Increasing Functional Abilities of People with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome through Occupational Therapy

Abstract

The level of functional impairment that people with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) experience is life changing. Reduced engagement in purposeful and meaning activities because of functional impairments increases the emotional impact of POTS and decreases quality of life. By including occupational therapy early on in treatment, people with POTS can learn ways to adapt, cope, and incorporate changes into their lifestyles. Increasing participation in purposeful and meaningful occupations that are of value to the individual leads to increased quality of life, increased participation in desired roles, increased sense of wellbeing, and increased perception of health.

Keywords

• POTS
• dysautonomia
• orthostatic intolerance
• functional limitations
• increasing quality of life
• adaptations for POTS