Heidi Haapala

Heidi Haapala is a Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Michigan in the Department of MM Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. Her research focuses on improving healthcare outcomes for adults with neurological disabilities, particularly cerebral palsy and spina bifida.

• Key Research Areas: Pain phenotypes, disability aging, pregnancy decision-making, and musculoskeletal morbidities in chronic neurological conditions.
• Grants: Funded by NIH, ACL, and the Foundation for Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation for projects on grip strength assessment, sedentary behavior reduction, and pregnancy decision-making tools.
• Clinical Impact: Investigates opioid prescription patterns, venous thromboembolism risks, and post-fracture rehabilitation pathways to enhance evidence-based care for adults with cerebral palsy.