If you live with dysautonomia, you have probably learned that your body does not respond to stress, exercise, or daily demands in a predictable way. What helps one day can flare symptoms the next. That is why I use the ADaPT Protocol in my practice.
The ADaPT Protocol is a structured, research-informed approach designed specifically for people with autonomic dysfunction. Rather than pushing through symptoms, it focuses on helping your nervous system adapt safely over time.
What the ADaPT Protocol Means for You
When I use the ADaPT Protocol with patients, it shapes how we do physical therapy, not just what exercises we choose.
This approach allows us to:
- Respect how your autonomic nervous system responds to stress
- Reduce symptom flares and “crashes”
- Build tolerance gradually and intentionally
- Adjust the plan based on real-life responses, not rigid timelines
Care is individualized and responsive, because dysautonomia is not one-size-fits-all.
How It Guides Your Physical Therapy
Using the ADaPT Protocol means we prioritize:
- Careful monitoring of symptoms and recovery
- Thoughtful pacing and progression
- Strategic use of position, breathing, and environment
- Building capacity without overwhelming your system
Progress is measured by improved stability, confidence, and recovery, not just by doing more.
Why I Use This Approach
Many people with dysautonomia have been told to push harder or exercise their way out of symptoms, only to feel worse. The ADaPT Protocol aligns with what we know about autonomic physiology and helps reduce that push-crash cycle.
It also integrates well for people who have overlapping conditions such as hypermobility, EDS, vestibular disorders, or chronic illness.
The Goal
The goal of using the ADaPT Protocol is not perfection, but resilience.
Together, we work toward helping you move through daily life with fewer flares, more confidence, and a better understanding of how to support your body long term.
If dysautonomia has made movement feel unpredictable or unsafe, this approach may offer a steadier path forward.