model of the human shoulder in the foreground with a person with their arm in a sling in the background

School of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science

Christy Heidema

Physical Therapist, On-Site Clinical Preceptor

Contact

Office
111 Skaggs Building
Phone
(406) 325-7075
Email
christy.heidema@mso.umt.edu
Office Hours

By Appointment

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Christy Heidema

Education

DPT, Doctor or Physical Therapy, Univeristy of Montana, 2022

PhD, Doctor of Philosophy in Molecular & Cellular Biology, University of Iowa, 2018

BS, Biology, Dordt University, 2014

Publications

Physical Therapy Abstracts:

Mizner RL, Heidema C (May 2022). Force Platforms Can Accurately Predict Knee Kinetics Limb Asymmetry with Sit-to-Stands During ACL Rehabilitation. American College of
Sports Medicine Annual Meeting. May 2022. San Diego, CA.

Heidema C. Kittelson A, Loyd B (October 2021). Usability and Comprehensibility of a Computerized Measure of Dynamic Visual Acuity for Assessing Vestibular Function. University
of Montana Physical Therapy Class of 2022 Capstone Session. 91次元, Missoula, MT.

Heidema C. Kittelson A, Loyd B (October 2021). Usability and Comprehensibility of a Computerized Measure of Dynamic Visual Acuity for Assessing Vestibular Function. Academy
of Neurologic Physical Therapy Annual Conference. Remote delivery.

Cell Biology and Mechanotransduction:

DeWane G, Cronin NM, Dawson, LW, Heidema C, DeMali KA. (June 2023) Vinculin Y822 is an important determinant of ligand binding. Journal of Cell Science. DOI:
10.1242/jcs.260104.

Heidema C, Campbell HK, Pilarczyk D, DeMali KA (November 2018). SHP2 is activated by force on E-cadherin and dephosphorylates Y822 vinculin. Journal of Cell Science. DOI:
10.1242/jcs.216648.

Bays JL, Campbell HK, Heidema C, Sebbagh M, DeMali KA (May 2017). Linking E-cadherin mechanotransduction to cell metabolism through force-mediated activation of AMPK.
Nature Cell Biology. DOI: 10.1038/ncb3537.

Heidema C, DeMali KA (December 2016). Vinculin (VCL). Encyclopedia of Signaling Molecules. DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4614-6438-9_101953-1.

Affiliations

American Physical Therapy Association (Montana Chapter)

Specialized Skills

Credentialied Clinical Instructor, 2025

Professional Experience

Current Clinical Work:

91次元 Physical Therapy Clinic (2025-Present)

Previous Clinical Experience:

The Orthopedic Specialty Hospital (Intermountain Health): Sports Science Labortatory (2023-2025)

The Orthopedic Specialty Hospital (Intermountain Health): Extremities Rehabilitation Team (2022-2023)