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Murray Kowalczyk

BKin, MScPT, ACC

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so patient with every patient

training

  • Physiotherapist
  • Bachelor of Kinesiology, University of Calgary – 2010
  • Masters in Physical Therapy, University of Alberta (2012)
  • Canadian Physiotherapy Association Orthopedic Division CPA Level 1 (2013)
  • Mulligan Concept: Lower Quadrant (2013)
  • NOI: Mobilization of the Nervous System (2014)
  • NOI: Explain Pain (2015)
  • McGill 1: Building the Ultimate Back (2015)
  • The Art & Science of Pain Management (2016)
  • Reconciling Biomechanics with Pain Science (2016)
  • Functional Therapeutic Movement – Ben Cormack (2017)
  • Cognitive Functional Therapy – Peter O’Sullivan (2017)
  • The Connection Project (re: Therapeutic Alliance) (2018)
  • San Diego Pain Summit (in person 2017, via webinar 2019, 2020)
  • Motivational Interviewing: Level I (2019)
  • AA1 and AA2 Medical Acupuncture Accreditation, Acupuncture Foundation of Canada (ACC) (2022)
  • Vestibular Rehabilitation: Duke University (2023)

personality

True to his generational name, Murray grew up in the retirement city of Camrose where he competed in soccer, track and field, all the school sports, and even competitive bowling. Following his fascination with the human body’s adaptability, Murray completed his Kinesiology degree in Calgary (he swears that it’s a nice city, too) where he desperately attempted to go against the grain of most Kinesiology students (who typically want to become a physiotherapist), but failed at that task when he found he loved the world of physiotherapy and how it can help people. Growing up with three older sisters, Murray learned quickly how to listen, validate others’ experiences, and figure out the mystery of what is needed to help (sometimes, the answer really is chocolate). You might see Murray outside of work running on some trails, or spending time with his wife and twins creating, exploring, and making memories.

  • Favorite books –  Princess Bride: The Good Parts Version, The Martian, Song of Ice and Fire series (Game of Thrones), Born to Run
  • Favorite Music – Indie/rock-ish (think Mumford and Sons, Charlie Winston, Brandi Carlile, Reuben and the Dark)
  • Movies he loves – Big Fish, Whiplash, Into the Wild, A Beautiful Mind, The Matrix
  • Favorite sports/activities – Running, soccer, track and field
  • Physio nickname – Murman
  • What his physio assistants say about him – “He is the nicest guy ever!”
  • Clinical Pet Peeve – When his pen goes missing… whether intentional or misplaced, he will find it!
  • Something you may not know about him – After paying for too many bad haircuts in the past, he learned to cut his own hair and continues to this day.
  • Superhuman Talent – Patience.
  • Community connections – Edmonton Twin and Triplet Club. (Yes, that is a real club)

edge

Murray received his Bachelor of Kinesiology from the University of Calgary in 2010, followed by his Masters of Science in Physical Therapy from the University of Alberta in 2012. Murray has spent much of his career working in the world of patients with chronic pain (e.g. fibromyalgia, CRPS), taking many courses to learn more about the multiple factors that can contribute to one’s pain experience and how to best manage it. As an aspiring Jack-of-all-trades, Murray is always on the go learning new skills and areas of treatment including, but not limited to, medical acupuncture, advanced orthopedics, and vestibular rehabilitation. His patience and kind demeanour will leave you feeling reassured that you are in good hands.

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  • Radial Shockwave

    At Leading Edge Physiotherapy we offer the Swiss DolorClast® Master, a state-of-the-art technology that delivers a pneumatically generated high pressure sound wave that travels through the skin and into inflamed tissues and bone. This treatment shows significant results for chronic conditions and our 8 years of experience with it is included.

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  • Physiotherapy

    At Leading Edge individualized treatment plans involving many techniques are developed with you, the client, and are then implemented, including hands-on treatment options, self-management strategies, and appropriate home exercises. We treat all parts of the body at all stages of the injury and healing process and it’s all called physiotherapy to us. Leading Edge Physiotherapy in Edmonton and St. Albert works, just let us show you how well.

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  • Acupuncture

    Acupuncture is the insertion of fine needles into the body at specific points, which have been empirically proven effective in the treatment of specific disorders. The Chinese have mapped these points over a period of 2000 years and we know where they are. Like knowing the streets and buildings of a city will help you to your destination, knowing these points and utilizing them effectively can assist with many painful conditions to get you where you want to be.

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  • Whiplash Response Regimen

    Return to activity is key to your recovery and we have several tools that will assist with this. In addition to physical therapy interventions, we combine on-site acupuncture, IMS, Graston Technique, mobilization, patient/condition specific exercise and our own in-house whiplash protocols to guide you in your recovery. Just as you want and expect an exceptional repair of your vehicle by experienced auto body experts with the latest technology, you should expect the same and more for the people you trust with your body.

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  • Zero Gravity Treadmill

    Stress fractures, torn ligaments, torn muscles, lower extremity surgeries, tendinosis and many more conditions will keep a person from weight-bearing without pain. These conditions prevent walking, running and sometimes even standing. Our Alter-G Zero Gravity Treadmill looks and acts like a bounce castle for the lower body. The Alter-G uses “unweighting technology” that can make you feel up to 80 percent lighter. This in turn allows for an accelerated recovery in a protected environment and with less downtime.

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  • Fracture & Surgery Recovery

    Patients are often surprised to find out that following the immobilization period after a surgery or broken bone that their body part is nowhere near “normal.” For several reasons removing the cast, sling or stitches is not an instant fix, there are many steps in between that need to be followed to ensure an optimal and complete recovery.

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  • Traction / Spinal Decompression

    We utilize the latest advanced equipment in every aspect of the care we provide. In providing spinal traction we utilize the Chatanooga Triton dts Spinal Decompression System. Spinal Decompression Therapy involves a specially designed table attached to an advanced computer module. The distractive (traction) forces performed by the table and unit create decompression (unloading) of the spine improving blood flow and delivering focused treatment to the neck or lower back.

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  • Exercise Therapy

    At Leading Edge Physiotherapy, our physiotherapists have extensive training in medically indicated exercise. In fact, many of our therapists have Bachelor Degrees in Kinesiology (the science of human movement) prior to receiving their Masters training in physical therapy. Exercise has been medically proven to benefit in a multitude of areas and we know that in conjunction with our experience, skills and technology, it can keep you from coming back with the same problem. (This is a good thing.)

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