Further therapeutic measures

The therapy of the Baker cyst depends on the extent and individual complaints. As a rule, the knee should be relieved and easily mobilized. Some measures that support the healing process are described in detail here.

Cooling helps with pain, swelling and inflammation. However, it is necessary to cool the knee to the right degree in order not to disturb the healing process. The inflammatory phase is desired by the body and initiates the body’s own healing process.

To cool the aching knee in the case of a Baker cyst, either a cool pack, wrapped in a thin towel, or better still, a cooling compress, which is applied with light pressure around the knee and thus counteracts the swelling, is suitable. Whether cooling packs or other ice applications, it should not be cooled for more than 15 minutes, followed by a 10 minute break. Tapestries also have a relieving effect on the knee.

They can be applied especially well at the end of the therapy to support the knee in everyday life. If a Baker cyst is present, there are several different ways of applying them. Depending on your needs, the tape can be applied around the knee joint to stabilize the knee, to reduce swelling along the lymphatic system, or to relax surrounding muscles that may be shortened or tense due to the injury.

Another area of treatment for a Baker cyst is manual therapy. It treats all movement restrictions of the body. Since the Baker cyst is a sac at the back of the knee or in the hollow of the knee, knee flexion is usually limited.

In addition to mobilizing the joint in the restricted direction, as well as space-creating grips for the joint and tissue to relieve the strain, work is also being done on the causative development of the Baker cyst. Whether arthrosis, arthritis, meniscus injuries – the reason for the inflammation must be found out and treated by manual techniques. Thus, on the one hand symptomatic and on the other hand causative treatment is carried out.

Joint injuries are often accompanied by tense muscles. Every joint in our body is part of muscle and fascial chains. Injuries to one always affect the other.

In Baker’s cyst, the calf muscles up to the foot can be tense on one side and the thigh muscles on the other. In addition, the muscle chain is shortened by relieving postures and restricting movement. Through deep strokes and various massage techniques such as cross kneading combined with passive stretching, these are brought back into balance.

Electrotherapy is a further measure in the physiotherapeutic treatment of the Baker cyst. Electric currents have a positive influence on the perception of pain as well as on the cell metabolism, which in turn promotes wound healing and the removal of swelling. Depending on the goal, different currents, equipment and treatment times are chosen to achieve the desired effect.