Instructor

Catherine Byrne, DHSc

Cathy Byrne PT, MPT, DHSc is a professor of Physical Therapy in the College of Health and Human Services. With a Doctor of Health Science from The George Washington University, Byrne has research interests in pain neuroscience education combined with standard physical therapy treatment for patients following total knee arthroplasty. Dr. Byrne holds a Bachelor of Exercise Science from Saint Louis University (1998) and a Master of Physical Therapy (2000). In August 2024, Dr. Byrne earned a Doctor of Health Science from George Washington University, specializing in educational leadership.

With over 24 years of clinical experience, she brings a wealth of practical knowledge to her teaching. Her career has spanned diverse settings, including 16 years of home care practice, 6 years in outpatient clinics, and 2 years of rehab and acute care. Her specific interests include working with neurologic diagnoses, chronic disease management, and wound care.

Contact Us

Center for Health Sciences Education

563-333-6411

byrnecatherine@sau.edu

Education and Training

Doctor of Health Science, George Washington University, 2024
Master of Physical Therapy, St. Louis University, 2000
BS in Exercise Science, St. Louis University, 1998

Professional Interests

For the past year, I have been conducting a research project entitled Pain Neuroscience Education Combined with Standard Physical Therapy Treatment for Patients Following Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Case Series.

This research has been submitted for review for publication in Physiotherapy Theory and Practice, and I anticipate it will be accepted for publication soon.

Presentations

Respondent to the panel on The Disabled God Revisited, co-sponsored by the Christian Systematic

Courses Taught

Physical Agents

This course focuses on the physical and physiological basis for safe, effective use of therapeutic biophysical agents, including massage, mechanical compression, heat and cold, hydrotherapy, ultraviolet light, laser, biofeedback, and electricity. Theoretical models for understanding basis for pain are introduced. Emphasis is placed on development of clinical rationales/decision making/problem solving.

Physical Therapy Procedures I

In this course students will gain skills necessary to perform an evaluation of a patient/person, and begin to develop a treatment plan. Skills that will be developed include: the basics of a subjective evaluation, tests/measures/screens for mental status, vitals (blood pressure, respiratory rate and pulse rate), skin integrity, basic sensation/coordination/balance, general joint range of motion/ muscular strength screening, bed mobility, transfers, assistive devices related to gait, and gait training. Students will also develop skills in the design and implementation of the following therapeutic exercise programs using a problem based approach; balance/coordination, muscle strength, power and endurance, flexibility, agility, and stabilization training. Emphasis will be placed on rationale for exercise prescription, physiological systems trained, proper performance of techniques, appropriate monitoring of response to exercise, and adjustment of training dosage.