drtonybriggs

POTS and Exercise: Why It Feels So Hard and How to Progress Safely

Mon, 16 Feb 2026 11:39:24 GMT

Understanding Exercise Intolerance in POTS

f you have POTS and exercise intolerance, you already know the pattern.

You try to move more. You are told exercise will help. Instead, your heart races, you feel dizzy, your thinking slows, and sometimes you crash later that day.

If you have searched:

Why does exercise make POTS worse
Can I exercise with POTS
Best exercise for POTS

You are asking the right questions.

The issue is rarely motivation. It is regulation.

What Is POTS and Exercise Intolerance

POTS and exercise intolerance occur when the autonomic nervous system struggles to adapt to physical exertion.

Exercise requires coordinated regulation of:

• Heart rate
• Blood pressure
• Vascular tone
• Breathing
• Temperature
• Postural muscle activation

In a well regulated system, these processes adjust smoothly.

In POTS, coordination is inefficient.

Heart rate may increase excessively. Blood flow control may fluctuate. Recovery may be prolonged. Symptoms escalate rather than settle.

This is not simply deconditioning. It is autonomic instability.

Why Does Exercise Make POTS Worse

This is one of the most searched questions related to POTS.

Exercise is a stressor.

Standing upright is already a stressor in POTS because the nervous system must fight gravity to maintain cerebral perfusion.

When you layer exercise on top of orthostatic stress, you increase demand on an already unstable system.

The body must:

• Increase cardiac output
• Constrict blood vessels appropriately
• Coordinate vestibular input
• Maintain oxygen delivery
• Regulate autonomic tone

If regulation is inefficient, the heart rate response becomes exaggerated and recovery is delayed.

The tachycardia is compensatory. The system is trying to protect blood flow to the brain.

The Delayed Crash After Exercise

Many people with POTS describe feeling worse hours later.

That delayed crash is a hallmark of poor autonomic recovery.

In a stable system, sympathetic activation rises during exertion and settles afterwards.

In POTS, sympathetic tone can remain elevated. Parasympathetic recovery may be inefficient.

The result is:

• Fatigue
• Brain fog
• Headache
• Worsened dizziness
• Emotional lability

This is why pacing matters more than intensity.

Can I Exercise With POTS

Yes. Most individuals with POTS can exercise.

The key is progression that matches nervous system capacity.

Avoiding all movement can worsen orthostatic intolerance over time. However, pushing through symptoms reinforces instability.

We aim for structured adaptation.

Best Exercise for POTS

The best exercise for POTS in early stages usually reduces gravitational stress.

This may include:

• Recumbent cycling
• Rowing
• Floor based strengthening
• Supine core work
• Gentle resistance training

Why reclined positions?

Because they reduce orthostatic demand while still allowing cardiovascular and muscular conditioning.

As regulation improves, upright tolerance can be increased gradually.

Sequence matters.

POTS and Strength Training

Strength training is particularly useful because muscle contraction assists venous return.

When leg muscles contract, they help move blood back toward the heart.

However, maximal intensity too early often triggers flare cycles.

Structured, controlled progression builds stability.

The goal is improved coordination, not exhaustion.

Exercise Intolerance After Covid

POTS and exercise intolerance after covid have increased significantly in recent years.

Viral illness can disrupt autonomic regulation. Long covid presentations frequently include orthostatic intolerance and post exertional symptom flare.

If exercise intolerance began after covid, it is not random.

It reflects dysregulation within autonomic and brainstem networks.

Understanding this reduces fear and allows structured progression.

What I Assess Before Guiding Exercise

When someone consults with me in Melbourne or online for POTS and exercise intolerance, I assess regulation first.

I evaluate:

• Orthostatic heart rate response
• Vestibular integration
• Postural reflexes
• Oculomotor control
• Autonomic balance
• Sensorimotor coordination

Exercise tolerance improves when nervous system coordination improves.

If integration between brainstem, cerebellum and vascular control becomes more efficient, the system no longer needs to overcompensate.

Can Exercise Tolerance Improve in POTS

Yes.

The nervous system is adaptive.

With structured progression, personalised pacing and targeted neurological input, many patients experience:

• Improved stamina
• Less post exercise crash
• Greater upright tolerance
• Increased confidence in movement

Improvement comes from precision and consistency.

POTS and Exercise Support in Melbourne and Online

If you are searching:

POTS and exercise intolerance Melbourne
Best exercise for POTS Melbourne
Exercise intolerance after covid
Dysautonomia exercise Australia
POTS specialist Melbourne

I offer chiropractic neurological consultations focused on improving autonomic regulation and guiding safe progression.

Sessions are available:

• Face to face in Melbourne
• Online across Australia
• Online worldwide

If exercise has felt destabilising or discouraging, there is usually a neurological explanation.

You do not need to navigate progression alone.

If you would like personalised guidance focused on restoring regulation and rebuilding movement tolerance safely, I invite you t o book a consultation.

Your system can adapt. It simply needs structured input and progression.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does exercise make POTS worse

Exercise increases cardiovascular demand. If autonomic regulation is unstable, heart rate and vascular responses become exaggerated, leading to symptom flare.

Can I exercise with POTS

Yes. Structured progression that respects regulation capacity is key.

What is the best exercise for POTS

Early progression often includes reclined or seated exercise before gradual upright training.

Is cardio bad for POTS

Cardio is not inherently harmful, but intensity and progression must match autonomic stability.

How long does it take to improve exercise tolerance

Progress varies. Consistency and pacing are more important than speed.

Research Articles

Fu Q, Levine B D. Exercise and Non Pharmacological Management of Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome. Autonomic Neuroscience. 2015;188:86 to 89.

Raj S R. Postural Tachycardia Syndrome. Circulation. 2013;127:2336 to 2342.

Arnold A C et al. Postural Tachycardia Syndrome Mechanisms and Management. Journal of the American College of Cardiology. 2018;72:1883 to 1896.

Vernino S et al. Autonomic Disorders. Continuum. 2020;26:44 to 68.

Sheldon R S et al. Heart Rhythm Society Expert Consensus Statement on Postural Tachycardia Syndrome. Heart Rhythm. 2015;12:e41 to e63.

POTS After Covid: Why Long Covid Can Trigger Autonomic Dysfunction

Mon, 16 Feb 2026 11:14:24 GMT

POTS After Covid

POTS after covid is becoming increasingly common.

If you developed a racing heart, dizziness, brain fog or severe fatigue after recovering from covid, you may be experiencing Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome, often referred to as POTS.

Many people search for answers asking, can covid cause POTS? The answer is yes. There is now growing evidence linking long covid and autonomic dysfunction.

What most people are not told is that POTS after covid is not just about heart rate. It is about nervous system regulation.

Can Covid Cause POTS

Yes, covid can trigger POTS in some individuals.

Viral infections place significant stress on the immune system and autonomic nervous system. In susceptible people, this stress disrupts regulation of heart rate, blood vessel tone and circulation.

POTS after covid is defined by an increase in heart rate of thirty beats per minute or more within ten minutes of standing, without a significant drop in blood pressure.

However, the tachycardia is not the root cause. It is the nervous system attempting to compensate for impaired regulation.

This is why POTS and long covid are frequently discussed together.

Why Long Covid Is Linked to Dysautonomia

Long covid symptoms often include:

• Heart racing when standing
• Dizziness
• Brain fog
• Fatigue
• Exercise intolerance
• Temperature sensitivity

These are hallmark features of dysautonomia.

Dysautonomia after covid occurs when autonomic centres in the brainstem and connected neural networks fail to regulate efficiently. Blood flow control becomes unstable. The system overreacts.

When you stand, the body struggles to maintain stable cerebral perfusion. The heart rate rises aggressively to compensate.

POTS after covid is therefore a regulation disorder, not simply a cardiac issue.

What Is Happening in the Nervous System

To understand POTS after covid, we need to look at brain regulation.

Standing upright requires coordination between:

• Brainstem autonomic centres
• Vestibular system
• Cerebellum
• Cortical networks
• Peripheral vascular control

If communication between these systems becomes inefficient, symptoms emerge.

Your nervous system increases heart rate in an attempt to protect blood flow to the brain. Fatigue and brain fog follow because regulation remains unstable.

This is why many people describe long covid POTS as feeling like their system never reset.

Does POTS After Covid Go Away

One of the most common questions I hear is: does POTS after covid go away?

For many people, improvement is possible.

The nervous system is adaptive. With appropriate guidance, regulation can improve over time. Progress requires structured pacing, precision and consistency.

The goal is not to force adaptation. It is to improve coordination within the autonomic system so that standing and movement feel stable again.

My Neurological Approach to POTS After Covid

When someone consults with me for POTS after covid in Melbourne or online, I focus on nervous system regulation.

I assess:

• Vestibular integration
• Postural reflexes
• Oculomotor coordination
• Autonomic balance
• Sensorimotor processing

Your personalised program may include:

• Targeted neurological stimulation
• Balance and vestibular integration
• Postural retraining
• Graduated movement progression
• Structured pacing to reduce flare cycles

Rather than focusing solely on heart rate, we focus on restoring efficient communication between the brain and cardiovascular system.

As regulation improves, many patients report clearer thinking, improved stamina and greater upright tolerance.

POTS Specialist Melbourne and Online

If you are searching for:

POTS after covid Melbourne
POTS specialist Melbourne
Long covid POTS support
Dysautonomia Melbourne
Online consultation for POTS Australia

I offer:

• Face to face consultations in Melbourne
• Online sessions across Australia
• Online consultations worldwide

If you are ready to focus on restoring nervous system regulation rather than chasing symptoms, I invite you to book a consultation.

Your nervous system can adapt. It needs structured guidance and the right input.

Frequently Asked Questions About POTS After Covid

Can covid cause POTS

Yes. Viral stress and immune activation can disrupt autonomic regulation, leading to POTS after covid in some individuals.

Is long covid the same as POTS

Not always. Long covid may include POTS as one component, particularly when orthostatic tachycardia and autonomic instability are present.

How long does POTS last after covid

Duration varies. Some improve within months, while others require structured support to improve autonomic regulation.

Is POTS after covid permanent

Many individuals experience meaningful improvement when nervous system regulation is supported appropriately.

Research Articles

Blitshteyn S, Whitelaw S. Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome and Other Autonomic Disorders After COVID 19 Infection. Clinical Autonomic Research. 2021;31:389 to 391.

Raj S R, Arnold A C, Barboi A, et al. Long COVID and Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome. Nature Reviews Cardiology. 2021;18:763 to 765.

Johansson M et al. Multisystem Involvement in Post Acute Sequelae of COVID 19. Nature Medicine. 2021;27:601 to 615.

Arnold A C et al. Postural Tachycardia Syndrome Mechanisms and Management. Journal of the American College of Cardiology. 2018;72:1883 to 1896.

Vernino S et al. Autonomic Disorders. Continuum. 2020;26:44 to 68.

Why POTS Is More Than a Heart Rate Condition

Mon, 16 Feb 2026 11:06:02 GMT

Understanding the Nervous System

f you have been diagnosed with POTS, you have likely been told that your heart rate rises too much when you stand.

That is technically correct.

But it is also incomplete.

Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome is not simply a heart rate issue. It is a nervous system regulation disorder. The rise in heart rate is a symptom of something deeper happening in your autonomic system.

When you understand that, the entire picture shifts.

What Is Actually Happening in POTS

POTS is diagnosed when heart rate increases by thirty beats per minute or more within ten minutes of standing, without a significant drop in blood pressure. This is often identified using an active stand test or tilt table test.

However, your heart does not decide on its own to accelerate.

Your brain does.

The autonomic nervous system, controlled primarily by centres in the brainstem and connected networks throughout the brain, regulates:

• Heart rate
• Blood vessel tone
• Blood pressure
• Breathing
• Temperature regulation
• Digestion
• Energy distribution
• Stress responses

When this system becomes dysregulated, your body struggles to adapt to upright posture.

Standing becomes a neurological stressor.

Why Heart Rate Rises So Quickly

When you stand, gravity pulls blood toward the lower body. In a well regulated system, blood vessels constrict and heart rate adjusts slightly to maintain stable blood flow to the brain.

In POTS, this coordination is inefficient.

The brain receives signals that circulation is insufficient. It responds by increasing heart rate aggressively to compensate. The response is not random. It is protective.

Your nervous system is trying to maintain cerebral perfusion.

The tachycardia is a strategy, not the root problem.

POTS Is About Regulation

I often explain to patients that POTS is a regulation issue.

Your system is either over responding or responding inefficiently to posture and sensory input.

This involves communication between:

• Brainstem autonomic centres
• Vestibular system
• Cerebellum
• Cortex
• Peripheral vascular control

If these systems are not integrating smoothly, symptoms emerge.

This is why patients experience far more than a racing heart.

Common Symptoms Beyond Heart Rate

People with POTS frequently report:

• Brain fog
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Exercise intolerance
• Temperature sensitivity
• Digestive disturbance
• Headaches
• Internal shakiness
• Anxiety like sensations

These are all regulated through the autonomic nervous system.

When regulation is unstable, multiple systems are affected.

Why Simply Slowing the Heart Is Not Enough

If we focus only on suppressing heart rate, we miss the larger picture.

Your body increased heart rate for a reason.

The more productive question is this:

Why is your nervous system struggling to regulate posture and circulation efficiently?

When we focus on improving coordination within the nervous system, the compensatory heart rate response often becomes less extreme.

My Neurological Perspective

In my work, I assess how your nervous system is processing sensory information, integrating balance input and coordinating autonomic responses.

I look at:

• Vestibular integration
• Postural reflexes
• Oculomotor control
• Autonomic balance
• Sensorimotor integration

The goal is to improve regulation at the neurological level.

When communication between brain centres becomes more efficient, the system no longer needs to overcompensate.

This is not about forcing adaptation. It is about guiding it.

Why POTS Is Increasing

There has been a noticeable increase in POTS presentations in recent years.

Common triggers include:

• Viral infections including covid
• Concussion
• Prolonged stress
• Immune activation
• Hormonal changes
• Deconditioning after illness

In many cases, a stressor disrupts autonomic balance and the system does not fully recalibrate.

The nervous system remains in a protective state.

Understanding this allows us to approach recovery more intelligently.

Can Regulation Improve

Yes.

The nervous system is adaptive. With the right input, it can reorganise and become more efficient.

Improvement does not come from pushing through symptoms. It comes from precise, progressive stimulation and structured pacing.

As regulation improves, many patients report better upright tolerance, clearer thinking and more stable energy.

If You Are Living with POTS

If you feel that your diagnosis explained the label but not the mechanism, you are not alone.

POTS is more than a heart rate condition.

It is a nervous system regulation challenge.

If you are looking for support in Melbourne, or online across Australia and worldwide , I offer neurological consultations focused on restoring regulation and improving resilience.

You can book a session and begin addressing the system behind the symptoms.

Research Articles

Raj S R. Postural Tachycardia Syndrome. Circulation. 2013;127:2336 to 2342.

Sheldon R S et al. Heart Rhythm Society Expert Consensus Statement on Postural Tachycardia Syndrome. Heart Rhythm. 2015;12:e41 to e63.

Arnold A C et al. Postural Tachycardia Syndrome Mechanisms and Management. Journal of the American College of Cardiology. 2018;72:1883 to 1896.

Vernino S et al. Autonomic Disorders. Continuum. 2020;26:44 to 68.

Freeman R et al. Consensus Statement on the Definition of Orthostatic Hypotension and Related Disorders. Clinical Autonomic Research. 2011;21:69 to 72.

POTS Symptoms Explained: Early Signs, Brain Fog and Fatigue

Tue, 10 Feb 2026 11:19:06 GMT

Understanding What Your Body Is Telling You

If you have been searching for POTS symptoms, you may already feel that something is not right.

Your heart races when you stand. You feel dizzy. Your head feels foggy. Your energy disappears quickly. You may have been told your heart is normal, yet you still feel unstable.

Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome, known as POTS, is increasingly recognised worldwide. The condition is often misunderstood because it presents across multiple systems.

Understanding the early signs of POTS is the first step toward clarity.

What Are the Symptoms of POTS

POTS symptoms occur when the autonomic nervous system struggles to regulate heart rate and circulation during upright posture.

The most recognised feature is an increase in heart rate of thirty beats per minute or more within ten minutes of standing.

However, POTS symptoms extend far beyond heart rate.

Common symptoms include:

• Rapid heart rate when standing
• Dizziness or light headedness
• Brain fog
• Persistent fatigue
• Exercise intolerance
• Headaches
• Temperature sensitivity
• Digestive changes
• Nausea
• Internal shakiness
• Anxiety like sensations
• Shortness of breath when upright

These symptoms can fluctuate, which makes the condition confusing and often distressing.

Early Signs of POTS

Early signs of POTS are often subtle and may be dismissed.

You might notice:

• Feeling faint when standing quickly
• Needing to sit down more often
• Difficulty concentrating when upright
• Unusual fatigue after minor exertion
• Heart pounding after standing
• Feeling worse in warm environments

Many people report that symptoms began after a viral illness, concussion, prolonged stress or hormonal shift.

If these early signs are ignored, symptoms may gradually become more persistent.

POTS Brain Fog Explained

Brain fog is one of the most commonly searched POTS symptoms.

Patients describe:

• Slower thinking
• Difficulty finding words
• Poor short term memory
• Trouble focusing
• Feeling mentally detached

Why does POTS cause brain fog?

When autonomic regulation is unstable, blood flow to the brain can fluctuate during upright posture. The nervous system increases heart rate in an attempt to maintain cerebral perfusion.

If regulation remains inefficient, cognitive clarity suffers.

Brain fog in POTS is not psychological. It reflects autonomic instability.

POTS Fatigue and Exercise Intolerance

POTS fatigue is often profound.

This is not simple tiredness. It is a sense that energy drops abruptly when upright. Many patients feel better lying down.

Exercise intolerance is common. Even light activity can provoke symptom flares.

This occurs because autonomic recovery mechanisms are inefficient. Instead of adapting smoothly to exertion, the nervous system overreacts.

Understanding this prevents patients from blaming themselves.

Your system is working hard. It simply needs better coordination.

Why POTS Symptoms Affect So Many Systems

POTS is a disorder of autonomic regulation.

The autonomic nervous system controls:

• Heart rate
• Blood pressure
• Vascular tone
• Breathing patterns
• Digestion
• Temperature control
• Energy distribution

When regulation becomes unstable, symptoms appear across multiple systems.

This is why POTS symptoms can feel unpredictable.

POTS Symptoms in Women

POTS is more common in women, particularly between adolescence and middle adulthood.

Hormonal fluctuations may influence autonomic tone. Many women report symptom changes during menstrual cycles, pregnancy or perimenopause.

Understanding this pattern helps contextualise symptom variability.

When to Seek Assessment

If you recognise multiple POTS symptoms, particularly:

• Heart racing when standing
• Dizziness
• Brain fog
• Fatigue that improves when lying down

It is worth seeking proper evaluation.

An active stand test or tilt table test is often used for diagnosis. However, understanding the broader regulation picture is equally important.

My Perspective on POTS Symptoms

When someone consults with me for POTS in Melbourne or online, I do not look at heart rate alone.

I assess how the nervous system is integrating sensory input, regulating posture and coordinating autonomic responses.

This includes evaluating:

• Vestibular integration
• Postural reflexes
• Oculomotor coordination
• Autonomic balance
• Sensorimotor processing

The goal is to improve regulation so symptoms become less disruptive over time.

As coordination improves, many patients report clearer thinking, more stable energy and improved upright tolerance.

POTS Melbourne and Online Consultations

If you are searching for:

POTS symptoms Melbourne
POTS specialist Melbourne
Brain fog and POTS
Fatigue and POTS
Dysautonomia Melbourne

I offer consultations:

• Face to face in Melbourne
• Online across Australia
• Online worldwide

If you would like clarity around your symptoms and guidance focused on restoring nervous system regulation, I invite you to book a session.

Your symptoms are not random. They reflect a system that needs structured support.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the first signs of POTS

Early signs often include dizziness when standing, heart pounding, brain fog and unusual fatigue.

Is POTS just anxiety

No. While symptoms may overlap, POTS is an autonomic regulation disorder involving measurable heart rate changes.

Can POTS cause severe fatigue

Yes. POTS fatigue is common and often improves when lying down.

Does POTS cause brain fog

Yes. Brain fog is one of the most frequently reported symptoms.

Research Articles

Raj S R. Postural Tachycardia Syndrome. Circulation. 2013;127:2336 to 2342.

Sheldon R S et al. Heart Rhythm Society Expert Consensus Statement on Postural Tachycardia Syndrome. Heart Rhythm. 2015;12:e41 to e63.

Arnold A C et al. Postural Tachycardia Syndrome Mechanisms and Management. Journal of the American College of Cardiology. 2018;72:1883 to 1896.

Vernino S et al. Autonomic Disorders. Continuum. 2020;26:44 to 68.

Freeman R et al. Consensus Statement on the Definition of Orthostatic Hypotension and Related Disorders. Clinical Autonomic Research. 2011;21:69 to 72.

POTS Treatment in Melbourne and Online Australia Wide

Mon, 02 Feb 2026 10:56:38 GMT

A POTS Neurological Functional Approach with Dr Tony Briggs

If you have been diagnosed with POTS, or suspect you may have it, you already know how disruptive it can be.

Standing feels overwhelming. Your heart races. Your head feels foggy. Your energy disappears quickly. You may look fine on the outside, yet internally your system feels unstable and unpredictable.

Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome, or POTS, is often described as a heart rate condition. Clinically, it involves an increase in heart rate of thirty beats per minute or more within ten minutes of standing. But what I want you to understand is that POTS is fundamentally a nervous system regulation disorder.

Your brain and autonomic nervous system control posture, circulation, balance, energy production and stress responses. When this system becomes dysregulated, standing upright becomes physiologically stressful.

That is where my neurological functional approach comes in.

Why I Focus on the Brain in POTS

Every time you stand, your brain must coordinate blood vessel tone, heart rate, muscle activation and sensory integration in milliseconds. This involves the brainstem, cerebellum, vestibular system and autonomic pathways working together seamlessly.

If that communication is inefficient, your body overcompensates.

Your heart rate spikes. Blood pools in the lower body. You feel dizzy, fatigued or mentally foggy. Over time, your nervous system can remain in a heightened stress pattern.

In my practice, I focus on improving how your brain regulates these systems rather than simply managing symptoms.

Instead of asking how we suppress your tachycardia, I ask how we improve your regulation.

How I Work With POTS

My neurological functional method is designed to strengthen and retrain specific neural pathways involved in posture, circulation and autonomic balance.

Depending on your presentation, your program may include:

• Targeted neurological stimulation
• Vestibular and balance integration
• Postural retraining
• Sensory integration strategies
• Graduated movement progressions to build upright tolerance
• Structured pacing to reduce flare cycles

Everything is personalised. I do not push you beyond what your nervous system can adapt to. The goal is progressive regulation, not exhaustion.

As your system becomes more efficient at processing sensory input and coordinating vascular responses, many patients report improvements in stamina, mental clarity and resilience.

Common POTS Symptoms I See in Clinic

POTS is rarely just one symptom. It often presents with:

• Rapid heart rate on standing
• Dizziness or light headedness
• Brain fog
• Fatigue and exercise intolerance
• Temperature sensitivity
• Digestive irregularities
• Internal shakiness or anxiety

Because POTS affects multiple systems, an integrated neurological approach is often more effective than addressing each symptom in isolation.

POTS and Long Covid

There has been a significant rise in POTS following viral infections, including long covid. In many cases, the virus acts as a stressor that disrupts autonomic regulation. The nervous system remains in a maladaptive state even after the acute infection resolves.

Supporting nervous system integration and autonomic balance can be particularly important in these cases.

Can POTS Improve

Yes, many people experience meaningful improvement when the nervous system is supported appropriately. Progress requires structure, consistency and individualised pacing.

This is not about forcing your body to tolerate stress. It is about retraining your system so standing, moving and living feel stable again.

Work With Me

If you are searching for POTS treatment in Melbourne, or looking for a neurological approach to POTS online in Australia or worldwide, I can help.

I offer:

• Face to face sessions in Melbourne
• Online consultations across Australia
• Online sessions worldwide

If you are ready to move beyond symptom chasing and focus on restoring regulation, I invite you to book a session at www.drtonybriggs.com

Your nervous system can adapt. It just needs the right input.

Book your consultation today and let us begin the process of rebuilding stability, clarity and resili ence.

Referances

Raj S R. Postural Tachycardia Syndrome. Circulation. 2013;127:2336 to 2342.
Sheldon R S et al. 2015 Heart Rhythm Society Expert Consensus Statement on the Diagnosis and Treatment of Postural Tachycardia Syndrome. Heart Rhythm. 2015;12:e41 to e63.
Arnold A C et al. Postural Tachycardia Syndrome Mechanisms and Management. Journal of the American College of Cardiology. 2018;72:1883 to 1896.
Vernino S et al. Autonomic Disorders. Continuum. 2020;26:44 to 68.
Freeman R et al. Consensus Statement on the Definition of Orthostatic Hypotension and Related Disorders. Clinical Autonomic Research. 2011;21:69 to 72.

POTS and Anxiety: Why They Are Often Confused

Mon, 19 Jan 2026 11:30:48 GMT

Understanding the Nervous System Difference

One of the most common things I hear from patients with POTS is this:

“I was told it was anxiety.”

If you have been searching POTS and anxiety, heart racing anxiety or POTS, or wondering whether your symptoms are panic attacks, you are not alone.

POTS and anxiety can look similar on the surface. Rapid heart rate. Light headedness. Internal shakiness. Shortness of breath. Feeling overwhelmed.

But they are not the same condition.

Understanding the difference matters.

Why POTS Is Often Misdiagnosed as Anxiety

POTS, or Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome, is defined by an increase in heart rate of thirty beats per minute or more within ten minutes of standing.

Anxiety does not require posture change.

That distinction is critical.

Many people with POTS notice:

• Heart racing when standing
• Symptoms improving when lying down
• Dizziness triggered by heat or prolonged standing
• Fatigue that feels physical rather than emotional

Because symptoms can include palpitations and shakiness, POTS is frequently misdiagnosed as anxiety.

However, POTS is an autonomic nervous system regulation disorder.

What Is Actually Happening in POTS

In POTS, the autonomic nervous system struggles to regulate heart rate and vascular tone when you move to an upright position.

Your brain senses reduced circulation and increases heart rate aggressively to maintain blood flow.

The tachycardia is compensatory.

Your nervous system is trying to protect cerebral perfusion.

That rapid heart rate can feel like panic. But the mechanism is different.

In anxiety disorders, heart rate increases because of emotional or cognitive triggers. In POTS, heart rate increases because of orthostatic stress.

Can POTS Cause Anxiety Like Symptoms

Yes.

POTS can produce symptoms that feel like anxiety, including:

• Palpitations
• Internal tremor
• Sweating
• Shortness of breath
• Feeling on edge

When the autonomic nervous system is unstable, sympathetic activation can increase. This can create sensations similar to panic.

The important distinction is this:

In POTS, symptoms are often posture dependent.

If lying down significantly reduces symptoms, autonomic dysfunction should be considered.

Heart Racing: Anxiety or POTS

People frequently search heart racing anxiety or POTS because the sensation can feel identical.

Here is a useful distinction:

In POTS
Heart rate increases when standing
Symptoms improve when lying down
There is measurable orthostatic tachycardia

In anxiety
Heart rate increases in response to stress or thoughts
Posture is less relevant
There is no consistent orthostatic pattern

This does not mean someone cannot have both. Some individuals with POTS also develop secondary anxiety because living with unpredictable symptoms is stressful.

But mislabelling autonomic dysfunction as primary anxiety delays proper understanding.

Why the Confusion Happens

Both anxiety and POTS involve the autonomic nervous system.

The autonomic system regulates:

• Heart rate
• Blood pressure
• Breathing
• Stress responses

When this system is dysregulated, symptoms overlap.

However, in POTS the dysregulation is driven by impaired integration between the brainstem, vestibular system, cerebellum and vascular control mechanisms.

It is a regulation issue, not simply an emotional response.

My Perspective on POTS and Anxiety

When someone consults with me in Melbourne or online for POTS and anxiety symptoms, I look beyond the label.

I assess:

• Orthostatic heart rate response
• Vestibular integration
• Postural reflexes
• Oculomotor coordination
• Autonomic balance
• Sensorimotor processing

The goal is to understand whether symptoms are posture driven and regulation based.

As nervous system coordination improves, many patients report reduced palpitations, improved clarity and greater stability when upright.

When regulation improves, the body no longer needs to overcompensate.

When to Consider POTS Instead of Anxiety

If you experience:

• Heart racing primarily when standing
• Dizziness that improves lying down
• Brain fog when upright
• Fatigue that is posture dependent

It may be worth exploring autonomic dysfunction rather than assuming anxiety is the primary cause.

An active stand test or tilt table test can provide objective data.

POTS Support in Melbourne and Online

If you are searching:

POTS and anxiety Melbourne
POTS misdiagnosed as anxiety
Heart racing anxiety or POTS
Dysautonomia Melbourne
POTS specialist Melbourne

I offer chiropractic neurological consultations:

• Face to face in Melbourne
• Online acr oss Australia
• Online worldwide

If you would like clarity around your symptoms and guidance focused on restoring nervous system regulation, I invite you to book a consultation.

Your symptoms are not imaginary. They reflect a system that may need structured support.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is POTS just anxiety

No. POTS is defined by measurable orthostatic tachycardia and autonomic dysfunction.

Can anxiety cause POTS

Anxiety does not cause the diagnostic criteria of POTS, though stress can influence autonomic tone.

Can you have both POTS and anxiety

Yes. Living with autonomic instability can increase psychological stress.

How do I know if my heart racing is POTS

If it is consistently triggered by standing and improves when lying down, autonomic testing may be appropriate.

Research Articles

Raj S R. Postural Tachycardia Syndrome. Circulation. 2013;127:2336 to 2342.

Sheldon R S et al. Heart Rhythm Society Expert Consensus Statement on Postural Tachycardia Syndrome. Heart Rhythm. 2015;12:e41 to e63.

Arnold A C et al. Postural Tachycardia Syndrome Mechanisms and Management. Journal of the American College of Cardiology. 2018;72:1883 to 1896.

Vernino S et al. Autonomic Disorders. Continuum. 2020;26:44 to 68.

Freeman R et al. Consensus Statement on the Definition of Orthostatic Hypotension and Related Disorders. Clinical Autonomic Research. 2011;21:69 to 72.

Advanced Healing with Medical LASER Therapy

Thu, 25 Dec 2025 02:07:10 GMT

How I Use the Erchonia EVL and ASA MLS LASERS to Support Faster Recovery and Better Neurological Function

As a neuro rehabilitation chiropractor, I work with people who want more than short term symptom relief. They want to understand the root cause of pain, balance problems, or neurological symptoms, and they want care that helps the body function better over time.

LASER therapy is one of the key tools I use to support this process. By integrating chiropractic care, functional neurology, and advanced LASER technology, I can support the nervous system, reduce inflammation, and accelerate healing in a way that is gentle, precise, and effective.

The Erchonia EVL LASER and the ASA MLS LASER are devices I use regularly because they consistently help people recover faster, move more freely, and experience deeper and longer lasting change.

What LASER Therapy Is and How It Works

LASER therapy, also known as photobiomodulation, uses specific wavelengths of light to stimulate cellular repair and improve energy production within tissues. This process helps reduce inflammation, supports nerve healing, and enhances circulation, making it a powerful addition to neurological and musculoskeletal care.

You may benefit from LASER therapy if you are looking for:

• Faster recovery from injury
• Reduced pain and inflammation
• Improved nerve function
• Better mobility and balance
• Support during concussion or neurological rehabilitation

LASER therapy is non invasive, painless, and suitable for all ages.

The Erchonia EVL LASER

Cold LASER for Inflammation, Pain Relief, and Neurological Support

The Erchonia EVL LASER is a low level cold LASER that uses red 635 nm and violet 405 nm wavelengths to stimulate healing without heat. It is FDA cleared for reducing chronic pain and is one of the most effective tools I use for neurological conditions.

How the EVL LASER Helps

• Reduces inflammation and calms irritated nerves
• Supports nerve regeneration and communication
• Enhances blood flow and tissue repair
• Assists recovery following concussion
• Reduces oxidative stress within cells
• Provides antimicrobial support through violet light

Conditions Commonly Supported with the EVL LASER

• Concussion and post concussion concerns
• Vestibular and balance difficulties
• Chronic neck and back pain
• Peripheral neuropathy
• Postural strain and muscle tension
• Soft tissue injuries

This is a gentle and precise therapy that helps the nervous system settle and recover.

The ASA MLS LASER

Deep Tissue LASER for Advanced Pain Relief and Tissue Repair

The ASA MLS LASER is a Class IV therapeutic LASER designed to reach deeper tissues and stimulate more robust cellular repair. It delivers pain relief while supporting tissue healing at the same time, making it well suited for long standing injuries or chronic inflammation.

Benefits of the MLS LASER

• Significant pain reduction
• Faster healing of muscles tendons and ligaments
• Reduced swelling and stiffness
• Improved mobility and function
• Short and comfortable treatment sessions

Conditions Commonly Supported with the MLS LASER

• Sports injuries and muscle tears
• Tendon irritation bursitis and plantar fasciitis
• Post surgical recovery
• Arthritis and joint degeneration
• Disc related pain and sciatica
• Chronic pain presentations

This LASER is particularly helpful for people who feel stuck in a slow or incomplete healing cycle.

Why I Combine LASER Therapy with Neuro Rehabilitation and Chiropractic Care

My focus is always on how the brain and nervous system coordinate movement, balance, and healing. LASER therapy integrates seamlessly into this approach because it prepares tissues for change and supports the nervous system during rehabilitation.

Using LASER therapy alongside chiropractic adjustments and neurological retraining helps to:

• Reduce inflammation in irritated tissues
• Make adjustments more comfortable and effective
• Improve proprioception and neural communication
• Support vestibular and balance systems
• Reduce post treatment soreness
• Enhance long term healing and stability

This integrated approach helps restore balance within the system and allows the body to heal more efficiently.

Who LASER Therapy May Be Suitable For

LASER therapy may be appropriate if you experience:

• Persistent or recurring pain
• Slow healing after injury or surgery
• Concussion related symptoms
• Balance or coordination difficulties
• Nerve irritation or neuropathy
• Muscle tightness or restricted movement
• Chronic inflammation

Your care plan is always individualised and guided by a comprehensive neurological and musculoskeletal assessment.

Book a Consultation

If you would like to explore whether LASER therapy is appropriate for your needs, or you are looking for a care approach that integrates hands on treatment with advanced neuro rehabilitation strategies, you can book a consultation to discuss your symptoms, goals, and recovery plan.

Balance Issues What Causes Dizziness Vertigo and Ongoing Unsteadiness

dr.anthony.briggs@icloud.com (Anthony Briggs) — Wed, 24 Dec 2025 05:35:30 GMT

Balance Issues and Dizziness Explained How to Treat Vertigo and Restore Stability

Balance issues can affect every part of daily life. When you feel dizzy, unsteady, or disoriented, even simple movements can become challenging. Many people are told that scans are normal or that symptoms will resolve on their own, yet balance problems often persist.

In my clinical work, I see balance issues as a neurological communication problem rather than a purely inner ear condition. Balance relies on the brain accurately integrating information from multiple systems, and when this process is disrupted, symptoms appear.

How balance works in the body

Your sense of balance depends on three key systems working together:

The vestibular system in the inner ear which detects head movement and spatial orientation
The visual system which provides feedback about motion and environment
The proprioceptive system from muscles and joints which tells the brain where the body is in space

When these systems communicate effectively, balance feels automatic. When one or more systems stop integrating correctly, dizziness and unsteadiness can develop.

Common causes of balance issues

Balance problems can arise from a wide range of triggers. Common causes include inner ear infections or inflammation, vestibular neuritis or labyrinthitis, concussion or head injury, whiplash and neck trauma, stroke or other neurological conditions, chronic stress and nervous system overload, and poor sensory integration between the eyes inner ear and body.

Even when the initial injury or infection resolves, the brain may remain locked into an inefficient pattern. This is often referred to as vestibular dysfunction and is a common reason balance issues continue.

Symptoms linked to dizziness and vertigo

Balance issues present differently for each person. Symptoms may include dizziness or vertigo, a sense of swaying or rocking, blurred or unstable vision during head movement, nausea or motion sensitivity, difficulty concentrating, mental fatigue, anxiety linked to movement, and reduced confidence when walking or turning.

These symptoms reflect altered neurological processing rather than weakness or lack of effort.

Why dizziness and unsteadiness persist

The brain learns balance through repeated sensory feedback. When that feedback is distorted due to injury infection or inflammation, the brain can adapt incorrectly. Over time, the nervous system may become over protective or poorly coordinated.

Without targeted neurological rehabilitation, these patterns may persist even when the original cause has resolved.

How I approach balance rehabilitation

My approach begins with a detailed neurological and functional assessment to identify where sensory integration has broken down. The goal is to restore accurate communication between the brain inner ear eyes and body.

Care is tailored to the individual and may include vestibular rehabilitation exercises to improve balance and gaze stability, neurological chiropractic adjustments to support brain body communication, eye and head coordination training to reduce motion related dizziness, medical laser therapy to support neural recovery and reduce inflammation, and balance and proprioceptive retraining to rebuild trust in movement.

What recovery looks like

Recovery from balance issues is typically gradual and progressive. As the nervous system adapts, many people notice fewer dizzy episodes, improved steadiness when walking, clearer vision with movement, reduced fatigue, and increased confidence in daily activities.

Care is guided at a pace that supports nervous system regulation and long term improvement.

When to seek help for balance problems

If dizziness vertigo or unsteadiness persists beyond a few weeks, worsens over time, or interferes with daily life, further assessment is important. Ongoing balance issues are not something you need to simply accept.

With the right neurological support, the brain has a strong capacity to adapt and regain balance.

Restore stability and confidence

If balance issues dizziness or vertigo are limiting your quality of life, targeted neurological care can help. By addressing the root causes of balance dysfunction, it is possible to restore stability confidence and ease of movement.

Book an appointment today to begin a focused neurological approach to resolving balance issues and regaining control in your body.

The Benefits of Good Posture at Work

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 02:11:43 GMT

How posture affects pain focus energy and nervous system function

Poor posture at work is one of the most common contributors to ongoing neck pain back pain headaches fatigue and reduced concentration. Many people assume posture is just about sitting up straight, but from a neurological and chiropractic perspective, posture directly influences how your brain and nervous system function throughout the day.

I see posture as a foundation for movement stability energy regulation and nervous system efficiency. When posture is compromised for long periods, particularly in desk based work, the body adapts in ways that often lead to pain stiffness and reduced performance.

Why posture matters more than you think

Posture is how your body organises itself against gravity. Every joint muscle and nerve relies on this organisation to function efficiently. When posture is balanced, muscles work with less effort, joints move more freely, and the nervous system receives clear accurate information.

When posture is poor, especially during prolonged sitting or screen use, the body compensates. This increases strain through the neck shoulders spine and hips and alters how the brain processes sensory input from the body.

Over time, these compensations can lead to chronic discomfort and nervous system overload.

Common problems linked to poor workplace posture

Poor posture at work is often associated with neck and shoulder tension, headaches or migraines, upper and lower back pain, stiffness or reduced spinal mobility, fatigue or heaviness through the body, brain fog or reduced concentration, and a feeling of being unsettled or drained by the end of the day.

These are not isolated muscle issues. They reflect how posture affects the entire neuromusculoskeletal system.

How posture affects the nervous system

Your nervous system constantly monitors joint position muscle tension and balance through sensory receptors in the spine and body. When posture is collapsed or asymmetrical for long periods, this feedback becomes distorted.

The brain responds by increasing muscle tension for stability and reducing efficiency in movement and coordination. This can contribute to pain balance issues fatigue and reduced cognitive clarity.

Improving posture helps restore clearer communication between the brain and body.

Good posture supports energy and focus

When posture is aligned, the body uses less energy to stay upright. Breathing becomes easier circulation improves and muscles fatigue less quickly. Many people notice improved concentration reduced brain fog and better endurance throughout the workday when posture is addressed.

Good posture also supports better stress regulation by reducing unnecessary load on the nervous system.

Practical posture principles for work

Good posture does not mean rigid or forced positioning. It means creating a balanced position that allows movement and variation.

Key principles include keeping the head stacked over the shoulders rather than forward, allowing the shoulders to relax rather than round, maintaining a neutral spine with gentle curves, keeping feet grounded for stability, and changing position regularly to avoid prolonged strain.

Movement is just as important as alignment.

How chiropractic care supports posture correction

Chiropractic care plays an important role in improving posture by addressing joint restriction muscle tension and nervous system coordination. If the spine or neck is stiff or irritated, maintaining good posture becomes difficult regardless of effort.

Through targeted assessment and care, chiropractic treatment helps restore mobility improve spinal alignment and enhance proprioception so the body naturally holds itself in a more efficient position.

Postural retraining combined with neurological input supports long term change rather than temporary correction.

When posture related issues need support

If you experience ongoing neck or back pain headaches fatigue or reduced focus despite ergonomic changes, your posture may be a sign of underlying nervous system or spinal dysfunction.

Addressing posture early can prevent long term pain patterns and improve comfort productivity and wellbeing at work.

Improve posture improve performance

Good posture at work is not about discipline. It is about supporting your body and nervous system so they can function efficiently. When posture improves, pain reduces movement becomes easier and energy is conserved throughout the day.

If work related posture is contributing to pain fatigue or reduced focus, book an appointment to assess how your posture and nervous system are functioning and take the first step toward lasting improvement.

Solving Motion Sickness and Vertigo Understanding Causes and Recovery

Mon, 01 Dec 2025 10:19:17 GMT

Understanding why dizziness and motion sensitivity occur and how neurological care restores balance

Motion sickness and vertigo can disrupt daily life and make activities you once enjoyed feel difficult or unsafe. Whether you feel nauseous in cars or planes or dizzy without movement, these sensations are not simply imagined or something you must accept forever. They are signals that the nervous system is processing sensory information inaccurately and that targeted care can help restore balance and comfort.

I see motion sickness and vertigo as neurological balance issues that often involve the vestibular system inner ear sensory integration vision and nervous system regulation. My approach focuses on understanding why these symptoms occur and how we can support your brain and body to work together more effectively again.

What motion sickness and vertigo really are

Motion sickness occurs when there is a mismatch between sensory inputs your brain receives. For example when the inner ear senses movement but your eyes and body do not see or feel the same motion the brain interprets this conflict as ‘danger.’ Your nervous system responds with nausea dizziness and imbalance as a protective reaction.

Vertigo is a specific type of dizziness that creates a false perception of spinning or movement even when you are still. It often arises from the vestibular system in the inner ear but can also involve sensory feedback from the neck eyes and proprioceptive system. This miscommunication between sensory inputs and the brain can result in intense dizziness nausea balance problems and sensitivity to motion or visual patterns.

Common triggers of motion sickness and vertigo

Motion sickness can appear in cars boats airplanes and virtual reality environments. It can also occur with reading or screen use while moving. Vertigo is commonly linked to inner ear dysfunction vestibular neuritis benign positional vertigo sensory integration disruption concussion neck problems and chronic imbalance.

Both conditions involve sensory conflict and nervous system overload. When the brain receives conflicting signals from the inner ear eyes and body the nervous system struggles to accurately orient you in space. This can lead to nausea imbalance dizziness and a feeling that the world is moving around you.

Why these symptoms can persist

After an initial trigger such as a head injury infection inflammation or prolonged motion exposure the nervous system can become overly sensitive or slow to recalibrate. Even when the original trigger is resolved dizziness nausea imbalance and motion sensitivity can continue because the brain is still interpreting sensory signals incorrectly.

Vestibular dysfunction sensory integration difficulty and neurological imbalance are common reasons symptoms continue long term.

How chiropractic and neurological care can help

Chiropractic care plays a valuable role in addressing motion sickness and vertigo by improving nervous system regulation sensory integration and physical alignment. I begin with a detailed neurological and functional assessment to understand how your vestibular vision and proprioceptive systems are communicating with your brain.

Care is individualised and can include:

Gentle chiropractic adjustments to improve neck and spine function and reduce physical tension that can interfere with nervous system signals
Vestibular rehabilitation exercises to help retrain eye head coordination balance control and spatial orientation
Movement based neurological exercises to support sensory integration motor control and neuroplasticity the brain’s ability to adapt after disruption
Postural training to correct movement patterns that reinforce sensory mismatch and overload
Targeted balance training to reduce dizziness motion sensitivity and improve confidence in movement

These therapies help the brain relearn accurate sensory mapping so that signals from the inner ear eyes and body are interpreted correctly again. As balance control improves dizziness nausea and motion sensitivity lessen.

What recovery feels like

Recovery from motion sickness or vertigo is a gradual process. As your nervous system recalibrates many people notice less dizziness more tolerance to motion clearer thinking improved energy and a greater sense of stability in daily life.

Movement becomes easier and more comfortable as sensory integration improves and the nervous system becomes less reactive to motion triggers.

When to seek help for motion sickness and vertigo

If motion sickness vertigo dizziness or imbalance are affecting your daily activities travel work or confidence it is important to seek assessment and support. Ongoing symptoms are not something you need to simply endure. With a targeted neurological chiropractic approach the brain and body can relearn accurate balance mapping and restore comfort and control.

Take the first step toward balance and comfort

Motion sickness and vertigo may feel overwhelming but they are treatable. By addressing the neurological and sensory causes of your symptoms we can help your nervous system work more effectively again so that motion feels manageable and balance feels natural.

Book an appointment today and begin a targeted neurological chiropractic approach to resolving motion sickness vertigo and ongoing dizziness.

Chiropractic Care for Concussions

dr.anthony.briggs@icloud.com (Anthony Briggs) — Tue, 04 Nov 2025 05:35:30 GMT

How Chiropractic Helps with Recovery and Rehabilitation

Concussions can be confusing and frustrating to recover from. If you are experiencing ongoing headaches, dizziness, neck pain, balance problems, or brain fog after a head injury, you are not alone. A concussion is not just a bump to the head. It is a disruption to how the brain and nervous system communicate with the rest of the body.

In my clinical work, chiropractic care plays an important role in concussion recovery by supporting the nervous system, addressing cervical spine involvement, and helping restore coordination between the brain and body.

Understanding concussions and what happens in the body

A concussion is a form of mild traumatic brain injury caused by a sudden impact or force to the head or body that causes the brain to move rapidly within the skull. This movement can disrupt normal brain signalling and lead to symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, sensitivity to light or noise, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, mood changes, and balance issues.

Concussions almost always involve the neck. The same force that affects the brain also impacts the cervical spine, surrounding muscles, joints, and nerves. If this area is not addressed, altered signals from the neck can continue to interfere with balance, posture, and neurological regulation.

How chiropractic care supports concussion recovery

Chiropractic care does not treat the brain injury itself. Instead, it supports recovery by improving how the nervous system functions and how the body communicates with the brain.

My approach begins with a detailed neurological and functional assessment to identify areas of restriction, imbalance, or sensory disruption that may be contributing to ongoing symptoms.

Care may include gentle chiropractic adjustments to improve joint mobility and reduce tension through the neck and spine, helping improve neurological input to the brain. Improving cervical function can reduce headaches, neck discomfort, and sensory overload.

Vestibular and balance rehabilitation is often essential after concussion. Targeted eye and head coordination exercises, balance training, and movement based neurological input help retrain the brain to process motion and spatial information accurately again. This is particularly important for dizziness, vertigo, and unsteadiness.

Neurological and functional exercises are used to improve coordination, proprioception, and nervous system efficiency. These exercises support neuroplasticity, allowing the brain to adapt and recover after injury.

Postural and movement retraining helps address protective patterns that develop after concussion. Many people subconsciously limit movement due to discomfort or fear of symptoms. Correcting these patterns improves sensory feedback and supports long term recovery.

Medical laser therapy may be included to support tissue healing, reduce inflammation, and assist neural recovery when appropriate.

Why concussion symptoms can persist

Persistent symptoms after concussion often occur because the nervous system has not fully recalibrated. If the cervical spine remains restricted or sensory integration between the eyes, inner ear, and body is disrupted, the brain continues to receive distorted information.

This ongoing mismatch can drive dizziness, balance issues, headaches, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating. Without targeted neurological rehabilitation, these patterns may continue even when imaging appears normal.

What recovery looks like

Recovery from concussion related symptoms is individual and progressive. As the nervous system adapts, many people notice reduced headaches, improved balance and steadiness, clearer thinking, less sensitivity to movement or light, improved sleep, and better energy levels.

Care is paced carefully to support nervous system regulation and avoid overstimulation while encouraging long term neurological change.

When to seek chiropractic support after concussion

If symptoms such as dizziness, balance problems, neck pain, visual disturbance, or brain fog persist weeks after a concussion, further assessment is important. Ongoing symptoms are not something you need to simply live with.

A neurological chiropractic approach can help identify the underlying drivers of post concussion symptoms and support recovery in a structured and targeted way.

Moving forward with confidence

Concussion recovery is not one size fits all. By addressing cervical spine involvement, sensory integration, and nervous system regulation, chiropractic care can play a valuable role in restoring balance, clarity, and confidence after head injury.

Book an appointment today to begin a focused chiropractic and neurological approach to concussion recovery and rehabilitation.

The Effectiveness of Chiropractic Neuro Rehabilitation

Wed, 01 Oct 2025 02:18:27 GMT

How combining chiropractic care with neurological retraining improves function, reduces symptoms, and restores quality of life

Chiropractic neuro rehabilitation is a specialised approach that goes beyond symptom based care to address how the nervous system is functioning as a whole. It focuses on improving communication between the brain and body to support better movement, balance, coordination, and cognitive clarity.

This approach is particularly effective for people experiencing ongoing neurological challenges such as dizziness, balance problems, headaches, visual disturbance, brain fog, or movement instability that have not fully resolved with standard care.

What chiropractic neuro rehabilitation involves

Chiropractic neuro rehabilitation combines hands on spinal care with targeted neurological retraining. Care begins with a comprehensive assessment to understand how the brain is processing information from the spine, muscles, joints, eyes, and balance systems.

Rather than treating isolated areas, the goal is to identify where neurological communication is inefficient and support the brain’s ability to adapt and reorganise. This process is known as neuroplasticity and it underpins lasting functional change.

Why neurological integration matters

Many ongoing symptoms are driven by poor integration between sensory systems. Balance problems can occur when input from the eyes, inner ear, and body is not synchronised. Cognitive symptoms such as brain fog or difficulty concentrating often reflect inefficient neural processing rather than structural damage.

By improving how sensory information is integrated and processed, chiropractic neuro rehabilitation helps the nervous system respond more accurately and efficiently.

How chiropractic neuro rehabilitation supports recovery

Care is individualised and may include:

• Precision spinal adjustments to improve joint mobility and neurological feedback
• Vestibular and balance exercises to retrain spatial awareness and stability
• Proprioceptive training to enhance body awareness and coordination
• Neurological movement tasks to improve motor control and neural efficiency
• Functional rehabilitation aligned with daily activities and goals

Together, these strategies support improved nervous system regulation, reduced symptom intensity, and better overall function.

Improvements people commonly notice

Many people experience:

• Improved balance and reduced dizziness
• Fewer headaches and reduced neck tension
• Clearer thinking and improved concentration
• More confident movement and coordination
• Reduced pain and stiffness
• Greater resilience during daily activities

These changes reflect improved communication between the brain and body rather than temporary symptom suppression.

When chiropractic neuro rehabilitation may be appropriate

Consider this approach if you are experiencing persistent or fluctuating neurological symptoms such as dizziness, balance difficulty, headaches linked to neck dysfunction, cognitive slowing, movement insecurity, or symptoms that worsen with stress or fatigue.

Addressing the neurological drivers of these issues can support more complete and lasting recovery.

Restoring function and confidence

Chiropractic neuro rehabilitation is designed to help your nervous system function more efficiently so that movement feels easier, thinking feels clearer, and daily life feels more manageable. By strengthening brain body communication, this approach supports meaningful improvements in quality of life.

If you are ready to address the neurological foundations of your symptoms and move toward lasting improvement, book an appointment to explore a personalised chiropractic neuro rehabilitation plan.

Why People Choose Chiropractic and Neuro Rehabilitation Care

Mon, 01 Sep 2025 02:24:55 GMT

Real reasons people seek better function pain relief and performance

People seek chiropractic and neuro rehabilitation care for many reasons, but the most meaningful ones go far beyond short term symptom relief. The decision to pursue this type of care is often about creating real change, reducing stress, and improving physical performance and nervous system function.

Here are the top reasons people choose this approach and how it supports lasting improvements in health and quality of life.

Create Real Change in Health and Function

Many people come to chiropractic neuro rehabilitation because they want more than just temporary fixes. They want answers, understanding, and the tools to support the body’s natural ability to heal and adapt. Instead of only masking symptoms with medication, this approach focuses on uncovering the root causes of pain, imbalance, and neurological dysfunction.

Through targeted spinal care and functional neurological assessment, the goal is to restore alignment, improve nerve communication, enhance circulation, and support your body’s built in healing processes. This proactive and brain first method appeals to individuals who want lasting change in their health and function.

Alleviate Stress and Physical Tension

Everyday life places physical and emotional stress on the body. Poor posture, repetitive strain, workplace demands, and chronic tension can all contribute to muscle tightness, discomfort, stiffness, and mental fatigue.

Chiropractic care combined with neurological retraining supports stress relief in multiple ways. Hands on adjustments and manual therapies help ease tension in the spine and soft tissues, making movement more comfortable. Nervous system focused care also supports relaxation, clearer thinking, and improved emotional regulation, helping people feel more grounded throughout their day.

Improve Performance and Physical Capability

Athletes or active individuals often choose chiropractic neuro rehabilitation to take their performance to the next level. Optimal spinal alignment and efficient neurological communication are essential for flexibility, strength, coordination, balance, and movement efficiency.

By reducing joint restrictions and muscular imbalances, and by enhancing nervous system function, this type of care supports faster recovery from training and injury, improved biomechanics, better coordination, and greater physical resilience. This proactive performance enhancement approach helps people break through plateaus and maintain an active lifestyle with confidence.

Support Overall Wellbeing and Daily Function

Beyond pain relief or performance goals, many people choose this care because they want to live better, feel better, and function more effectively day to day. When the nervous system is working well, it supports energy regulation, sleep quality, focus, and movement confidence. Improving neuro musculoskeletal function helps people feel more capable in everyday tasks and can reduce the impact of chronic stress on the body.

Chiropractic and neurological care works with the body’s natural regulatory systems rather than against them, supporting lasting improvements in overall health.

A Thoughtful and Personalised Approach

People don’t choose this form of care because it is a quick fix — they choose it because it addresses complexity. It considers how posture movement balance nervous system regulation and lifestyle all interact to influence health. Every care plan is individualised based on a thorough assessment of how the brain and body are communicating and functioning together.

This personalised approach helps uncover why problems persist and how to support your body in healing and adapting more effectively.

Take the Next Step Toward Better Function

If you are seeking meaningful improvement in your pain levels, nervous system function, performance, or daily wellbeing, chiropractic and neuro rehabilitation care offers more than symptom management. It supports real change that helps you move with confidence, think more clearly, and live with greater comfort and capability.

Book an appointment today to explore a personalised plan designed to address the root causes of your challenges and help you build lasting health and performance.

Restoring Balance After Ear Infections

dr.anthony.briggs@icloud.com (Anthony Briggs) — Tue, 15 Jul 2025 05:35:30 GMT

Restoring balance and reducing dizziness after ear infection through neurological rehabilitation

I help people recover from balance problems after ear infections by addressing the neurological causes of dizziness, vertigo, and unsteadiness. If you continue to feel off balance after an ear infection has cleared, it is often a sign that the brain and vestibular system need targeted rehabilitation.

Balance problems after an ear infection

Ear infections commonly affect the inner ear, where the vestibular system plays a critical role in balance, coordination, and spatial awareness. When inflammation disrupts the vestibular nerve or inner ear structures, the brain receives distorted balance signals.

This can lead to ongoing symptoms such as dizziness or vertigo after an ear infection, a feeling of swaying or instability when standing or walking, blurred vision with head movement, difficulty concentrating, fatigue, and reduced confidence in daily activities. Even after the infection resolves, the nervous system may struggle to recalibrate. This is known as vestibular dysfunction after an ear infection.

Treating dizziness and vertigo after ear infection

My approach focuses on neurological rehabilitation to help the brain correctly process balance information again. Rather than masking symptoms, I work to restore accurate communication between the inner ear, eyes, and body.

Following a detailed neurological and functional assessment, your care plan may include vestibular rehabilitation exercises to improve balance and gaze stability, neurological chiropractic adjustments to support brain body communication, eye and head coordination training to reduce motion related dizziness, medical laser therapy to support nerve recovery and reduce inflammation, and balance and proprioceptive retraining to rebuild confidence and stability.

Recovery from vestibular dysfunction

Recovery from balance problems after an ear infection is gradual and individual. By working with the nervous system at the right pace, many people experience steady improvements including reduced dizziness, improved balance, clearer vision with movement, better energy levels, and greater confidence in daily life.

Help for balance problems after ear infection

If you are still experiencing dizziness, vertigo, or balance issues after an ear infection, you do not have to live with ongoing symptoms. With a neuroscience informed approach, I help retrain the brain and vestibular system so balance can be restored and movement feels safe again.

Book an appointment today for expert support with balance problems after ear infection and take the first step toward lasting stability and confidence.

drtonybriggs

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Work With Me

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