Struggling with POTS? How Advantage Physical Therapy Can Help You Feel Stronger Again 

Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, commonly known as POTS, is a condition that is often under-recognized and misdiagnosed. Over the past few years, awareness has increased and it has become recognized as the most common disorder affecting the autonomic nervous system. 

POTS can affect multiple organs, leading to a wide range of symptoms, including dizziness, brain fog, and a rapid heart rate when changing positions. These symptoms can make it difficult to work, exercise, socialize, or complete normal daily activities. 

While there is currently no cure for POTS, physical therapy and lifestyle management can help patients improve symptoms, build tolerance to activity, and return to the things they enjoy! If your symptoms have been preventing you from working, doing the activities that you love to do, or are making you wish you could feel "normal again", it’s time to schedule an appointment with us. At Advantage Physical Therapy in Falls Church or Reston, Virginia, our team creates personalized treatment plans designed to help patients with POTS safely regain strength, endurance, and confidence and get back control of your life. 

What is POTS? 

POTS is a condition that is under the umbrella of dysautonomia. Dysautonomia is a term that describes any disorder in the autonomic nervous system (ANS). The ANS is responsible for automatic functions of our body, including heart rate, blood pressure, temperature regulation, and digestion. 

The name “POTS” is an acronym that describes the condition: 

• Postural: related to body position
• Orthostatic: an upright, standing position
• Tachycardia: elevated heart rate, typically over 100 beats per minute
• Syndrome: a collection of symptoms that occur together

When a person has POTS, the autonomic nervous system does not function properly. Blood flow to the brain may decrease during upright activities. The body recognizes the decrease in blood flow return to the heart and brain, and responds by releasing adrenaline which increases heart rate. 

Common Symptoms of POTS?

POTS symptoms can vary from person to person and often fluctuate from day to day. Common symptoms include: 

• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Headaches
• Fainting
• Brain fog
• Racing heartbeat
• Anxiety
• Fatigue
• Shortness of breath
• Nausea
• Exercise intolerance

Symptoms may be triggered by standing up, physical activity, or during extended periods where you’re on your feet. 

Symptoms can get worse when the weather is hot, or when you’re in a hot bath or shower. Worsening symptoms may also occur when you have a cold or while you’re exercising strenuously. 

How Physical Therapy Helps Patients with POTS

The primary treatments for POTS include diet, nutrition, and physical activity. That’s where we come in! Exercise intolerance is common with POTS, but avoiding movement altogether can actually worsen symptoms over time. A carefully guided physical therapy program can help patients safely rebuild tolerance to activity.

At Advantage Physical Therapy, treatment begins with a comprehensive evaluation. Our physical therapists assess: 

• Activity tolerance
• Endurance 
• Strength 
• Mobility
• Other POTS symptoms that impact daily activity

We base your POTS management program around your symptoms, your triggers, and your activity tolerance and goals. We will monitor your blood pressure and heart rate throughout your treatment to provide insight into your condition and guild your treatment plan.

What Does POTS Physical Therapy Look Like?

POTS rehabilitation programs typically begin with exercises performed in reclined or supportive positions to reduce symptom flare-ups. As the body adapts and your tolerance improves, exercise gradually progresses to more upright activities. These activities can include: 

• Core workouts performed on mats
• Supine biking
• Recumbent biking
• Strength training from prone  to seated positions

Progress happens at a pace that reflects your symptoms and tolerance. Breathing techniques and mobility training can also extend your body’s capabilities. Recovery and progress with POTS is not always linear. Treatment is designed to move at a pace that matches your body’s response and symptom tolerance. 

Physical Therapy for Dysautonomia and POTS in Northern Virginia 

Living with POTS can feel frustrating and isolating, especially when symptoms limit your ability to participate in normal activity. The good news is that many people will improve significantly with the right combination of medical care, lifestyle changes, and physical therapy. 

At Advantage Physical Therapy, we work closely with patients to help them improve function, increase activity tolerance, and feel more confident managing symptoms. 

If you are looking for physical therapy for POTS or dysautonomia in Falls Church, Reston, VA, or the surrounding area, our team is here to help. 

Contact Advantage Physical Therapy to arrange a consultation with our team and learn how a personalized POTS treatment plan can help you return to the activities that matter most. Call or click to plan your visit today.