POTS Physiotherapy Brisbane Southside.
What is Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome?
Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome, commonly referred to as POTS, is a condition that affects the autonomic nervous system, particularly its ability to regulate blood flow and heart rate. Patients with POTS experience an abnormally high heart rate (tachycardia) upon transitioning from lying down to a standing position. Symptoms might include dizziness, rapid heartbeat, fatigue, brain fog, coldness or pain in the extremities, headaches, exercise intolerance, and sometimes fainting.
POTS is an autonomic nervous system disorder. Research indicates that its effects extend throughout the body, causing symptoms such as tachycardia, palpitations, chest pain, lightheadedness, nausea, fatigue, blood pooling in the extremities, migraines, and cognitive impairments. Up to 25% of patients may be too disabled to work or study, with the condition's severity likened to that of COPD or congestive heart failure.
What Causes POTS?
Causes of POTS are varied and divide POTS into two major groups: primary and secondary occurrence.
Underlying autoimmune conditions may also trigger POTS. Up to 20% of patients have coexisting conditions such as Hashimoto's thyroiditis, celiac disease, or Sjögren syndrome. Autoimmunity may play a key role, with studies identifying antibodies targeting adrenergic and muscarinic receptors as well as cardiac lipid raft proteins.
How is POTS Diagnosed?
Diagnosing POTS usually involves:
Despite these methods, the average time to diagnosis is 5 years and 11 months. Patients often see an average of seven doctors before receiving a diagnosis, and delays of over 10 years are not uncommon. Additionally, 83% of POTS patients receive a psychological diagnosis before their condition is properly identified, although research shows they are no more likely to have psychiatric disorders than healthy controls.
Can physiotherapists diagnose POTS?
Physiotherapists cannot formally diagnose Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), as the diagnosis typically requires medical testing and assessment that falls under the scope of a physician, particularly a cardiologist or neurologist. However, physiotherapists play a critical role in identifying potential signs and symptoms of POTS and referring patients for further evaluation when the condition is suspected.
What a Physiotherapist Can Do:
If POTS is suspected, it is important to consult a medical doctor for a formal diagnosis, which may involve tests like the tilt table test, blood work, and a thorough medical history review.
How can Physiotherapy Help with POTS?
Physiotherapy can be instrumental in managing POTS symptoms:
How can Clinical Pilates Help with POTS Rehabilitation?
Clinical Pilates offers a holistic approach to rehabilitation:
What is the Prognosis for POTS?
While POTS can be challenging, many patients lead full, active lives with proper management. Approximately 90% of patients respond positively to pharmacological and physical treatments. Symptoms may diminish over time, especially with early diagnosis and intervention.
However, the significant impact of POTS cannot be understated. Delays in diagnosis, systemic symptoms, and associated disability highlight the need for a comprehensive, patient-centered care approach.
Tips for Living with POTS:
Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome, while complex, is navigable with the right support and care. Our physiotherapy team is dedicated to understanding your unique needs and guiding you toward improved health and well-being. If you or a loved one are suffering from POTS or suspecting you might be, come in and see our friendly Tarragindi physiotherapists today!
Call us on 07 3706 3407 or email [email protected] for a booking. We would love to work with you.
Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome, commonly referred to as POTS, is a condition that affects the autonomic nervous system, particularly its ability to regulate blood flow and heart rate. Patients with POTS experience an abnormally high heart rate (tachycardia) upon transitioning from lying down to a standing position. Symptoms might include dizziness, rapid heartbeat, fatigue, brain fog, coldness or pain in the extremities, headaches, exercise intolerance, and sometimes fainting.
POTS is an autonomic nervous system disorder. Research indicates that its effects extend throughout the body, causing symptoms such as tachycardia, palpitations, chest pain, lightheadedness, nausea, fatigue, blood pooling in the extremities, migraines, and cognitive impairments. Up to 25% of patients may be too disabled to work or study, with the condition's severity likened to that of COPD or congestive heart failure.
What Causes POTS?
Causes of POTS are varied and divide POTS into two major groups: primary and secondary occurrence.
- Primary POTS: Can develop following a viral infection, trauma, surgery, or during puberty. For example, there are reports of POTS emerging after COVID-19. POTS diagnoses have increased up to fivefold since the pandemic, with nearly 80% of long-COVID patients showing signs of POTS.
- Secondary POTS: Associated with systemic conditions like Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes, diabetes, gastrointestinal disorders, or autoimmune disorders such as lupus.
Underlying autoimmune conditions may also trigger POTS. Up to 20% of patients have coexisting conditions such as Hashimoto's thyroiditis, celiac disease, or Sjögren syndrome. Autoimmunity may play a key role, with studies identifying antibodies targeting adrenergic and muscarinic receptors as well as cardiac lipid raft proteins.
How is POTS Diagnosed?
Diagnosing POTS usually involves:
- Tilt Table Test: Monitoring heart rate and blood pressure during position changes.
- Medical History: Reviewing symptoms, triggers, and associated conditions.
- Physical Examination: Checking vital signs in different positions.
- Blood Tests: To rule out other causes.
Despite these methods, the average time to diagnosis is 5 years and 11 months. Patients often see an average of seven doctors before receiving a diagnosis, and delays of over 10 years are not uncommon. Additionally, 83% of POTS patients receive a psychological diagnosis before their condition is properly identified, although research shows they are no more likely to have psychiatric disorders than healthy controls.
Can physiotherapists diagnose POTS?
Physiotherapists cannot formally diagnose Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), as the diagnosis typically requires medical testing and assessment that falls under the scope of a physician, particularly a cardiologist or neurologist. However, physiotherapists play a critical role in identifying potential signs and symptoms of POTS and referring patients for further evaluation when the condition is suspected.
What a Physiotherapist Can Do:
- Recognise Symptoms: Physiotherapists can identify hallmark signs of POTS, such as:
- Significant increases in heart rate upon standing.
- Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting.
- Fatigue, exercise intolerance, or rapid heartbeat.
- Measure Postural Changes: During an assessment, a physiotherapist might note changes in heart rate and blood pressure when transitioning from lying to standing, which may suggest autonomic dysfunction.
- Collaborate with Physicians: Physiotherapists can provide detailed reports of a patient’s symptoms and functional limitations to assist physicians in making a diagnosis.
- Manage Symptoms: While they cannot diagnose, physiotherapists are vital in creating rehabilitation plans, including exercise therapy and symptom management strategies, once a diagnosis is confirmed.
If POTS is suspected, it is important to consult a medical doctor for a formal diagnosis, which may involve tests like the tilt table test, blood work, and a thorough medical history review.
How can Physiotherapy Help with POTS?
Physiotherapy can be instrumental in managing POTS symptoms:
- Graded Exercise Therapy: A tailored exercise program that starts slow and gradually increases in intensity, focusing on building cardiovascular strength.
- Breathing Techniques: Deep breathing and relaxation techniques to manage episodes of tachycardia.
- Postural Training: Guidance on changing positions safely to minimise dizziness and other symptoms.
- Education: Strategies to manage daily activities and mitigate symptoms.
- Compression Garments: These can improve blood flow and help reduce symptoms.
How can Clinical Pilates Help with POTS Rehabilitation?
Clinical Pilates offers a holistic approach to rehabilitation:
- Graded and Easily Modifiable Intensity: Recumbent exercises avoid exacerbating symptoms caused by upright postures.
- Strengthening: Increasing lower limb strength promotes fluid return to the trunk and better control of blood pressure. Building core strength improves stability and reduces falls risk.
- Flexibility: Stretching exercises can enhance circulation and minimise symptoms.
- Controlled Environment: A safe space for movement without overexertion.
- Body Awareness: Understanding how the body responds to different positions and movements.
What is the Prognosis for POTS?
While POTS can be challenging, many patients lead full, active lives with proper management. Approximately 90% of patients respond positively to pharmacological and physical treatments. Symptoms may diminish over time, especially with early diagnosis and intervention.
However, the significant impact of POTS cannot be understated. Delays in diagnosis, systemic symptoms, and associated disability highlight the need for a comprehensive, patient-centered care approach.
Tips for Living with POTS:
- Stay hydrated and consider increasing salt intake (with healthcare guidance).
- Gradually transition between postures to avoid dizziness.
- Wear compression garments to improve blood flow.
- Avoid triggers such as excessive heat or prolonged standing.
- Take breaks and prioritise rest when needed.
Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome, while complex, is navigable with the right support and care. Our physiotherapy team is dedicated to understanding your unique needs and guiding you toward improved health and well-being. If you or a loved one are suffering from POTS or suspecting you might be, come in and see our friendly Tarragindi physiotherapists today!
Call us on 07 3706 3407 or email [email protected] for a booking. We would love to work with you.
