TENS MACHINE

Has anyone tried a TENS machine for RLS? I take .75mg sifrol which is very effective. However, the TENS gives relief as well. I use one - it's worth a try.

[Madlegs1]

Generally, tens doesn't do much for most people, but well worth a try.

In your case, 0.75 mg of sifrol should be well able to control most cases of rls.

I know there may be different strengths of that chemical depending on the country, but your dose may well be above the maximum recommended.

Please check that out, and while you are at it ,look up "augmentation".

Cheers, and thanks for connecting!😎

[Hidden]

Your dose of pramipexole (Sifrol) IS above the recommended maximum and you are at high risk of augmentation.

If it shows signs of failing to work, which it sounds as if it's starting to, whatever you do do NOT increase the dose any further.

You perhaps ought to think about reducing it.

There are quite a few non-pharmacological remedies for RLS which you can read about in this forum.

As Madlegs says TENS isn't really one of them.

[Hidden]

I'm glad it works for you!😃 Glad the Sifrol does too!😃

[Accipiter]

Very effective if used properly. It is an advanced skill, but for some it just works which unfortunately means it can be about luck. I use an TENS/EMS combination which stimulates muscles as well. I can't say which part is the most effective, but my guess is that both help.

Some muscles can be hard to target, but if you get the right spot you can trigger symptoms. Mostly this is just the all over uncomfortable feeling, but on a few occasions I have triggered the full symptoms for the duration of the TENS cycle; which is just as unpleasant as the real thing. I think the EMS does this.

It also depends on your 'type' of RLS. There are some who appear to have no interaction with muscles as trigger points; such as someone who posted that their RLS is due to neurological scarring. Augmentation probably also excludes the use. But for the majority if TENS is used properly, it is a good addition as one of the many tactics for preventing and dealing with symptoms.

There are no good online guides and posts are generally vague on forums. So the high failure rate is not due to it being ineffective, but due to lack of knowledge. Also many will fight to their dying breath that RLS is neurological, BID and the rest, so there is often disinterest or hostility to mention of any physical element to RLS. Drugs will always rule...

[Insomniak]

Hi Rodavcyn - yes I have a TENS machine which I used a few years back before I got my RLS properly addressed through medication. It worked well for me although I would describe the way it helped me as follows. When my RLS would get bad (in the evenings) I would have to keep moving around often doing squats while watching TV just to keep the RLS at bay. The TENS machine had the effect of contracting and extending the leg muscles for me while I was sitting so that I didn't have to be constantly on the move. I also used to wear the TENS when I went to bed and leave it on a 30 min timer in the hope that I would be asleep before it timed out. TENS definitely saved my sanity at a point when no meds were working.

[Chilandres]

Hi Rodavcyn,

I wrote about my experience about it.

Take Look To it

I hope it help you

healthunlocked.com/rlsuk/po...

[Hoochybaby]

Hi I have used a tens machine I bought on the advice of a Dr? Who I saw for my rls and paid a lot of money for his cure? Using a positional muscle relief kind of therapy? It was complete useless I spent a small fortune on travel to the other side of the country and his treatment? I used the tens machine religiously for months to no avail save your money and your wallet

[Accipiter in reply to Hoochybaby]

I think a more balanced approach to consideration is better.

If someone has used physical treatments such as stretching, roller/massage ball or compression straps and the like, it is a good tool. If you have no interest or experience it will be just a guessing game.

A good start is if you have RLS symptoms mostly in your calf. During the day have a gentle feel around all the muscles. Then at night during symptoms do the same again. If you notice that some muscles are more tender or sensitive when you have symptoms, you have located the trigger points and a use of TENS/EMS it worth trying.

You can build your skills by using the unit when you have symptoms, then before bed at those spots the following nights when you have success. At the worst you should get 3 1/2 to 4 hours of sleep before having to do the spot again, but usually a full night is possible.

But sometimes it will not work due to the location of the muscles. Also you may have other trigger points to deal with and it becomes a full time job through the night. It is not perfect, but an opportunity to get more natural drug free sleep; or more sleep on the same amount of drugs.

If you don't have any localised indication of RLS symptoms, interest in using a range of physical treatment, have augmentation or even accept that RLS is more than neurological, TENS/EMS is not for you.

[Tahoenvy]

A TENS machine vibrates muscles, not nerves and RLS is Nerve related. BUT if it gives you relief I say go for it. I'm on opioids to manage my RLS and a back issue. I don't recommend that to anyone because it has it's on set of problems but at least I sleep