Stretching Exercises

Stretching does lots of good things for your body. And many people with Restless Legs Syndrome say that stretching helps their symptoms. Some stretching before bed may help to relieve symptoms for a while. Try these leg stretches to see if they work for you.

Before you begin a stretching program, talk with your doctor, especially if you have had a hip or knee replacement. He or she can tell you what exercises are right for you.

Remember:

• Always warm up your muscles for 5 minutes before stretching. Good warm-ups include walking slowly, jogging in place, and riding an exercise bike.



• Stretch slowly and with control. Breathe out as you start the stretch and then breathe normally during it.



• Never bounce or force during a stretch. Hold each stretch for 20 to 30 seconds.



• You should feel only gentle tension, never pain.

Make a choice from the list below to learn about some basic stretches. Try them before and after physical activity, or whenever you feel stiff and want to loosen up.

Also of Interest

Bill and Kimberly found that Restless Legs Syndrome affected their jobs.