Project Description
POTS / OI
Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), hyperadrenergic POTS, Orthostatic Intolerance (OI), postural tachycardia, vasovagal syncope, neurocardiogenic syncope, pre-syncope, initial orthostatic hypotension
The variety of conditions listed above possess one common debilitating feature: an inability to tolerate upright positions. In the case of POTS, a significant increase in heart rate will occur (>30bpm) along with lightheadedness, weakness and blurred vision. In initial orthostatic hypotension, a significant drop in blood pressure will be observed and in vasovagal syncope, a transient loss of consciousness will present.
These are the acute symptoms which are seen when the body is placed under stress such as being placed upright for a prolonged period of time (this may be a few minutes of sitting up in some severe cases), being in a hot, humid environment or changing postures from supine or sitting to standing.
POSTURAL ORTHOSTATIC TACHYCARDIA SYNDROME | SYMPTOMS
Excessive sympathetic drive
Dizziness
Physical and mental fatigue
Difficulty concentrating
Gut disturbances and food intolerances
Tachycardia / palpitations
Exercise intolerance
High thirst and salt cravings
Sleep disturbances
Lower limb oedema and pain
Sensitized pain response
Coat hanger pain
Allergies, asthma
Headaches and migraines
Nausea
The onset of symptoms may vary from one case to another ranging from sudden onsets following infections, vaccination, puberty, stress or trauma or gradual onsets. It is common for patients to report mild, manageable symptoms which were “normalised” prior to experiencing a trigger which exacerbated the symptoms to a debilitating level.
Recent research has suggested numerous possible causes for these symptoms such as:
Dysautonomia
Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS)
Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS)
Central sensitivity
Genetics
Deconditionning
ZEBRAS POSTURAL ORTHOSTATIC TACHYCARDIA SYNDROME | PROGRAM
Our belief is that treatment must focus on managing the symptoms and address the underlying physiology which lead to these symptoms. Whilst these conditions are not fully understood, an increased sympathetic drive is identified in these conditions suggesting that treatment based on lifestyle interventions which reduce physical and emotional stress whilst preserving maximal engagement can permit significant improvements.
THERAPEUTIC NEUROSCIENCE EDUCATION SESSIONS
One-on-one therapeutic neuroscience education sessions will cover the following topics dependent on the patients’ needs assessed during the initial assessment and continuously monitored and discussed between the patient and therapist:
Postural symptoms physiology
Pacing
Home based movement prescription
Postural symptom management
Relaxation Techniques
Goal Setting / Gradual Exposure Planning
Trigger identification & Prevention
Setback Management
Sleep Physiology / Hygiene
The Stress Response
Dietary Advice
DIMS / SIMS
Gradual Return to Work & School
Travel Planning
Graded Motor Imagery
MOVEMENT SESSIONS
We know the importance of a holistic program in the recovery from POTS/OI. Movement sessions will be introduced after an initial musculoskeletal assessment and movement screening has been conducted. Movement sessions are carefully constructed and monitored (during and after the completion of the session) to ensure that PEM is NOT triggered by the movement session. These sessions may consist of: one on one or small group Exercise Physiology sessions, Pilates, Physiotherapy, anti-gravity treadmill or yoga and will focus on:
Personalised Movement Prescription
Address Musculoskeletal Injuries
Supervised & Home Based Programs
Mindful Movement
Physical Load Monitoring
Postural Education
Breathing Through Movement
Mindfulness
Breathing Focus
Re-conditioning / improve blood flow
PSYCHOLOGY SESSIONS
Psychology sessions involve education and psychological approaches to manage chronic health issues. These sessions also target any psychological challenges which may have developed due the chronic condition (eg. anxiety, depression) or unrelated factors which may affect mood and stress levels which are likely to impact on symptoms.
Emotional Awareness
The Impact of Fatigue
Neuropsych Education
Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Addressing Barriers to Change
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
RELAXATION TECHNIQUES
The goal of these sessions is to have an enjoyable, relaxing experience and to stimulate the parasympathetic (rest & relax) side of your autonomic nervous system to reduce sympathetic overload. These techniques will be implemented within the Zebras facility at also at the patients home.
Mindfullness
Breathing Focus
Restorative Yoga and Pranayama
Massage
Start your road to recovery with Australia’s most collaborative and holistic postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome program.