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How Should Clinicians Fundamentally Define POTS?

Scott Cheatham, PhD, DPT, OCS, ATC, CSCS

April 15, 2026

Question

How should clinicians fundamentally define POTS?

Answer

POTS must be understood primarily as a condition of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) rather than just a collection of downstream symptoms. Formally characterized by orthostatic intolerance when moving from supine to standing, it results in tachycardia and a cluster of symptoms rooted in autonomic dysregulation. Instead of treating POTS as a static label, clinicians should investigate what is causing the ANS to lose balance and how to help the system regulate more effectively. Because the syndrome is heterogeneous by nature, understanding the specific etiology for each patient is key to moving beyond simple symptom management.

 

This Ask the Expert is an edited excerpt from the course, Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome: What Occupational Therapy Practitioners Should Know, presented by Scott Cheatham, PhD, DPT, OCS, ATC, CSCS.

 


scott cheatham

Scott Cheatham, PhD, DPT, OCS, ATC, CSCS

Dr. Scott Cheatham, Ph.D. DPT, ATC, CSCS is a Full Professor and Associate Chair in the Department of Kinesiology at CSU Dominguez Hills in Carson, California. He is owner of SportsPhysioRX a sports and orthopedic physical therapy organization. Dr. Cheatham received his Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) and his Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Physical Therapy. He is a Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC) and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS). He also holds several fitness certifications and is a certified ergonomic specialist.  Dr. Cheatham is a national presenter for various organizations and has authored over 200 peer-reviewed publications, textbook chapters, conference/seminar presentations, and home-study courses on sports medicine, orthopedics, and health & fitness. Dr. Cheatham is the co-editor-in-chief for the Journal of Fitness, Wellness, and is part of the editorial board for the Journal of Sport Rehabilitation. Dr. Cheatham is an education and research consultant for various health and fitness organizations. His current clinical practice includes sports medicine, orthopedics, and sports performance training. 

Dr. Cheatham is an education and research consultant for various health and fitness organizations. His research interests include myofascial interventions and the efficacy of interventions for various musculoskeletal pathologies. His current clinical practice includes sports medicine, general orthopedics, and sports performance training. 

 


Related Courses

Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome: What Occupational Therapy Practitioners Should Know!
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Video

Presenter

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Postural orthostatic hypotension syndrome (POTS) is an autonomic dysregulation condition characterized by excessive tachycardia upon standing in the presence of orthostatic intolerance. POTS is becoming more recognized across populations, including active individuals and athletes. The occupational therapy practitioner needs to have a comprehensive understanding of the recognition and management of this condition. This discussion covers the latest research and management strategies on this emerging topic.

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