Occupational Therapy Interventions for Clients with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) in the Presence of Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS)

Abstract

Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) is often seen in clients with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS), primarily hypermobile EDS. Research has shown clients with EDS and POTS may experience limitations affecting not only their physical function, but also their social, emotional, and mental well-being. Using a client-centered approach, occupational therapy practitioners assess health, well-being, symptomatology (fatigue, muscle pain, dizziness, etc.), participation and engagement in occupation, and provide interventions to improve quality of life. This paper will address occupational therapy interventions to treat common symptomatology for clients with EDS in the presence of POTS, including environmental modifications, use of adaptive equipment and orthoses, exercise and fall prevention, energy conservation and pacing, sleep hygiene, and routine and habit development to promote optimal engagement in meaningful occupations.

Keywords:

• Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
• postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome
• occupational therapy
• hypermobility spectrum disorders
• joint hypermobility
• rehabilitation

Additional information

Notes on contributors

David Levine

David Levine, is a Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy at The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Brittany Work, is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Occupational Therapy at The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Susan McDonald, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Occupational Therapy at The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Nicole Harty, Carolee Mabee, Alison Powell, and Graceline Sanford, are OTD Students at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.