Physiotherapy for PoTS: Tailored Rehabilitation, Symptom Management and Support in York
Living with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (PoTS) can make everyday activities feel exhausting. Symptoms such as dizziness, rapid heartbeat, fatigue and reduced stamina often worsen when standing or moving, making traditional exercise difficult. Specialist physiotherapy offers a safe, structured way to rebuild tolerance, manage symptoms and improve confidence — without pushing beyond your limits.
We provide tailored physiotherapy and rehabilitation for people diagnosed with PoTS, carefully adapting treatment around your symptoms, energy levels and related conditions such as Ehlers–Danlos syndrome (EDS), ME/CFS, chronic fatigue and CSF leaks. This personalised approach aligns with current evidence showing that graded, symptom‑aware physiotherapy can help improve circulation, autonomic regulation and tolerance to movement
How Physiotherapy Supports People with PoTS
Physiotherapy for PoTS focuses on gentle, structured rehabilitation that respects your body’s limits. Research shows that graded conditioning programmes — often starting with recumbent or horizontal exercise — can help improve autonomic balance and reduce the heart‑rate spike associated with upright activity.
Your physiotherapy plan may include:
- Pacing strategies to help manage daily activity without triggering symptom flare‑ups
- Symptom‑aware strengthening and mobility exercises
- Rehabilitation advice tailored to your energy levels
- Breathing and positional strategies to reduce dizziness
- Realistic goal setting to support gradual, sustainable progress
This approach reflects current guidance that PoTS is not simply a “fitness problem” — it is a condition involving autonomic dysregulation, meaning rehabilitation must be adapted carefully and progressed slowly.
Supporting Related Conditions
Many people with PoTS also live with conditions such as:
- Ehlers–Danlos syndrome (EDS)
- ME/CFS or chronic fatigue
- CSF leaks
- Hypermobility spectrum disorders
Because these conditions can influence movement tolerance, pain levels and fatigue, your physiotherapy plan is adjusted to ensure it remains safe, achievable and supportive. Evidence highlights the importance of symptom‑aware progression, especially for people with ME/CFS, where over‑exertion can worsen symptoms.
Working Closely with Dr Sanjay Gupta
We work closely with Dr Sanjay Gupta, Consultant Cardiologist and Heart Specialist at York Teaching Hospital, ensuring your rehabilitation aligns with specialist medical guidance. This collaborative approach helps create a clearer, more supportive pathway for managing PoTS and related symptoms.
Video Physiotherapy Consultations
Because travelling can feel tiring or trigger symptoms, we offer video physiotherapy consultations. These sessions allow you to access specialist support from home while still receiving personalised guidance, pacing strategies and rehabilitation advice.
Appointment Options
You can choose between:
- 30‑minute assessments
- 60‑minute assessments
This flexibility allows you to select a session length that feels manageable and appropriate for your energy levels.
Why Physiotherapy Matters for PoTS
Research suggests that physiotherapy may help people with PoTS by:
- Gradually improving tolerance to upright activity
- Supporting better circulation and muscle conditioning
- Enhancing daily function and confidence
- Providing safe pacing and recovery strategies
- Reducing symptom severity through structured, gentle progression
Physiotherapy is not a cure for PoTS — but when delivered carefully, it can help you navigate symptoms more confidently and improve quality of life.