Caitlin Bird, PT, DPT

Caitlin brings enthusiasm and positivity to every patient interaction, creating an uplifting environment for those on their journey to recovery. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Human Movement Sciences from LSU and went on to complete her Doctor of Physical Therapy at the University of St. Augustine in Austin, TX, in 2020. After working in several outpatient orthopedic clinics, Caitlin returned home to her purple and gold Baton Rouge roots, bringing with her a wealth of skills and experience. She is certified in “Extremity Syndrome Management” and “Modern Management of the Modern Adult” and in Dry Needling.

Currently she is pursuing coursework in The McKenzie method or mechanical diagnosis and therapy (MDT), a system of diagnosis and treatment for spinal and extremity musculoskeletal disorders.  

While in graduate school in Austin, Caitlin developed an exceptional mastery of Gross Anatomy, becoming a small group and one-on-one tutor as well as an in-class aide for a blind student. She states: “These experiences in my DPT program really helped me to appreciate tactile skills and the importance of listening.”

Did you always know you wanted to be a Physical Therapist?

“Not at all! I started out as an art major, then considered architecture, and interior design before the Meyers Briggs aptitude test guided me toward PT. Even though Chemistry classes were my least favorite class, I was meant to be a PT!”

What is your approach to patient treatment?

“The most fun part of PT to me is figuring things out. I dive into what my patient is struggling with, and I treat that. An MRI is always great information, but really, more importantly, I focus on impairments like the neuropathy or the muscle guarding.”

What is your favorite hobby?

I’ve loved horses since the age of 3, ironically meeting my first horses in Austin, TX when I lived there for a short time before moving to Shreveport. I regularly ride out of a barn in Prairieville now. The bigger the horse the better! I like to participate in the hunter/jumper courses.

Fun Fact: Caitlin likes to paint, and would like to paint more often. She also doesn’t know why she loves golf, as it often makes her mad, but then she gets the perfect swing and loves it again!