(Video Transcript)
Is Massage OK to relieve the swelling and pain from a Baker’s Cyst?
Unlike muscular injuries that respond well to massage, a Baker’s Cyst is not a muscular injury.
In fact massage should be avoided, as it will cause further irritation of the condition.
A Baker’s Cyst contains inflammatory fluids.
These fluids are encapsulated within a swollen synovial lining which forms the Baker’s Cyst.
Since the inflammatory fluids within the Baker’s Cyst are encapsulated… massaging will not help disperse these fluids.
Instead, massaging a Baker’s Cyst will only further irritate the already inflamed synovial lining.
In fact… deep massaging of the knee could also cause a Baker’s Cyst to rupture.
This would cause additional pain & discomfort as the fluid travels down the calf muscles and into the ankle.
That said… massaging can however be extremely beneficial for relieving areas where there is referred pain.
This could include areas such as the thigh or calf.
So, if you are seeing a massage therapist, remember to request that they do not massage anywhere directly over or close to the Baker’s Cyst.
For essential advice to avoid further injury and great tips on how to naturally reduce swelling & pain due to a baker’s cyst, be sure to explore our website as well as the rest of this video series.
- What is a baker’s Cyst?
- What causes a baker’s Cyst?
- What are the signs and symptoms of a Baker’s Cyst?
- How is a Baker’s Cyst diagnosed?
- Is exercise good for a Baker’s Cyst?
- Is Massage OK to relieve the swelling and pain from a Baker’s Cyst?
- Ice or Heat for Baker’s Cyst pain?
- How to treat a Baker’s Cyst?