Understanding POTS and Dysautonomia | Real Answers for Misunderstood Symptoms

If you live with POTS or another form of dysautonomia, you know it’s not “just dizziness.” It’s the unpredictable heart rate, the lightheadedness when you stand, the brain fog, the fatigue that doesn’t go away with rest, and the constant battle to be believed.

At Connective Wellness, we work with people navigating dysautonomia every day, along with EDS. We understand how life-altering these conditions can be, and how often they’re misunderstood, misdiagnosed, or dismissed. Our goal is to provide real support, rooted in compassion, regulation, and whole-body care.

What Is Dysautonomia?

Dysautonomia refers to a group of conditions that affect the autonomic nervous system, the part of the body that controls automatic functions like heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, and temperature regulation.

The most common form we see is Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), which is characterized by:

• A significant increase in heart rate upon standing

• Lightheadedness or dizziness

• Fatigue or feeling “crashed out” after minimal exertion

• Nausea or GI distress

• Brain fog or difficulty focusing

• Fainting or near-fainting episodes
  

But dysautonomia doesn’t always show up on tests, and many patients are told “everything looks fine,” even when their quality of life is severely impacted.

What Causes POTS and Dysautonomia?

The causes vary and are often multifactorial. We frequently see dysautonomia in patients with:

• Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) or hypermobility

• Long COVID or post-viral fatigue

• Autoimmune disorders

• MCAS (Mast Cell Activation Syndrome)

• Trauma or chronic stress

• Chronic infections

• Hormonal shifts or blood volume dysregulation

At Connective Wellness, we don’t assume it’s “all in your head.” We treat the nervous system like the complex, integrated system it is, and we support it accordingly.

How We Support POTS and Dysautonomia at Connective Wellness

We approach dysautonomia with a mix of nervous system regulation, lifestyle adaptation, and clinical tools. Because every body is different, your care plan will be customized, but here are some of the key strategies we often use:

Nervous System Regulation

POTS is, at its core, a form of autonomic dysregulation. That means your body is stuck in survival mode, and we focus on helping it shift back toward safety.

Our support may include:

• Vagus nerve stimulation and grounding techniques

• Breathwork and gentle somatic practices

• Red light therapy for calming and circulation

• Craniosacral therapy to downregulate overactive systems
  

Hydration & Electrolyte Support

Many people with POTS are chronically dehydrated, even if they drink plenty of water. That’s because blood volume, sodium retention, and electrolyte balance play a crucial role in autonomic stability.

At Connective Wellness, we provide:

• Personalized hydration protocols tailored to your needs

• Guidance on timing fluids and electrolytes for optimal absorption

• Support for those with GI issues or salt sensitivity
  
  

We also partner with trusted brands to help you stay hydrated and supported every day:

• HydraPatch™ – Transdermal electrolyte patches that support hydration on the go

• Vitassium® – Sodium capsules and electrolyte drink mixes made for people with POTS and dysautonomia

• Redmond Real Salt® – Mineral-rich, unrefined sea salt recommended by our team
  
  

💡 You can order all of these through our Wellness Shop with special discounts for our community.

Pacing & Postural Retraining

Exertion can trigger crashes. We help you learn to move, stretch, and exercise in ways that respect your limits — and slowly rebuild tolerance.

This includes:

• Supine or semi-recumbent exercises

• Tilt table awareness and movement ladders

• Physical therapy adapted for dysautonomia

• Activity-rest cycling and energy conservation tools
  
  

Root-Cause Exploration

We don’t stop at symptom management, we look into what might be driving your dysautonomia. Whether it’s inflammation, infections, hypermobility, or trauma, we work to identify and support the root causes alongside your nervous system.

Emotional Support & Validation

POTS can be incredibly isolating. We’ve had patients break down in tears simply because they were finally believed.

You deserve care that validates your experience, adapts to your needs, and offers real tools — not just reassurance.

Final Thoughts

Living with POTS or dysautonomia isn’t easy. But you shouldn’t have to navigate it alone, or in fear that your symptoms will be minimized.

At Connective Wellness, we’re here to listen, adapt, and support you in ways that feel safe, flexible, and grounded.

Ready to Feel Understood?

Let’s build a care plan that works with your body, not against it.

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