This session provides a clinically practical, evidence-informed approach to recognizing and managing POTS within orthopedic physical therapy practice with the added benefit of a LIVE patient practice (volunteer patients with POTS will be present for hour 2). Patients with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) often walk into PT clinics with familiar complaints—neck pain, headaches, low back pain, hypermobility-related instability, post-concussion symptoms—yet quickly challenge traditional orthopedic management with exercise intolerance, tachycardia, dizziness, fatigue, and near-syncope. Many OMPTs find themselves questioning how to manage these complex patients. In the first hour, participants will review relevant autonomic physiology, current diagnostic criteria, and referral decision making considerations. Emphasis will be placed on systems screening, orthostatic vital assessment, differential diagnosis, and clinical reasoning when symptoms overlap with electrolyte abnormalities, vestibular dysfunction, mental health conditions or persistent pain syndromes. Beyond identification, the course will outline safe and effective management strategies tailored to the orthopedic physical therapy setting, including graded positional tolerance training, exercise progression principles, autonomic-informed load management, and patient education strategies that reduce fear and symptom amplification. In the second hour, volunteer patients with POTS will be present for participants to conduct hands-on skills practice. Real-life case examples will highlight common clinical pitfalls and demonstrate how integrating cardiovascular and autonomic considerations enhances musculoskeletal outcomes. Attendees will leave with immediately applicable tools to improve patient safety, refine diagnostic confidence, and expand their capacity to manage complex presentations—strengthening the OMPT’s role as a comprehensive, primary care–ready clinician.
Category
10) Breakout Session 5 (2 Hours)
Track
Advanced Clinical Skills & Trends