If you've been diagnosed with restless leg syndrome (RLS), you may have trouble sleeping since you may experience throbbing or aching legs at night. RLS can be a rather frustrating condition to manage for some since you may need to get up and move your legs to get temporary relief. While getting up and moving may relieve RLS, that physical activity can disrupt your sleep cycle.
You should reach out to your doctor for advice on medications and management techniques. For example, massage therapy can be a good way to manage your symptoms. You may also want to check out 24/7 massage clinics so that you can get a massage right before your bedtime routine. Take a look at how massage therapy can help RLS.
It Can Improve Circulation
The causes of RLS are still unknown; RLS tends to occur more as people age, and there may be a genetic component. Some researchers theorize that poor circulation may contribute to RLS. With poor circulation, blood and lymph may pool in the legs and increase the pressure on capillaries and nerves. Poor circulation may exacerbate RLS since it can increase swelling and tightness in the lower limbs.
Massage therapy is known to boost circulation since manual therapy can help move blood and lymph through congested areas. Livescience.com reported a study that found that even a five-minute leg massage could significantly increase circulation. Improved circulation means that your body doesn't have to work as hard to deliver oxygen and nutrients and remove metabolic waste. Improved circulation may reduce the pain and tightness associated with RLS.
It Can Improve Your Sleep Quality
People with RLS struggle with sleep since their symptoms tend to manifest in the evening. However, the International Journal of Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork found that different massage modalities, like Swedish massage and reflexology, were able to help improve sleep quality in patients with RLS that were undergoing hemodialysis. Massage therapy can help calm the sympathetic nervous system or the fight-or-flight response so that you can relax and get better sleep.
It Can Reduce Your Anxiety
Along with sleep issues, people with RLS may experience anxiety or depression. Thankfully, massage therapy can reduce anxiety by inhibiting certain chemical messengers and encouraging the release of others. For instance, massage therapy can help lower the stress hormone cortisol. Massage therapy can increase serotonin, a chemical messenger that can help the body fight off anxiety and feelings of sadness. And lastly, massage therapy can encourage the release of dopamine and endorphins, which can promote positive feelings and help patients feel more relaxed.
Reach out to a massage therapist in your area today to learn more about 24/7 massages.