PT Pro Talk - Ep 217 - POTS for PTs: Subtypes, Vagus Nerve & Exercise with Dr. Jessica Workman

💡 In this episode of PT Pro Talk, host Mariana Parks speaks with Dr. Jessica Workman, PT, DPT, FAAOMPT, FFMT, Partner and Clinical Director at IPA Physio Long Beach. This interview breaks down the physical therapy evaluation and treatment of Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) and dysautonomia - ranging from identifying clinical subtypes and post-viral vagus nerve entrapment to integrating targeted manual therapy and progressive exercise protocols for complex, unresolved cases.

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💭 "If we only do exercises, we're missing a piece of the puzzle." - Dr. Jessica Workman

👉🏻 Dr. Jessica Workman, PT, DPT, FAAOMPT, FFMT, is a Partner and Clinical Director at IPA Physio Long Beach with over a decade of clinical expertise in treating complex, unresolved conditions. Holding degrees in Physiology and Neuroscience from UC San Diego and a Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of St. Augustine, she completed elite advanced fellowships in orthopedic manual therapy and functional manual therapy.

Jessica specializes in complex orthopedic, neurological, and vestibular cases, alongside airway disorders, connective tissue conditions, postpartum recovery, concussion management, and performance optimization. Integrating techniques such as Functional Manual Therapy, Craniosacral Therapy, and Visceral Manipulation, she delivers a compassionate, whole-body approach designed to help patients who feel they have "tried everything" regain their confidence, function, and quality of life.

📚In this episode, you'll learn:

How to spot POTS in your caseload, and the key questions to ask
The main POTS subtypes and how treatment changes for each
Hands-on vagus nerve and fascial work, and what the research shows
Building a POTS exercise plan, from lying down to upright

🔎Dr. Jessica's Resource of Information:

CHUNG, C.; RAJ, S. R. Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS): A Review. JAMA. https://bit.ly/480Spd6
DIEDRICH, A. et al. Transdermal Auricular Vagus Stimulation for the Treatment of POTS. https://bit.ly/4sKDi0Q
INSTITUTE OF PHYSICAL ART. Find a Therapist: CFMTS and IPA Clinics. https://bit.ly/4zzntNg
INSTITUTE OF PHYSICAL ART. Schedule of Courses. https://bit.ly/4iJoDyy
IPA PHYSIO LONG BEACH. Clinic Overview and Specialized Services. https://ipa.physio/lbc/
KWON, H. et al. Vestibular syncope: clinical characteristics and mechanism. https://bit.ly/3WLo4N5
PATEL, R.; LELE, P. Anterior Canal BPPV- A Rare Form of Vertical Canalithiasis: Series of 11 Cases. https://bit.ly/4838Buf
PURTILL, C. Long COVID leaves thousands of L.A. https://lat.ms/4iDIvmD
SEKHON, R. et al. Dizziness in postural tachycardia syndrome and its link to vestibular migraine. https://bit.ly/4jTDmci
STAVRAKIS, S. et al. Noninvasive Vagus Nerve Stimulation in POTS: A Randomized Clinical Trial. https://bit.ly/4C32Drh
THE CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL OF PHILADELPHIA. CHOP Modified Dallas POTS Exercise Program: Patient Handout. https://bit.ly/4iDIEGH
WANG, L. et al. Tragus Nerve Stimulation Attenuates POTS in Post-COVID-19 Infection. https://bit.ly/4BHmiwF

📲 Dr. Jessica's contact information:

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🎥Link to interview on Youtube

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