Postural tachycardia syndrome (POTS): what NINDS says about standing, activity, and rehabilitation
NINDS says that “cardiovascular rehabilitation with physical activity that slowly builds in intensity can also improve tolerance to standing,” and that this is not recommended for everyone. This page quotes NINDS only.
Quoted from official pages checked November 12, 2026. Confirm current information on those sites. This page is not medical advice and does not describe any patient’s care.
Source read on November 12, 2026: the NINDS Postural Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) page (last reviewed March 13, 2026).
What POTS is
NINDS states: “POTS is part of a group of disorders that feature orthostatic intolerance.” And: “The classic symptom of POTS is a fast heartbeat.”
On activity, NINDS states: “It may be difficult for people with POTS to exercise or be physically active because of the increased heart rate, fainting spells or dizziness that occur in an upright position.”
Rehabilitation and activity
NINDS states: “Research suggests that cardiovascular rehabilitation with physical activity that slowly builds in intensity can also improve tolerance to standing. However, because some people with POTS also have exercise intolerance, this is not recommended for everyone.”
NINDS also lists lifestyle changes and compression garments among the ways people manage symptoms (paraphrased).
Related conditions
NINDS notes that some people with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome may also be diagnosed with POTS (paraphrased). See Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.
What the page read does not say
The NINDS POTS page read does not name physical therapy, occupational therapy, or a specific profession for the rehabilitation it describes.
What this page does not do
It does not repeat NINDS’s medicine names, heart-rate thresholds, fluid amounts, or research study details. It is not medical advice and does not recommend any treatment, medicine, device, or product. Scope of practice is set by state law; check your state board.