Recovering from POTS can feel like a mountain to climb, and for many, it’s made even harder by past trauma.
Trauma could be emotional, physical, or even the result of repeated experiences of not being believed by medical professionals.
Unfortunately, traditional “do this plan, stick to it” rehab approaches can unintentionally make things worse for someone dealing with both POTS and trauma.
Why Trauma Matters in Recovery
Trauma changes how we feel safe in the world—and in our own bodies.
David Emerson, in his book Trauma-Sensitive Yoga, explains that trauma survivors often feel unsafe when being told what to do, especially by an authority figure like a doctor or trainer.
For someone with POTS, being handed a rigid exercise plan with no say in the process can feel overwhelming or even triggering.
Instead of building confidence, it can ramp up stress and worsen symptoms.
The key is to give control back to you, the person doing the work.
A Smarter Way Forward: Patient-Led Experimentation
Exercise for POTS doesn’t have to follow a one-size-fits-all model. Here’s how a trauma-sensitive, patient-first approach works:
1. You’re in the Driver’s Seat
Every choice starts with you. You decide what feels safe to try, whether it’s gentle stretching, seated yoga, or just focusing on your breath.
The role of a guide or physiotherapist isn’t to tell you what to do—it’s to provide options and support while you explore what works.
2. Plenty of Options, No Pressure
Movement doesn’t have to look like “traditional” exercise. It can be as simple as lying-down cycling, a slow walk, or even sitting quietly and engaging your core.
If something doesn’t feel right today, that’s okay. Try something else. The goal is flexibility, not perfection.
3. Adjust in Real Time
Instead of sticking to a strict plan, give yourself permission to adapt. If something feels like too much, scale it back. If something feels good, lean into it a bit more.
This moment-by-moment approach builds trust in your body and helps you reconnect with what it can do, without overwhelming your system.
Recovery is Personal, Not Perfect
Getting better from POTS isn’t about sticking to someone else’s plan—it’s about rediscovering what your body is capable of, one small, safe step at a time.
This isn’t linear, and it isn’t always easy.
But with a trauma-sensitive approach that puts you in control, recovery can feel less like a battle and more like a partnership between you and your body.
Your journey is yours to lead. Start where you are.
Move at your pace.
And remember, every small step forward is progress.
Reference
Trauma-Sensitive Yoga in Therapy: Bringing the Body into Treatment