Cold Laser and Restless Legs

By Robin P. Cohl, DC

Restless leg syndrome (RLS) affects approximately 12 million people in the U.S. The medical community does not have a specific cause for this medical condition, nor do they have a successful treatment. Symptoms vary from person-to-person. Four criteria that help define a working diagnosis of RLS are
Patients have a strong urge to move their legs when still, due to uncomfortable sensations deep in the legs.
Patients have symptoms that worsen with inactivity or rest.
Patients have symptoms that are relieved by movement and exercise.
Patients have their worse symptoms at night.
Complementary and alternative medicine provides new insight to the successful treatment of RLS. Nutritional factors must be considered in improving the outcome of this condition. One factor in neuromuscular health of the body is dependent on proper oxygen supply to the tissues, which carries the right balance of nutrients and waste product removal from the tissues.
Basic blood profiles are a good initial screening tool to determine nutritional imbalances. Anemia must be ruled out, which is the result of inadequate amounts of B12, B9, B6 and/or iron. The proper balance and amounts of magnesium, calcium, sodium and potassium play a very important role in proper nerve transmission and muscle physiology.
Fatty acids that occur as omega 3 and omega 6 oils must be balanced and be part of the daily intake of the patients diet. Omega 3 fish oils will lower, on a cellular basis, the inflammatory levels that effect proper neuromuscular and physiological function. The following oils are commonly needed for proper neurological activity cold water fish, flaxseed and wheat germ oils. Olive, sesame, black current, borage, primrose and soybean oil supply these essential nutritional fatty acid fractions in the right amounts. Applied kinesiology is an excellent tool for making that determination.
Recently, cold laser therapy has shown promising therapeutic effects for RLS and other conditions like fibromyalgia. Cold laser works on a cellular level to enhance the fundamental energy “manufacturing” plant in the cell, which is the mitochondria. These units of energy produced are called units of ATP, and they drive the work energy in healthy muscle contraction and relaxation. Cold laser maximizes the energy production of ATP and provides the proper neurological and circulatory function in the bodys physical activity.
Current research suggests that the right combination of nutritional support and cold laser therapy application makes the treatment and correction of RLS an achievable success.