People with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome often struggle with dizziness, rapid heart rate when standing, fatigue, exercise intolerance, headaches, brain fog, muscle pain, and poor circulation. While medical massage does not treat the underlying autonomic dysfunction, it can be a valuable part of a comprehensive care plan.

How Stevenson Therapeutic Massage Can Help Clients with POTS

1. Reduce Muscle Pain and Tension

Many people with POTS develop:

• Neck tension

• Shoulder pain

• Upper back tightness

• Low back pain

• Headaches

• TMJ symptoms

Medical massage can help:

• Reduce muscle guarding

• Improve circulation

• Decrease pain

• Improve relaxation

2. Support Circulation

Gentle massage techniques may help:

• Encourage venous return

• Reduce feelings of heaviness in the legs

• Improve tissue circulation

Many POTS patients report relief from:

• Leg discomfort

• Muscle fatigue

• General achiness

3. Help Manage Stress

POTS symptoms often worsen during periods of stress.

Massage may:

• Promote relaxation

• Improve sleep quality

• Reduce sympathetic nervous system overactivity

• Help clients better manage chronic symptoms

4. Improve Postural Function

Many POTS patients develop:

• Forward head posture

• Rounded shoulders

• Deconditioning

• Poor breathing patterns

Your corrective exercise background is especially valuable.

Focus on:

• Postural awareness

• Breathing mechanics

• Core stability

• Gradual conditioning

5. Help Clients with Associated Conditions

Many POTS patients also have:

• hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome

• Fibromyalgia

• Chronic fatigue

• Migraines

• TMJ dysfunction

• Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

These are conditions you already address within your practice.

Corrective Exercise Recommendations

Start With:

• Diaphragmatic breathing

• Core activation

• Glute bridges

• Seated marching

• Recumbent bike

• Resistance band exercises

Progress To:

• Standing exercises

• Balance training

• Functional movement patterns

The goal is gradual conditioning, not high-intensity exercise.

Suggested POTS Treatment Program

Initial Evaluation

90 Minutes

• Health history review

• Postural assessment

• Functional movement screening

• Medical massage

• Exercise instruction

Phase 1 (Weeks 1–4)

1 session per week

• Medical massage

• Breathing training

• Gentle corrective exercise

Phase 2 (Weeks 5–8)

1 session every 1–2 weeks

• Neuromuscular therapy

• Stability training

• Progressive exercise

Maintenance

Every 2–4 weeks

• Medical massage

• Exercise progression

• Symptom management