Exercises for Autonomic Disorders

Exercise is a recommended component of treatment for any autonomic disorder including POTS. Your doctor or physical therapist will assign goals and stipulate target heart ranges to achieve but not exceed.

If you are exercising at home, you will likely need a “workout buddy” so you are not alone if you experience any negative symptoms. This is especially important if you’ll be at a local gym. A knowledgeable personal trainer or physical therapist is invaluable to your progress, and many hospitals maintain rehabilitation facilities that employ such people.

Such a setting also allows for vital signs to be monitored during your workout, data that is valuable to your physician in assessing your progress. In cases of severe deconditioning, a brief stay in an in-patient physical therapy program is an option as well.

Unless your physical therapist or personal trainer understands POTS, you could be assigned inappropriate upright exercises like walking on a treadmill or riding an upright exercise bike.

The best exercises are those that cause no orthostatic stress. Reclined stretches, yoga positions, and weight lifting as well as seated exercises on recumbent bikes or rowing machines are good choices, as is swimming.

The patient must build up tolerance over time and should not attempt upright exercises for several months. (Note that this varies from case to case.)

Dysautonomia International provides the following home exercises tips. REMEMBER, never start an exercise program without consulting your doctor!