Center – New Orleans (LSUHC-NO), earning a Doctorate of Physical Therapy. Upon graduating, I elected to stay in the New Orleans area where I have been working since.
Experience:
Since graduating with my Doctorate of Physical Therapy, I have worked consistently in the outpatient orthopedic setting as well as provided pediatric services with a certification in dry needling (DN) to further enhance care. While in the DPT program I also gained experience in different settings including outpatient neuro at LSUHC’s neuro clinic, hospital-based outpatient at St. Charles Parish Hospital, acute care at East Jefferson Hospital, outpatient pediatrics at Children’s Hospital New Orleans, and veteran specific care in the acute and outpatient (including aquatics) settings at New Orleans VA Medical Center.
Conditions Catherine Enjoys Treating
Something that most if not all patients deal with that I desire to fix is pain or limitation that impacts daily function and quality of life.
I am a Doctor of Physical Therapy treating orthopedics and pediatrics.
Within orthopedics, while I enjoy treating a little bit of everything, my passions are knee, hip, and ankle dysfunction as well as gait and balance dysfunction. Within pediatrics, again while I do genuinely enjoy it all, my specific passions here are early gross motor developmental delays (crawling, walking, etc.) and congenital diagnoses (cerebral palsy, down syndrome, autism, etc.).
Why Catherine Loves Working at Dynamic PT
Working here has afford me the opportunity to work with all of my interests without necessarily having to choose between certain ones. It is also just a warm and welcoming environment with a team that works well together, creating such an inviting space for the patients to feel encouraged and successful.
Core Values:
Respect, Intention, Integrity, Empathy, Compassion
Favorite Quotes:
“People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
“Knowledge is power.”
What is Catherine Reading, Watching, or Listening To?
Movies: Fried Green Tomatoes, Steel Magnolias, Mean Girls Shows: Schitt’s Creek, Yellowstone, Law and Order SVU Podcasts: Crime Junkies, The First Degree, Dr. Death Books: The Handmaid’s Tale, The Vanishing Half, Anatomy of an Alibi
Outside the Clinic
When I am not working I enjoy watching just about any sport, playing golf, lifting weights, playing with my dog in the yard, spending quality time with friends and family, and eating some good food. I also really enjoy travelling when I can.
“When I came into y’all’s clinic, I was feeling defeated, depressed, and like a failure because of the limitations I had. Ms. Catherine is one of the most beautiful people I’ve ever met. She listens to her clients and with me personally encourages me to not let my disability define who I am as a person. As I look at her with other clients especially with the elderly to the children I see an extremely passionate person in what she does. She is definitely an exemplary individual, and she is a desirable model for this institution.”
“In my opinion, Dynamic Physical Therapy is the BEST PT place on the Westbank. I’ve been to other facilities and quit before finishing my treatment plan. I went to Dynamic PT, told the therapist up front, I hated PT so she knew I would be a challenge!!!! LOL!!!!
I was pleasantly surprised!!!
My experience was so different. I was made to feel at home, I was explained & shown how-to do the exercises, they made certain I understood what to do, and did not mind reexplaining what to do. They work with you 1:1 & if they are not right by you, they are not too far & constantly check in with you to see how you are doing & feeling. They work as a team and are like one happy go lucky, friendly, welcoming place. They have fun & work hard. They make PT fun & easy, even though those two concepts don’t seem like they would go together. At Dynamic PT they do !!!!!!
From the front desk to the back, all staff are awesome!!!!! They decorate nicely for the different holidays and always have a smile on their face. They really do make PT a relaxing place to be.
I love Dynamic physical therapy and completed 2 rounds of long term treatment. During my time, I missed 2 appointments due to being sick. If I need PT again, I will be back at Dynamic. Now remember, this review is from someone who could not stand PT so my review really does demonstrate how great they really are.
All the therapist & techs are super; but I have to give a shout out to CATHERINE BUCHAN as she was my therapist the first time I went and I requested her the second time. I will request her again if I need to return. Also, Malik, PT tech/asst. deserves a shout out too, as he worked with me on a consistent basis & was absolutely wonderful.
Sooooo if you, a friend, or family member need Physical Therapy, I highly recommend Dynamic Physical Therapy on the Westbank Expressway in Westwego. Happy Healing!!!!”