Replying to @Giogio How I "dance" as a wheelchair user! #disability #pots #potssyndrome #chronicillness #emo
Living with POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome) and chronic illnesses like Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes (EDS) can profoundly impact daily life, including how one experiences mobility and physical activity. As someone who navigates this complex terrain, I’ve found creative ways to stay active, expressive, and joyful. Dancing while using a wheelchair might seem contradictory to some, but it’s a powerful form of self-expression and physical engagement that challenges societal limits placed on disability. For people with POTS, standing for long periods can cause heart rates to spike dangerously—sometimes as high as 180 bpm or more, which is well above the average resting heart rate of 60-100 bpm for most adults. This physiological response, combined with joint instability common in EDS, makes traditional dancing almost impossible. However, adapted wheelchair dancing opens doors to a new kind of movement. It allows me to connect with music and rhythm, express emotions, and interact with others without the exhaustion and health risks that upright movement would entail. Using the wheelchair as a tool rather than a limitation transforms my experience, enabling fluid arm and upper-body motions that convey energy, passion, and creativity. Beyond the physical benefits, this approach to dance fosters emotional resilience. Chronic illness often brings feelings of isolation and frustration, but engaging with dance communities—both online and in person—provides support and motivation. Sharing videos and stories creates awareness about invisible illnesses and disability, helping to dismantle misconceptions like "They can't dance because they're in a wheelchair." If you or someone you know deals with POTS or other chronic conditions, exploring adapted activities like wheelchair dance can be empowering. It’s less about traditional techniques and more about embracing what your body can do and celebrating your unique rhythm. Every movement, no matter how small, contributes to wellbeing and self-expression. The journey with chronic illness might be unpredictable, but adapting and finding joy amid challenges can light the way.



























































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