Emily Rich, Ph.D., OTR/L

Emily Rich, Ph.D., OTR/L

Emily Rich is an occupational therapist serving adolescents and adults in a medical outpatient therapy setting at Tucson Medical Center in Tucson, Arizona.12 She specializes in treating individuals with chronic conditions including forms of dysautonomia such as postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), Ehlers-Danlos syndromes and joint hypermobility, persistent pain, and Parkinson's disease.124

Education and Research

Ms. Rich is pursuing her Ph.D. in occupational therapy at Texas Woman's University (TWU).12 Her research centers around POTS and rehabilitation therapy, specifically exploring self-management and group-based treatment options.12 She earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Arizona and a Master's degree from TWU.1

Clinical Practice

At Tucson Medical Center, Emily facilitates an eight-week group program to help POTS patients manage their symptoms.3 The program incorporates strategies for self-management, Pilates, and specialized walking poles to increase strength and cardiovascular tolerance.3

Emily is also PWR! certified for Parkinson's disease and sees individuals with various chronic illnesses and upper-extremity orthopedic conditions.26 She places a high value on patient-partnered, evidence-based treatment.1

Advocacy and Teaching

Ms. Rich proudly teaches other therapists how to best serve POTS and Ehlers-Danlos syndromes populations through her virtual courses and Instagram @emilyrichOT.2 She is a researcher and clinical specialist in these areas.25