Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS): Advancing Beyond Standard Protocols
Instructor:
Cost:
Hours:
9-4:30pm EST
Date:
Credit Hours:
Target Audience:
Course Location:
Integral Physical Therapy
3535 Roswell Road Suite 44
Marietta GA 30062
Course Contact:
Course Description
This course offers an in-depth exploration of Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), emphasizing clinical assessment and advanced treatment strategies. Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of the physiological mechanisms and clinical features of POTS, with a particular focus on its relation to hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (h-EDS) and Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders (HSD). Moving beyond existing protocols, this course underscores an individualized and holistic approach. Physical therapists will gain the confidence to apply their expertise in treating myofascial dysfunction to this unique and underserved population. Exciting new treatment paradigms focusing on improving myofascial dysfunction to reduce POTS symptoms and flares will be reviewed. This course will utilize lectures, labs, group discussions, and case studies.
Target Audience:
Physical therapists working in an outpatient setting who treat (or are planning to treat) patients with POTS and connective tissue disorders such as hEDS and HSD. Course information will be beneficial for the beginner and the advanced therapist treating these cases. Previous dry-needling experience is optimal but not mandatory (techniques specific to this patient population will be presented to be used by participants who have met the requirements for DN in Georgia).
Course Objective
- Understand the diagnostic criteria and clinical features of POTS
- Appreciate the relationship between POTS, connective tissue disorders (EDS/HSD), and other common comorbidities
- Outline the routinely recommended treatment approach for patients with POTS, including medical management, dietary recommendations, and positional strategies
- Conduct a thorough physical therapy evaluation, including correct assessment of orthostatic tolerance and joint hypermobility
- Understand exercise protocols used for the treatment of POTS, critically analyze the limitations of current strategies and propose innovative solutions
- Apply new exercise principles that incorporate cardiovascular, neuromuscular, and psychological considerations
- Incorporate dry needling techniques, and supportive taping, bracing, and positioning strategies effectively
- Integrate knowledge from case studies into clinical practice
Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS): Advancing Beyond Standard Protocols Schedule
Introduction and group discussion:
9:00 – 9:30
Lecture- Understanding POTS and EDS:
9:30-10:15
Break:
10:15 – 10:30
Orthostatic Hypermobility Assessment Lab
10:30 – 11:00
Assessing Myofascial Dysfunction and Muscular Inhibition Lab:
11:00 – 11:30
Additional Assessments to Consider:
11:30 – 11:45
Lunch:
11:45 – 12:30
Lecture- Treatment of POTS:
12:30 – 1:15
Exercise Lab:
1:15 – 2:15
Concepts in Dry Needling Lab:
2:15 – 3:00
Bracing, Taping, and Positioning Strategies Lab:
3:00 – 3:30
Case Presentation:
3:30 – 4:00
Dr. Nehama Schondorf’s career began as a certified Vestibular Rehabilitation Specialist and founder of the Balance and Vestibular Center at Doctors Hospital in Augusta, GA. Nehama received her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Emory University in 2009. Her clinical focus includes the treatment and prevention of athletic injuries, overuse injuries, postural and movement dysfunction, and vestibular rehabilitation.
Nehama completed extensive advanced training in trigger point dry needling and manual therapy. She became a certified Manual Trigger Point Therapist (CMTPT) through Myopain Seminars in 2014 and recently completed her Clinical Certification in Orthopedic Manual Therapy (COMT) through Select Physical Therapy.
While working at the Emory Rehabilitation Outpatient Centre in Sandy Springs, Nehama’s passion for the field of physical therapy continued to expand to include working with clients with chronic or complex pain conditions who have tried other treatments without success.
Nehama decided to open Northlake Physical Therapy to be able to provide high quality individualized care in the one on one setting her clients deserve. Her primary goal is to help her clients take charge of their health and reclaim their full and pain-free life.
Nehama lives in the Northlake area with her husband and two children and enjoys fitness and spending time outdoors.