We See

Dysautonomia & POTS

Support for Orthostatic Intolerance and Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome, built by people who understand what you’re dealing with.

Contact Us

What's Dysautonomia?
Sunlight glistening through a forest

The AHC Program for Autonomic Disorders

Our program aims to help you establish a ‘normal day’ or return to work, university or school, and day to day life. Through pacing and gradual return to activity, we are able to slowly and confidently build your capacity, without increasing your symptoms. 

 

We know this journey is a bit rocky so we give you the skills to deal with any future hurdles, through setback planning and providing you with a therapy manual and strategies you can turn to in times of need.

- Nathan Butler

Founder, Active Health Clinic

Behind the Scenes with Our Dysautonomia Experts

What is the Program?

Managing conditions of Dysautonomia, such as OI & PoTS, takes personalised care and support from people who truly understand how these conditions affect us. Many of us at AHC have lived experience with Dysautonomia ourselves, so we recognise how complex and life-altering it can be.

 

Our Dysautonomia program has been built over many years of clinical experience and has developed further through collaboration with local specialists and ongoing academic research in this field. It offers a holistic, personalised plan that aligns with your body, your symptoms, and your pace.

1:1 Sessions

You'll be in good hands with our expert Exercise Physiologists, Dietitians and Occupational Therapists.

8-12 sessions

We aim to build out all your tools for your toolkit of Dysautonomia management, for some this is a few sessions, and others it can be longer term support. 

Go at your own pace

Join us in a a way that works best for you. We can support you in-person at any of our clinics, or online via telehealth.

Most people space their sessions over 6–18 months.

Your Program, Tailored to You

Title

Understanding the neurophysiology of your conditions

Symptom Mapping

Setting up a movement/exercise routine (if/when applicable)

Setback planning

Pacing strategies (physically, mentally, socially, environmentally, emotionally)

Work, School or Uni management strategies

How to identify your body’s stress response - Understanding the difference between Anxiety and OI/POTS

Trigger identification and modification

DIM/SIMS – Threats and safety to the mind/body

OI & POTS physiology and management, including hydration, salt intake, compression

Identifying the demands of your activity and your capacity (using a variety of tools eg. heart rate monitors, heart rate variability and activity diaries)

Understand the physiology of your medications to help you have informed conversations with your GP/specialist

Causes of sleep disturbances and techniques to help with sleep

Parasympathetic activity / Relaxation techniques

Mindfulness exercises and how to live more mindfully

For AFAB: Understanding your menstrual cycle, its impact on your symptoms and how to support this

Nutrition Support for Dysautonomia

Helping Your Body Feel Heard

If you live with Orthostatic Intolerance (OI), Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), or other forms of Dysautonomia, you may be dealing with symptoms that affect digestion, appetite, and your relationship with food. Nausea, bloating, changes in bowel movements, and reduced hunger are all common and can make daily eating feel like a challenge.

You’re not alone. These symptoms are very common in Dysautonomia and are often misunderstood or overlooked.

Our dietitians understand how the autonomic nervous system impacts digestion, and how food, hydration, and meal timing can support better symptom management. They’ll work with you at your current capacity and help create a plan that feels realistic and sustainable.

Through our program, you'll gain access to strategies that support your nutrition in the short term, while helping you develop consistent habits that align with your energy levels and symptoms.

Topics our Dietitians Can Support You With

Strategies and education around adequate hydration and salt intake

Nervous system regulation surrounding meal times 

Eating strategies for gastroparesis (delayed gastric emptying) or rapid gastric emptying

Create a sustainable and consistent eating routine to improve your energy levels across the day

Symptom management through medical nutrition therapy for gastrointestinal and non-gastrointestinal symptoms

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a referral? 

A referral isn't always necessary however may impact on your ability to get a rebate - speak to our friendly reception staff and they can help you.

How much does the program cost?

Invisible Illnesses like Dysautonomia and POTS can present in very different ways.

 

Because of this, our programs are tailored to how your condition manifests, and hence, the costs vary based on the support needed. 

 

For program costs and information about available rebates, please give us a call!

03 9878 5394

What if I can't get to your clinic?

We’ve been offering telehealth for over 10 years and have refined our approach to make it feel personal, flexible, and easy to access. Around 80% of our clients choose to work with us this way. 

 

For those who prefer in-person sessions, our clinics are located in Blackburn, Mornington, Bendigo, and Essendon, Victoria.

Who will I be working with?

You’ll be supported by a team that truly understands Dysautonomia and POTS. 

 

Our clinicians include exercise physiologists, dietitians, and physical therapists. All are fully qualified, and most have experienced in managing some form of invisible illness themselves.

What if I've already done another treatment program?

If you have had treatment for OI & POTS in the past, that's great! 

 

We take an inclusive approach and can build on and increase your understanding and progress through our program. We won't make you redo things you have already done through another program.

Start Your Recovery Journey

1. Tell Us Your Story

A no-pressure call where we get to know you, your symptoms, and listen to your journey

2. Get a Personalised Plan

We design a custom support plan based on your needs. It might include a thorough assessment, dietetic care, pacing tools, movement therapy and other services.

3. Own Your Journey

You’ll work with trusted clinicians, online or in-person, at a pace that works for your body

Tell Us Your Story Today!

Schedule Call

03 9878 5394

Submit Form

What Is Dysautonomia?

Dysautonomia is a term used to describe conditions that affect the autonomic nervous system. This part of your body controls automatic functions like heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, and body temperature. When the system is not working well, even basic tasks like standing, eating, or moving through your day can trigger symptoms that are hard to predict and difficult to explain.

Two common forms of dysautonomia are Orthostatic Intolerance (OI) and Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS). These conditions may arise on their own, or alongside other conditions such as chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), fibromyalgia, migraines, bowel irregularities, hypermobility conditions, or autoimmune disorders.

Understanding Orthostatic Intolerance (OI)

Orthostatic intolerance describes difficulty managing an upright posture. You may feel dizzy, lightheaded, or unwell after standing or sitting up. Some people faint, while others feel weak, shaky, or mentally foggy. These symptoms can vary throughout the day or from one day to the next.

 

Other signs may include:

Trouble concentrating or thinking clearly

Salt Cravings

Feeling short of breath

A sense of heaviness in your legs

Nausea or reduced appetite

Cold hands and feet

Unusual sweating

Sensitivity to heat or light

Swelling in your hands or feet

Pre-syncope

Postural vision spots or blindness

Light-headedness or fatigue after showering

What Is POTS?

POTS refers to Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome. It is diagnosed when your heart rate increases by 30 beats per minute or more (40 in children) within 10 minutes of standing, without a significant drop in blood pressure. These symptoms need to be present for at least six months to meet the diagnostic criteria.

People with POTS often feel unwell in a range of ways, including:

A fast or pounding heart

Dizziness or shakiness

Shortness of breath

Fatigue that feels different from being tired

Digestive symptoms

Difficulty with exercise or even light activity

Headaches

Intolerance to alcohol

Non-cardiac chest pain

What Causes OI and POTS?

Many people report that symptoms began after a major stressor, such as a virus, concussion, surgery, or pregnancy. Others notice symptoms developed slowly over time, sometimes starting in adolescence.

 

There is no single known cause. Current research suggests OI and POTS involve a mix of body systems, including blood flow, the nervous system, and immune regulation.

How is Dysautonomia determined?

Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS)

POTS is diagnosed when the heart rate increases by 30 beats per minute or more (40 beats per minute in children) within 10 minutes of standing, without a significant drop in blood pressure. This abnormal heart rate response is due to issues with autonomic regulation, where the body’s natural mechanisms for managing heart rate and blood flow do not function properly.

 

Orthostatic or Postural Hypotension

Orthostatic hypotension occurs when there is a significant drop in blood pressure upon standing from a sitting or lying position. This is identified by a systolic blood pressure drop of 20 mmHg or more, or a diastolic drop of 10 mmHg or more.

 

Are there other types?

Yes!

 

Inappropriate sinus tachycardia

Inappropriate sinus tachycardia is characterized by an abnormally rapid heart rate (over 100 beats per minute at rest) without an obvious cause. This occurs when the heart’s natural pacemaker, the sinus node, sends electrical signals at a faster rate than normal.

 

Neurocardiogenic or Vasovagal Syncope

Neurocardiogenic syncope, or vasovagal syncope, is a type of fainting triggered by an exaggerated response of the autonomic nervous system. This results in a sudden drop in heart rate and blood pressure, often in response to emotional stress, pain, or prolonged standing.

Are You Missing a Diagnosis?

This quick, free tool was built to help people with complex symptoms connect the dots. It's not a diagnosis, but it might just give you clarity on what to look into next.

Our programs are tailored to YOUR symptoms

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

ME/CFS, Post-Viral Conditions, Long Covid, Autoimmune & Neurological related fatigue

Learn More

Hypermobility & Connective Tissue Disorders

Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder (HSD)

Learn More

Pain Syndromes

Fibromyalgia, Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome, Rheumatoid Arthritis

Learn More

Sleep 
Disorders

Narcolepsy, Idiopathic Hypersomnia

Learn More

Dysautonomia

Orthostatic Intolerance (OI), Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS)

Learn More

Mast Cell Disorders

Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS), Mastocytosis

Long COVID

ME/CFS, Post-Viral Conditions, Long Covid, Autoimmune & Neurological related fatigue, Fibromyalgia

Learn More

Associated Diet Conditions

Gastroparesis, Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), MCAS, Eating Disorders, MALS

Learn More

Wishlist

View wishlist

Wishlist is empty.

Wishlist

Compare

Shopping cart

Your cart is empty.

Return to shop
close