Craig Kruse
Physical Therapist, MS, MPT, SPC, ART-Cert. -Willowbrook Clinical Manager

Craig received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology from Augustana College in Rock Island, IL in 1994. While at Augustana, he was a four year starter on the offensive line in football and a four year all conference performer as a shot putter on the track team. His senior year, he was voted team captain of both sports, as well as becoming an Academic All-American in football and an All-American performer at the National Meet in track. After graduating from Augustana College, Craig attended Eastern Illinois University, receiving a Master of Science degree in physical education with a concentration in exercise physiology and cardiac rehabilitation in 1995. While at EIU, he was the strength coach for the baseball team.

He received his Master of Physical Therapy degree from Emory University in 1998. Craig’s treatment style blends manual therapy with specific therapeutic exercise prescriptions. His background as a competitive athlete helps him to understand the psychological aspects on an injury.

Craig is also the Strength and Conditioning Coach at Hinsdale Central High School. He works with over 15 different athletic teams. He is passionate about helping the athlete to reduce their injuries and also improve their performance. His insight as a physical therapist has assisted in designing programs for injured athletes. He is very involved with youth athletics in the area. He founded the Hinsdale Speed and Strength Club, training young athletes with proper technique in speed, agility, and strength training. He is also the head coach for the Hinsdale Red Devil youth wrestling program and has been a long time coach with the Hinsdale Falcon football program.

Craig also continues to remain a competitive athlete. He has been competing in strongman competitions since 2005. In 2007, he won the Illinois Strongman Association Lightweight of the Year award. In 2016, he set the lightweight record in the 18 inch deadlift with a lift of 865 pounds. Craig also competes locally in Olympic weightlifting contests, winning the 105 kg weight class in the masters division at the 2016 Illinois State Championships. He also continues to throw the shot put competitively with USA Track and Field in the masters division. He has placed first at the Outdoor National Championships in 2014, 2016, and 2017, and the Indoor National Championships in 2017.

Craig lives in Clarendon Hills with his wife, Kristen, and his three children, Cassie, Ron, and Zach.