POTS Treatment in Calgary
Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) is a form of dysautonomia that affects how the body regulates heart rate and blood flow when standing. At Anew Chiropractic Clinic, we assess how the nervous system responds to posture and movement to guide individualized, non-invasive care.
If you’re experiencing symptoms, our approach can help you. Book a Case Review Consultation today!
What Is POTS
(Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome)?
Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) is a condition of the autonomic nervous system where the heart rate increases significantly when moving from lying down to standing.
This response occurs because the body has difficulty regulating blood flow and circulation against gravity. As a result, the brain and body may not receive adequate blood flow efficiently when upright, leading to symptoms such as dizziness, fatigue, and brain fog.
POTS is one type of dysautonomia and can vary in severity and presentation.
Common Symptoms of POTS
POTS affects multiple systems in the body. Common symptoms include:
Rapid heart rate when standing
Lightheadedness or dizziness
Fatigue or low energy
Brain fog or difficulty concentrating
Shortness of breath
Exercise intolerance
Headaches
Nausea
Palpitations
Feeling faint or near fainting
Symptoms are often worse when standing for long periods, in warm environments, or during physical exertion.
Common Causes of POTS
POTS can develop from a variety of underlying factors. Common contributors include:
Post-viral conditions (including COVID-19)
Concussion or head injury
Prolonged inactivity or deconditioning
Autonomic nervous system dysfunction
Chronic stress or nervous system overload
In many cases, POTS is multifactorial, meaning multiple systems may be involved.
How POTS Affects the Body
When standing, gravity causes blood to shift toward the lower body. In a typical response, the autonomic nervous system adjusts heart rate and blood vessel tone to maintain stable circulation.
In POTS, this regulation is impaired. The body compensates by increasing heart rate significantly, but this does not always effectively stabilize blood flow.
This can lead to:
Reduced blood flow efficiency to the brain
Increased heart rate without adequate circulation support
Difficulty tolerating upright posture
Fluctuating symptoms depending on activity and environment
Understanding this mechanism is key to guiding appropriate care.
Living with POTS
POTS can vary in severity and presentation. Many individuals experience:
Fluctuating symptoms depending on activity and stress
Periods of improvement and setbacks
Gradual progress with structured care
Management often involves building tolerance to activity over time and supporting nervous system regulation.
Conditions Associated with POTS
POTS can occur alongside several other conditions. These may include:
How We Assess POTS
Assessment focuses on how your body responds to changes in posture and activity. This may include:
Detailed symptom history
Heart rate and blood pressure changes from lying to standing
Neurological and cognitive screening
Balance and coordination testing
Eye movement and visual tracking assessments
Evaluation of autonomic nervous system responses
In some cases, tilt table testing may be used as part of a broader diagnostic process.
POTS Treatment Approach
Treatment is individualized and focuses on improving the body’s ability to regulate circulation and tolerate activity. Care may include:
Gradual activity and conditioning programs
Breathing and nervous system regulation strategies
Balance and coordination exercises
Neurological stimulation exercises
Structured pacing and recovery strategies
Lifestyle guidance (hydration, movement tolerance, consistency)
The goal is to improve how the nervous system responds to posture and reduce symptom intensity over time.
When Should You Seek Help for POTS?
You may benefit from an assessment if you experience:
Rapid heart rate when standing
Persistent dizziness or lightheadedness
Fatigue that limits daily activity
Brain fog or difficulty concentrating
Symptoms following illness (including COVID-19)
Symptoms after a concussion or injury
Early evaluation can help identify patterns and guide care.
POTS Frequently Asked Questions
-
The exact cause is not always clear. It may develop following viral illness, concussion, or other stressors affecting the autonomic nervous system.
-
Yes. POTS is one of the most common forms of dysautonomia.
-
Yes. Many people with POTS experience dizziness, fatigue, brain fog, and difficulty tolerating standing.
-
Diagnosis is typically made by a physician using heart rate measurements, tilt table testing, and evaluation of symptoms.
-
POTS is typically characterized by an increase in heart rate of 30 beats per minute or more within 10 minutes of standing.
-
POTS can significantly affect quality of life, but it is generally not considered life-threatening. Proper management can help improve symptoms.
-
Some individuals improve over time, while others manage symptoms long-term. Outcomes vary depending on underlying causes.
Get Assessed for POTS
If you are experiencing symptoms of POTS, understanding how your body responds to posture and movement is the first step toward improving your symptoms.
At Anew Chiropractic Clinic, we take a comprehensive approach to assessing and supporting nervous system function.
Book a 30-minute Virtual or Phone Case Review consultation, we’ll listen to your symptoms, answer your questions, and help you determine the most appropriate next steps for care.