The Effect of Dry Needling With Electrical Stimulation on Individuals With Restless Legs Syndrome

The Effect of Dry Needling With Electrical Stimulation on Individuals With Restless Legs Syndrome

The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of dry needling with electrical stimulation (DNES) on sleep quality, symptom severity, and function in individuals with restless legs syndrome.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age 18-75 years
• Clinical diagnosis of restless legs syndrome

Exclusion Criteria:

• Active cancer diagnoses

• Neuropathic pain (e.g., lumbosacral radiculopathy and/or diabetic neuropathy),

• Pregnancy

• Immunocompromised disease (e.g., HIV, AIDS, lupus)

• Insufficient English-language skills to complete all questionnaires

• Inability to maintain treatment positions

• Contraindications to dry needling:35,36

  • Presence of needle phobia
  • History of abnormal reaction to needling or injection
  • History of bleeding disorder