When standing up sends your heart racing and the room goes gray, ordinary errands become planning exercises. We evaluate people with POTS and related autonomic symptoms at our Smyrna, GA office, working alongside the physician who made or is pursuing the diagnosis.
Dr. James Wright is a Doctor of Chiropractic with a diplomate in functional neurology through the American Chiropractic Neurology Board. He does not diagnose POTS, which is a physician's role, and he does not prescribe medicine. If you have fainting, chest pain, or a heartbeat that will not settle, seek emergency care instead of calling us.
What a functional neurology exam adds is a look at how the autonomic system, balance system, and neck are behaving. A 2019 review in the Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine describes POTS as a multifactorial syndrome with a heart rate rise of at least 30 beats per minute within ten minutes of standing and no significant drop in blood pressure, and notes that no medicine is approved by the FDA specifically for it (Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine, May 2019). That complexity is why many people look for complementary support. Our dysautonomia and POTS page explains the condition in more detail.
The first consultation is complimentary, care is one-on-one, and we are private-pay. We ask what your cardiologist or primary doctor has said, and with your permission we keep them informed.
Cleveland Clinic describes dysautonomia as a group of disorders affecting the autonomic nervous system, with symptoms such as dizziness on standing, a fast heartbeat, fatigue, brain fog, and digestive or temperature changes (Cleveland Clinic, September 2023). Because symptoms vary so much, we begin by listening to yours. Then we offer:
A complimentary first consultation about your symptoms, triggers, and what testing you have already had
Review of your diagnosis and care team, since POTS is diagnosed by a physician
Evaluation of autonomic regulation, balance, eye movements, and the neck
A look at how posture changes, activity, and exertion affect your symptoms
Graded exercises designed to support how your autonomic nervous system is working
Guidance on pacing, sleep, hydration, and daily habits, alongside your doctor's recommendations
Care for the neck and shoulders when tension or posture seems to feed symptoms
Coordination with your cardiologist or other physician, with your permission
Learning what sets off symptoms, such as long standing, heat, or skipped meals, can make planning easier. The same review lists dehydration, heat, alcohol, exercise, and menstruation as common aggravators, so we keep a log with you.
Many people with POTS find exercise hard. We start where you are and increase challenge step by step, never pushing through symptoms that your doctor has advised against.
We observe how your body responds when you shift from lying to sitting to standing and discuss strategies, with your doctor's guidance.
Tight neck muscles and posture can add to dizziness and headaches. Where it applies, hands-on care and exercises are included.
Smyrna is about ten miles northwest of downtown Atlanta and covers roughly 15 square miles, with I-285, I-75, and Cobb Parkway close by. Standing in line, heat, and long walks can be hard with POTS, so tell us when you book if you need accommodations. Village Green, with its library and community center, anchors the city center.
If another location is closer, we offer the same care for Marietta, Atlanta, and Sandy Springs. POTS often overlaps with widespread pain, which is covered in our page on fibromyalgia care in Smyrna.
1. Reach out: Call or book. For fainting, chest pain, or a very fast heartbeat that will not settle, seek emergency care.
2. Your history: Dr. Wright reviews your diagnosis, medicines, testing, and the daily situations that set off symptoms.
3. Evaluation: Testing of autonomic regulation, balance, eye movements, and the neck, in a way that respects how you feel on a given day.
4. Findings: We explain what we found and how our care may fit with your doctor's plan.
5. Gentle start: Exercises begin at a level you can tolerate and build gradually.
6. Review: We track how you respond and adjust, keeping your physician informed with your permission.
No. A physician diagnoses POTS using position-change testing. If you suspect it, ask your doctor about it, and we can examine you whether or not you have a formal diagnosis.
No. Continue medicines as your doctor directs. Tell us what you take so we can plan around it.
No. Exercises start at a level you tolerate, and you can tell us at any time if a position or movement is too much.
POTS is one form of dysautonomia, which is the broader term for autonomic nervous system disorders.
Call 770-767-3830 or book a complimentary consultation. Our contact page has the address.
Next steps
Your symptoms are part of the story, and we'd love to help you understand the rest. Book a consult online, or give us a call and we'll walk you through it. Your initial consultation is complimentary, with no obligation to begin care.
You can book a consultation online. Other appointments are booked by our clinic staff. [email protected]