Austin Michael Kruk – Physiotherapist | Calgary, AB

Austin Michael Kruk is a dedicated Physiotherapist practicing at Vivo Cura Health in Calgary, AB. With a strong commitment to providing high-quality, patient-centered care, Austin aligns his practice with the standards set by the College of Physical Therapists of Alberta (CPTA). His approach focuses on understanding each patient's unique needs and fostering a supportive environment where recovery and wellness are achievable goals.

Specializing in comprehensive assessment and treatment, Austin addresses a broad spectrum of musculoskeletal injuries, pain conditions, and movement dysfunctions. His goal is to help patients of all ages restore function, manage pain effectively, and enhance their overall quality of life. Whether dealing with acute injuries, chronic pain, or movement challenges, Austin provides personalized care tailored to each individual's circumstances, ensuring a compassionate and empowering experience.

Austin completed his degree in Physiotherapy and, through ongoing professional development, stays current with evidence-based practices. His dedication to continuous learning ensures that patients receive the most effective and up-to-date treatments. Fluent in English, Austin offers care in a collaborative manner, emphasizing education, self-management, and long-term wellness strategies to support his patients' journey to better health.

Austin Michael Kruk provides skilled physiotherapy care for a variety of conditions, including but not limited to:

Common Msk

• Wrist and Hand Pain (e.g., Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, De Quervain's Tenosynovitis, Strains): Pain, numbness, tingling, weakness, or stiffness in the wrist, hand, or fingers, often resulting from overuse, repetitive tasks, arthritis, or specific conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome or De Quervain's tenosynovitis.
• Shoulder Pain (e.g., Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy, Impingement, Frozen Shoulder/Adhesive Capsulitis): Common shoulder problems such as rotator cuff issues (tendinopathy, small tears), impingement syndrome, or adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder) significantly affecting arm function and daily comfort.
• Ankle Sprains and Instability: Common ankle injuries causing acute pain, persistent swelling, and instability, significantly affecting your ability to walk, run, or participate in sports.
• Neck Pain and Stiffness: Discomfort, limited range of motion, and persistent tension in the cervical spine (neck), often related to posture, an injury, stress, or sleeping position.

Joint Pain

• Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Spine, Hands, Other Joints): A degenerative joint disease characterized by the breakdown of cartilage and underlying bone, leading to pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced mobility in affected joints like the knees, hips, spine, or hands.
• Tendinopathy/Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis/Golfer's Elbow): Persistent tendon pain that can interfere with your sports, work, or daily activities, often requiring specific loading programs and advice from a physiotherapist for effective management.

Sports Injury

• Ligament Sprains (e.g., ACL, MCL, PCL, Ankle Ligaments): Damage to ligaments that can range from mild (Grade 1 - overstretched) to moderate (Grade 2 - partial tear) to severe (Grade 3 - complete tear), impacting joint integrity and function.
• Muscle Strains (e.g., Hamstring, Calf, Groin, Quadriceps, Rotator Cuff): Tearing of muscle fibers or the muscle-tendon unit due to overstretching, sudden forceful contraction, or eccentric loading during athletic activity or exertion, commonly known as a 'pulled muscle'.
• Shin Splints (Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome): Pain and tenderness along the inner edge of the shinbone (tibia), often resulting from running, jumping, or other repetitive impact activities, especially with sudden increases in training intensity or volume.
• IT Band Syndrome (Iliotibial Band Friction Syndrome): An overuse injury resulting from repetitive friction of the IT band over the lateral femoral epicondyle (at the knee) or greater trochanter (at the hip).

This list offers examples of conditions commonly addressed. If your specific concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic. Austin can assess your needs.

• Stretching & Flexibility Programs: Specific stretches designed by your therapist to target tight muscle groups relevant to your condition, helping to improve your flexibility and reduce your risk of injury.
• General Reconditioning & Fitness Programs: Comprehensive exercise plans developed by your Physiotherapist to combat deconditioning, enhance overall physical well-being, and promote an active lifestyle.
• Personalized Therapeutic Exercise Prescription: A carefully selected set of exercises specific to your condition and abilities, aimed at restoring function, reducing pain, improving movement, and preventing future issues.
• Core Stability & Strengthening Training: Developing control, strength, and endurance in your core musculature for improved functional performance, pain reduction, and prevention of re-injury.
• Strength & Conditioning for Rehabilitation and Performance: Developing muscular strength and endurance to aid in injury recovery, support affected joints, improve biomechanics, and enhance athletic performance or demanding physical tasks.
• Therapeutic Ultrasound Application: Using therapeutic ultrasound as an adjunct treatment to help reduce pain, decrease inflammation, break down scar tissue, and accelerate the repair of injured soft tissues.

Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Austin. For a full list or to discuss your specific needs, please contact the clinic.

All services are provided in accordance with standards set by the College of Physical Therapists of Alberta (CPTA).

At Vivo Cura Health, physiotherapy is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health and daily activities. Austin frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• Dealing with the ongoing challenges of managing stiffness, tremors, and movement challenges with Parkinson's disease? Austin works collaboratively with patients to reach the goal of reduced swelling and inflammation in injured areas. This might involve specific rehabilitation techniques, hands-on care, and a home program, all aimed at helping you confidently resume important activities, such as playing your musical instrument (guitar, piano, violin, etc.) for extended periods.
• Living with facial weakness or drooping on one side (like Bell's Palsy) doesn't have to be your norm. Austin applies expert physiotherapy knowledge to work towards enjoying family vacations and outings with more energy and less pain, so you can get back to the simple pleasure of returning to a specific physical hobby you had to give up due to pain.
• Austin believes that everyone deserves to move well and feel their best. If awful foot pain first thing in the morning, like I'm walking on glass (plantar fasciitis) is hindering your ability to keeping up with your team during our weekly soccer match, a personalized plan focusing on a deeper understanding of their condition and how to manage it proactively for long-term well-being can make all the difference.

Your personalized physiotherapy plan, developed with Austin, will be designed to help you reach your specific functional and wellness objectives.

Austin practices at Vivo Cura Health, located in the NE neighborhood of Tuxedo Park, Highland Park, and Greenview in Calgary. The clinic is conveniently situated near the Scotiabank Saddledome, making it easily accessible for patients from various parts of the city. Patients can reach the clinic via Calgary Transit, including CTrain LRT, bus, and BRT services. Our clinic is wheelchair accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

What should I do if my condition seems to worsen after a physiotherapy session?

It's not uncommon to experience some temporary soreness or a mild increase in symptoms after certain physiotherapy treatments, especially in the initial stages or if you're starting new exercises. This usually subsides within 24-48 hours. However, if you experience a significant or sharp increase in pain, new or worsening neurological symptoms (like numbness, tingling, or weakness), or if your soreness lasts longer than expected, it's important to contact Vivo Cura Health or your Alberta healthcare provider directly. They can provide advice, adjust your treatment plan if necessary, or determine if you need to be reassessed.

What should I expect during my first physiotherapy appointment?

The first physiotherapy session is primarily an in-depth assessment. Expect to spend time talking with Austin about your specific issue, its history, and your overall health background. Austin will then perform various physical tests to assess your movement, strength, and areas of concern. The main goal of this visit is to understand your condition fully so that a tailored and effective treatment plan can be developed collaboratively. You might also receive your first set of home exercises or some initial hands-on care to start the healing process.

Do I need a doctor's referral to see a Physiotherapist in AB?

Patients in Alberta can typically see a Physiotherapist directly without a physician's referral, which is known as direct access. However, while a referral is not legally required to access physiotherapy services, some private or extended health insurance plans may require one for reimbursement. It is advisable to check with your insurance provider before your appointment to confirm their specific requirements.

Is physiotherapy covered by the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) in AB?

Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) provides limited coverage for certain physiotherapy services, usually after hospital discharge or for specific low-income individuals and seniors through targeted programs. Most outpatient physiotherapy in private clinics is not directly covered for the general population. Patients should verify their current coverage with AHCIP and consult their private insurance plans for full coverage options.

Is physiotherapy treatment supposed to be painful?

While some techniques may feel uncomfortable or cause temporary soreness, physiotherapy should not be excessively painful. Austin will always discuss sensations you might experience and adjust treatments to ensure your comfort while still providing therapeutic benefits. Open communication about your comfort level is essential to a successful recovery.

Vivo Cura Health
203, 225 Manning Road NE
Calgary, AB T2E 2P5

Austin Michael Kruk is regulated by the Health Professions Act in AB and is a member of the College of Physical Therapists of Alberta (CPTA).

License #9691

Registration can be verified with the College of Physical Therapists of Alberta (CPTA).

Always consult with your primary healthcare provider before starting any new treatment program.