Many RLS sufferers have experimented with using vibrators or massagers. (I'll just refer to them as vibrators.) They can definitely bring relief...but they don't ALWAYS bring relief. The following is an email I sent to the RLS Cyberspace Support Group, regarding my findings on using vibrators.
This is an ongoing experiment...as a "treatment"....but the verdict isn't in, yet, on it's reliability. From MY experience, and from what was discussed in the group chat...here's some more info on it, in case anyone wants to try using vibrators.
1. Some of us use actual foot massagers, like you might find in Brookstone catalogues or other health care stores or catalogues.
2. Some of us use vibrating pads that are meant as chair pads. We put them on the floor and just rest our feet on them. Mine is made by Homemedic and can be used in the car, too....hooked to the
cigarette lighter. It does seem to help while travelling. The heat from the pad and the constant buzzing massage is distracting..in a good way.
3. STRANGEST PART: For some of us that tried resting our feet on a vibrator or foot massager, we were surprised that it didn't tickle too much. Also, we were surprised that the first response when
you put your feet on these things, is that the RLS starts RIGHT UP!!!! No kidding. In fact, most people give up trying this therapy in the first few minutes. But, if you can hang in there for about 30 seconds, through the initial attack...it DOES work to settle down the RLS attack.
4. When you stop using it...your legs retain that buzzing feeling, as if there are electrical impulses going through them....but it doesn't make them jerk...just feels buzzy.
5. There are vibrators that wiggle back and forth (the common kind) and there are some new types that pound up and down on the muscles. Some of us have purchased the MiniPro2 Thumper, which is a VERY strong pounding type, also known as a "percussion massager". We paid lots of money for them, before we found out there were equally effective models by other companies. If you want to try a percussion massager, I recommend you look for one by Homedics, for $40-$60. It is every bit as good as the expensive ones, if not better.
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Before investing a lot in massagers, though, try asking family and friends if they have something you could try. LOTS of people have purchased them and just don't use them. And finally, remember to view a vibrator of any kind as an aid to use during an RLS attack, not a cure for RLS.
