Eric Kruger, Ph.D.

Role: Pilot Investigator

 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. 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.

I also have several projects aimed at understanding risk factors and patterns of substance use and pain during the prenatal period. I am conducting a pilot study that is exploring patterns of substance use retrospectively through electronic health record data. Additionally, in another pilot study I am collecting qualitative data to explore the potential relationship between chronic pain and substance use in mothers with a history of PTSD. The aim of both these projects is to develop interdisciplinary early interventions that are tailored to the unique challenges faced by mothers with pain and substance use disorders, again a setting where that physical therapists could intervene with movement-based therapies (such as perinatal yoga) paired with recovery support.