Tactile Stimulation
Tactile stimulation includes a range of treatments including massage, compression, and vibration. We encourage you to try different types of stimuli until you find one that works for you. More information about the specific modalities of tactile stimulations is provided below. For suggested tactile treatment options scroll to the bottom of the page.
Compression
While the exact cause of RLS is still being debated, some researchers believe low oxygen levels in the limbs may be the root of the problem. If this is true, they suspect muscle contractions, which increase circulation, are the body's response to the problem. Compression is thought to increase local circulation and decrease subclinical local ischemia (subclinical local ischemia = slight restriction in blood supply to the surrounding tissues). This results in relief of symptoms as the compression provides an alternative counteraction to the deficient blood flow and oxygen levels in the affected limbs. Some available devices for compression therapy are listed below.
Vibration
Similar to compression, vibration aims to increase oxygen supply to the affected limbs. There are a few different theories as to how vibration does this. One idea is that vibration increases body temperature which leads to an increase in blood flow and an increase in oxygen release from myoglobin and hemoglobin. Another suggests vibration causes endothelial shear stress which produces nitric oxide (NO). NO is a known vasodilator (widens blood vessels) meaning it will increase blood and oxygen flow to the limbs. Others suggest vibration does not actually relieve symptoms, but rather provides a counterstimulation that overrides the uncomfortable sensations in the limbs. This gives patients relief similar to if they were moving their legs while allowing them to lie down. Regardless of the modality, several studies have shown vibrational therapies provide symptom relief in many patients and significantly improve sleep.
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PNEUMATIC COMPRESSION DEVICES Compression
Tactile Stimulation Options for
AT-HOME TREATMENT
Pneumatic compression devices (PCDs) are most commonly used for deep vein thrombosis prevention but more recently have been looked at as potential RLS treatment devices. Many different brands of PCDs exist, some over-the-counter, some prescription, and with a wide range of prices. Below are a few PCDs on the market at varying price points:
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High $$: VenaFlow PCD
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This system has been used in several large-scale studies showing PCDs as an effective therapy for RLS. For reference, the settings used in the studies that achieved therapeutic effect were a pressure of 40 cm H20 inflating five seconds every minute. With any device you choose we encourage you to try different settings as the optimal settings will vary from patient to patient. While proven to be effective, this system is expensive and you can likely achieve similar results with other brands.
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Pump: Venaflow Elite Vascular System $2200
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Cuff: Venaflow System Cuffs $69
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Mid $$: PowerPlay Calf Massager Kit
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This system includes both a compression pump and three pairs of calf wraps (can also be purchased separately). The major advantage of this system, aside from the lower price point, is its portability thanks to the battery powered compact pump. One downside is there is limited information on their site about the available settings and pressure ranges. However, this system is advertised as providing RLS relief so it likely does reach therapeutic pressures, it may just have less adjustability than the VenaFlow system.
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Full System: Calf Massager Kit $299
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Pump: Compression Pump $249
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Cuff: Calf Massage Wraps $69
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Low $$: DIY!
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We have created a way for you to make your own compression system that can be combined with other stimulation treatments. We offer a few options with different levels of involvement. To create a fully automated compression system, we designed a syringe pump that can be hooked up to any airtight cuff (including simple blood pressure cuffs). More detailed information and instructions can be found on our DIY Treatments page.
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Note that there are no rules when you're making your own device! You can combine different pumps and cuffs to find an effective combination that is in your price range. That includes the option to make pieces, purchase pieces, or both!
RELAXIS PAD Vibration
The Relaxis pad is the first FDA approved non-pharmaceutical treatment specifically for the treatment of RLS. It does require a prescription but it is a one-time prescription and investment, unlike drugs/pharmaceuticals. An overview of the technology is provided below and more detailed information can be found on the Relaxis website myrelaxis.com.
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Cost ~$600
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Warnings
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Efficacy
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Use
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There is a range of prices depending on the model but the standard version costs a little over $600. Note that a prescription is required and it is not currently covered by insurance. As of now it is only available for prescription in the US and Canada.
This device should not be used in patients with deep vein thrombosis due to the potential to dislodge or break up blood clots.
Studies have shown significant improvement in sleep with the use of a Relaxis pad. Over a 4-week period, the pad showed the same sleep improvement as four FDA approved RLS drugs (ropinirole, pramipexole, gabapentin, and rotigotine) used over the same amount of time, but without the side effects!
This device is intended to be used while at rest or sleeping. There are several different vibration intensities. Once turned on, the pad vibrates for 30 minutes and then automatically shuts off through gradually reducing the vibration intensity.