My favorite tools, books and resources
The following are some of my favorite tools that I frequently recommend as part of my physical therapy exercise programs, as well as books and self-care tools that I have found invaluable in my own journey through POTS, EDS and autoimmunity. Some of the below links are affiliate links, but I will never recommend a product I don't believe you would benefit from.
Exercise Tools
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Gaiam Exercise Inflatable Peanut (used it Transverse Abdominus exercises). If you are also interested in using it as a postural support while working at a desk, I recommend ordering two. Beware, its a favorite dog toy!
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Non-Latex Therabands, Non-Latex Theraband Loops, and Door Anchor
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Craniocradle or Still-Point Inducer (Slightly more firm and less comfortable but also cheaper option. Either is fine! ). They can help relieve headaches and neck pain, smooth labor pain, and I often incorporate them into self-mobilization of the spine. This Craniocradle package comes with a nice ice/heat package that many patients enjoy.
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Foot Strengthening Tool - great for building up the tiny small stability muscles in your foot in a safe way. I've tried lots of ways to strengthen my feet and ankles and this is by far the most effective I have found.
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Suspension Trainer System- amazing relatively portable way to do a huge variety of full-body stability exercises. I like this knock off brand personally as its a better bargain, but you can also go for the slightly better quality name-brand TRX-Go Kit.
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Oscillating Bar for shoulder stabilization work
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Yoga Mat - this one comes with enough padding for kneeling work but not enough to make you feel unstable laying on it. I don't recommend doing exercises on the bed, so if you don't have one and don't want to do exercises on the floor, this is a good one.
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Cervical SNAG Strap for Self-Mobilization - Should only be used once I have taught you how to use it!
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Activator Tool for Self-Mobilization - Also should only be used once I have taught you how to use it on select body areas. It's easy to do way too much this and hurt yourself.
Stability, Circulation & Posture Supports
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CW-X Compression/ Stability Clothes - I have tried many forms of compression but love these the most so far - they help with ciruculation but aren't as tight/uncomfortable as others, they are designed almost like there's kinesiology tape built into the way they are woven, surrounding the joints with specific comression patterns to help with stabilize and decrease knee/back/pelvic pain. They also look like cute athletic wear which is a plus. They are NOT warming but do now offer thermal leggings as well. I just layer on top of them if needed. They have short options as well.
- ​CW-X Stability Leggings 1.0 Womens and Mens higher compression, higher waistwand with a tie that allows for a bit more customization.
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Stability Leggings 3.0 Womens and Mens - A little more durable and stretchy of fabric compared to the 1.0, a little lower waistband, no tie. ​​
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Alignmed - shoulder stability/postural support shirt or bra, option for zip up front)
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use code 'Phoenix10' for discount
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Abdominal Binder - used to help increase interabdominal pressure to try to increase upper body blood pressure or cerebrospinal fluid volume, mostly as a test to gauge symptoms rather than a daily aid. ​
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Dynamic Tape - Four Way Stretch, Very Different feel than tranditional kinesiology tape
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Spider Tech Tape - Best for Sensitive Skin
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Skin-Tac Wipes - Amazing barrier wipes you can apply before the tape to help it stick longer and help prevent any skin sensitivities​
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Learniture Wobble Stool For Desk/ Countertop height - my favorite work stool, especially if you are leaning over a desk or counter​​
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Nervous System Aids
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Apollo Nuero - a wrist/ankle band backed by some amazing research. It helps regulate the nervous system by promoting different brain waves and breath patterns. It has been shown to improve sleep time, depth, anxiety, focus, HRV, and much more. I'm a big fan! There are different 'modes' for sleep, waking up, focus, social, meditation, etc.
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Use code 'Phoenix' for a $60 discount.
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Dolphin MPS - amazing for vagus nerve reset, pain, post-covid syndrome, scar tissue and much more. An investment but lasts a long time and has many uses. Please use above link and include Dr Kendel Lipe as the referral source during checkout if possible :) This will add you to my clinic group.
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The single unit is great for pain relief ​
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The single unit + Vagus stim is best if you also want to work with fatigue/anxiety
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The double unit + Vagus stim is best if you have any scar tissue, you want to be able to share between family members, or you want to be able to do the pain relief protocols faster.
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Books & Videos
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The Trifecta Passport by Amber Brown (a great enabling resource book by another PT addressing POTS, MCAS and EDS)
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Accessing the Healing Power of the Vagus Nerve by Rosenburg
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Quench by Dana Cohen (all about hydration, so important for us!)
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POTS: What It Really Is & Why It Happens by Usher
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Scattered Minds by Gabor Mate (great for naturally healing ADD/ADHD)
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The Keystone Apporach - Healing Arthiritis and Psoriass by Restoring the MicroBiome
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Why we Sleep by Matthew Walker
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The Driscoll Protocol - Regarding the potential link between Intercranial hypertension and POTS
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Mystery Headaches - Regarding the Potential Link between CSF leaks and POTS
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Stress Less, Accomplish More by Emily Fletcher - Training in how to be independent in a well-rounded scienc backed form of meditation
Electrolytes & Hydration
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Normalyte Oral Rehydration Salts - Has a small amount of real sugar which has been shown to help electrolytes be absorbed much better. No flavorings or alternative sweeteners. Very high sodium (2000 mg) and good amount of potassium. I strongly recommend chilling it over ice and maybe serving it with some lemon or other fruit juice splashed in. My personal go-to. Does not have magnesium but I take supplements with that daily. Designed to make 500 ml per packet. Follows the WHO recommended formula.
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Tri-Oral Rehydration Salts - Also follows the WHO formula. Have lightly flavored and unflavored options. Have added sugar for best absorption. Each packet makes two 500 ml bottles so together with price per packet make for by far the most affordable electrolyte supplement on here (20 cents per bottle!) High sodium (2600mg) and high potassium (1500 g). Does not have magnesium so will likely need to supplement seperately.
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​Nuun Sport Powder - Great flavor, small amounts of potassium and magnesium as well as 300 mg of sodium. Good for if you only need a small amount of electrolytes and like added flavor. 1g sugar for absorption. Does have stevia. No red food dye.
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Re-lyte hydration mix - From the makers of Redmond Sea Salt (so well-sourced sodium). Have packets and jars of powder (more affordable than the packets) and have flavored and unflavored options. Does not have any sugar so I recommend adding a little bit of honey or maple to increase absorption if you are taking it between meals.
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iSpring Under-the-counter RO filter with remineralization - another amazing option in addition to electrolytes. Even if we have electrolytes a couple times a day, it is important to avoid water stripped of all minerals, which traditional RO and carbon filters do. Why? This water is a different pH and as it goes through our body it actually strips it of potassium, sodium, and magnesium if they arent present in the water in small quantities. We evolved drinking spring water which has these things in it. This is a very affordable but great water filter that can go under your sink and even move with you home to home. Bonus- the water tastes AMAZING.
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Vitassium Salt pills- Great for those who just can't handle the taste or extra hassle of electrolyte powders. Designed specifically for dysautonomia. Personally, I use these in addition to one electrolyte packet a day and the remineralization filter and that has worked great for me. I dont recommend the pills alone as then your water throughout the day is still not well balanced, which can cause a stripping of electrolytes from your body, so its BEST to drink the powder or split these pills into water- but the most important thing is just getting them in!
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