Eric Stephen Kruger

I am a physical therapist and assistant professor in the Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, Division of Physical Therapy at the University of New Mexico. I graduated from the University of Montana with a Doctorate in Physical Therapy (2007) and University of New Mexico with a PhD in psychology (2019) and I have practiced in a wide range of outpatient physical therapy settings and currently find the most fulfillment working with patients with persistent pain conditions. Broadly speaking, my work focuses on clinical research in pain rehabilitation, substance use disorders, and psychological and rehabilitation interventions for both.
Currently, my research involves several projects that are aimed at identifying persons at risk for developing chronic pain and substance use disorders, so that more effective interdisciplinary interventions may be developed. I am leading a pilot study examining risk factors (medical, physical, and psychological) for chronic pain, prolonged opioid use, and opioid misuse after orthopedic injury. Physical therapists play a critical role in recovery after orthopedic injuries. The long-term aim of this work is to develop psychologically informed interventions, delivered by physical therapists, that reduce the interference of pain on physical functioning, prevent the development of opioid use disorder, and support the recovery of those with a history of opioid use disorder.