Yoga
For many Americans, yoga is a physical practice.. After more than two decades of practice, Dr. Lewan has found the benefits of yoga to extend far beyond the physical, and her practice is now part of a biopsychosocial approach to manage symptoms and restore health. Dr. Lewan's yoga classes emphasize elements of healing that may include mindful awareness, common humanity, self-compassion, curiosity and self-regulation.
Yoga therapy as a component of physical therapy
As a licensed physical therapist, Dr. Lewan is able to use yoga therapeutically as part of holistic assessment and treatment plan. Yoga therapy provided by a healthcare professional can be considered part of the medical plan of care and as such, is subject to state and federal laws regulating healthcare and applicable health insurance regulations.
Yoga therapy as a wellness service
Yoga therapy can also stand alone as a means of enhancing wellness, preventing symptoms of injury or dis-ease, or acting as a complement to medical treatments. As a certified yoga therapist, Dr. Lewan collaborates with her clients to create an individualized yoga practice based on their unique needs, goals and preferences.
For more information on yoga therapy, contact Catherine or visit the International Association of Yoga Therapists.
Pilates
Dr. Lewan was first introduced to Pilates at age twelve, when her PT's identified hypermobility and a need for stability around joints that move a lot! She he has certified with several Pilates organizations and is trained in Pilates mat and apparatus for both fitness and rehabilitation. This background has influenced her approach to stabilization, core stability, strengthening, proprioception, coordination and motor control.
Testimonials
“Dr. Catherine – Thank you so much for your incredible patience, kindness, and expertise. I know that I am in good hands.
Catherine tailors her classes to the needs of participants of all ages and conditions. She uses props to enhance each movement, and modifications that offer me the opportunity to take care of my body using weekly Pilates and Yoga group classes. I also see her in the clinic for treatment of my arthritis, and I have found her expertise, respect for the human body and her personal centeredness to be an extraordinary resource.
Catherine is a natural teacher. When I take her yoga class it is as if she is talking to me personally (even when the room is full). She is so in-tune with how the body works – or isn’t working. Catherine tells us to be gentle to our bodies. She eases us into the class with gentle pranayama and then takes us through asanas that always magically warm us up to the climax of the class (modified for different levels always). But this is where her Physical Therapy expertise shines through: Catherine knows the body so well. Her knowledge of the body as well as the anatomy of the pose means that you will experience asana in a new way, every time.
Catherine is very approachable, friendly and is there to help you on your path. With her background in dance, Pilates, yoga, and the fact that she is a physical therapist, you really could not get a more knowledgeable teacher. I have been her student for years and absolutely love her! And I know you will too.
I have taken classes, workshops, and private sessions with Catherine, and find her to be very knowledgable, present, and sincerely interested in helping each student to reach their own potential. Her teaching is clear, based on science as well as experience. She has a strong ‘body sense’ and loves to challenge her own limits and will challenge you to be your own best self!
-MS
I worked with Catherine when I broke my collar bone. She treated me for the muscles and movement around the break, but also helped me recover areas of strength that I had neglected because I was protecting the area around my collar bone. She helped me discover that I wasn’t using my back muscles properly to carry my baby. Her method incorporated pilates, yoga asana and strengthening exercises in addition to manual therapy. I was very worried about returning to yoga and never thought I would be able to do down-dog again. She helped me feel confident in my body again.
-JJ
As a 60-year-old, I want to keep my body strong and moving freely for many years to come. The core work I’ve done as a student in Cat’s class has changed my body, made me stronger, increased my body awareness, and reduced my back pain. She brings a sparkly energy and creative approach to every class, and always seems to find a great balance between work hard and feel good. When I needed to do a round of physical therapy, it was great to be able to see Cat, a highly trained and caring physical therapist that already knew my body, and could keep an eye on me in class once my PT was over.
– Kathryn
If you are looking for a solid, intense workout lead by a positive, passionate, and totally well-informed instructor, you need to attend Catherine Lewan’s classes. As a dedicated yoga student of Catherine’s for over 5 years, I can attest she has positively changed my life. She shows you the way to think about your body in a different perspective and provides the instructions on how to make it better. She has variety in each class, gives excellent queues, hands-on adjustments (at your discretion), and insightful thoughts to help you with truly understanding the practice of yoga. Best of all, she loves life and it shows.
-Carolyn S