WHAT IS IT?
WHAT CAUSES IT?
HOW CAN PHYSIO HELP?
WHAT IS IT?
Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) is a neuromotor disorder where an individual has an uncomfortable sensation in the legs and causes them to have an urge to move them. It is highly correlated with the circadian rhythm so most individuals have more severe symptoms in the evening or during sleep. It may also occur when someone is inactive or sitting for a long time.
Since symptoms may be more severe at night, this may affect the ability to fall asleep and lead to the feeling of tiredness during the day, which can affect mood, concentration, and job and school performance.
There are 4 criteria essential for diagnosis
Since symptoms may be more severe at night, this may affect the ability to fall asleep and lead to the feeling of tiredness during the day, which can affect mood, concentration, and job and school performance.
There are 4 criteria essential for diagnosis
- Urge to move legs and unpleasant sensations in the legs
- Urge to move or unpleasant sensations begin with rest or inactivity
- Urge is relieved with movement
- Sensation is worse in evenings
WHAT CAUSES IT?
In most cases, the cause is unknown. However, it may be related to underlying conditions such as iron deficiency, anemia, post pregnancy, and end stage renal failure.
HOW CAN PHYSIO HELP?
Current non-medication treatments of RLS include lifestyle changes such as maintaining a regular sleep pattern and a program of physical activity. Trained physiotherapists at Montreal’s Active Solution Physiotherapy perform a thorough history and physical examination using the McKenzie Method of Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy (MDT). By analysing the effects of different movements and positions on your symptoms, the type of problem and the different contributing factors become evident. Once these different factors have been identified, an individualised treatment program is initiated to address them.
Be Your Own Solution!
If you have any questions regarding how McKenzie physiotherapy can help, please do not hesitate to contact us by filling out this form.
