Getting Rid of Ganglion Cysts
Ganglion cysts are a common and generally harmless condition, although they can be uncomfortable and may affect movement.
They start out as bumps on the back of the hand and the sides of the wrist. The cyst itself is filled with fluid, which can thicken over time, making the cyst feel firm or spongy.
While some people experience no symptoms, others find these cysts uncomfortable or even painful, especially when they press on nearby nerves.
Because of this, it’s essential to understand why they form and what you can do about them.
Let’s Discuss:
- What are ganglion cysts?
- Causes of ganglion cysts
- Symptoms and effects
- Physical Therapy for ganglion cysts
What Are Ganglion Cysts?
A ganglion cyst is like a small balloon that pops up near a joint, filled with a thick, jelly-like fluid similar to the synovial fluid that naturally lubricates your joints.
- These cysts are usually round or oval, varying in size from as small as a pea to as large as a marble.
- They often develop over time but can also appear suddenly.
- While they can form in various parts of the body, they are most commonly found on the back of the hand, the sides of the wrist, or even the base of the fingers.
Causes of Ganglion Cysts
The cause of ganglion cysts is not really known, but there are a couple of theories:
- Trauma or Stress: Repeated wear and tear from activities that stress the hand, leading to cyst formation.
- Previous Wrist Injuries: Past injuries that might contribute to cyst formation.
- Structural Problems: Issues in the joint tissues causing fluid to collect between joints and create a bulge.
Think of a ganglion cyst as your body’s response to stress or injury. Repetitive activities like typing, playing sports, or even gardening can irritate the joint or tendon, potentially leading to cyst formation.
Alternatively, an old wrist injury can trigger the development of a cyst. In some cases, a structural weakness in the joint tissues allows fluid to leak out and form a bulge.
Symptoms and Effects
Often, the cyst is merely a visual nuisance that doesn’t interfere with daily activities.
However, some individuals may find that it is painful with activity.
- If the cyst presses on a nerve, it might feel tingling or numb. The pain can vary from mild to severe and may feel like a dull ache.
- Some people experience tingling or numbness if the cyst compresses a nearby nerve.
- In rare cases, the cyst can restrict wrist or hand movement, making it difficult to grip objects or perform everyday tasks.
For some people, the cyst will go away by itself, but they may need to wear a splint during certain activities to reduce pain. Another treatment is needle aspiration to drain the fluid.
Physical Therapy: A Key Part of the Treatment
Physical therapy plays a crucial role in managing ganglion cysts, especially if you’re looking to avoid surgery or if your cyst is causing discomfort or limiting your movements.
Engaging in targeted physical therapy can help improve your range of motion, reduce pain, and prevent the cyst from affecting your daily activities.
Importance of Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is crucial before and after medical treatment of the cyst.
It helps to:
- Mobilize and Strengthen Joints: Gentle exercises help keep the joints in your hand and wrist flexible. Strengthening exercises focus on the muscles around the affected area, providing better support to the joints and reducing the risk of cyst recurrence.
- Reduce Swelling After Surgery: If you choose to have the cyst surgically removed, physical therapy can be essential for reducing post-operative swelling. Specific exercises help promote healthy circulation, which aids in quicker healing.
- Improve Hand Strength and Flexibility: A customized exercise program can help restore hand strength and flexibility, allowing you to return to your normal activities faster.
- Prevent Stiffness: Without regular movement, joints can become stiff and difficult to move. Physical therapy ensures that the affected joints remain mobile, minimizing stiffness.
- Maintain Coordination: Activities that focus on hand-eye coordination help maintain dexterity, which is especially important if the cyst has impacted your range of motion.
How Physical Therapy Helps
Working with a physical therapist gives you access to a range of techniques and exercises tailored to your specific condition.
Here’s how physical therapy can make a difference.
1) Assessment and Personalized Plan:
Your physical therapist will assess your hand and wrist’s current range of motion, strength, and function.
Based on this assessment, they will create a personalized therapy plan that addresses your specific needs.
This plan may include exercises to stretch and strengthen the affected muscles and joints.
2) Manual Therapy Techniques:
We often get asked, “Can you massage a Ganglion cyst away?”
Yes, but not always, and it should be done by a medical professional.
Your physical therapist may use hands-on techniques to help mobilize the joints, reduce muscle tension, and improve circulation.
3) Exercises for Strength and Flexibility
Physical therapy involves a variety of exercises that target the muscles in your hand and wrist. For example, you might perform gentle wrist flexion and extension exercises to maintain flexibility.
Strengthening exercises, like squeezing a soft ball or using resistance bands, help build the muscles around the joint to provide better support and stability.
4) Activity Modification and Ergonomics:
Physical therapy isn’t just about exercises; it’s also about teaching you how to move in ways that reduce stress on the affected area.
Your therapist might suggest changes to your daily routine or adjustments to your work environment, like modifying your workstation or using ergonomic tools.
These adjustments can help prevent further irritation and reduce the risk of the cyst returning.
5) Pain Management Techniques:
If the cyst causes significant pain, physical therapy can help manage that pain through various modalities, such as ice or heat application, ultrasound therapy, or electrical stimulation.
These techniques can help reduce inflammation, promote healing, and alleviate discomfort.
6) Post-Surgery Recovery:
When the cyst is painful or if it interferes with functional movement, surgery is often recommended. Physical therapy is important before and after medical treatment of the cyst.
Initially, therapy will focus on gentle movements to prevent stiffness and scar tissue formation.
As healing progresses, your physical therapist will guide you through more advanced exercises to restore strength, flexibility, and function to your hand and wrist.
Integrating Physical Therapy with Other Treatments
Physical therapy can complement other treatment options, whether you choose conservative management or opt for surgery.
- Splinting: If your healthcare provider recommends wearing a splint, your physical therapist can guide you on when and how to use it effectively. Splinting can reduce movement in the wrist, decreasing pain, and allowing the cyst to shrink.
- Needle Aspiration and Aftercare: After undergoing needle aspiration to drain the fluid from the cyst, physical therapy can help prevent the cyst from returning. Your therapist will focus on exercises that strengthen the muscles around the affected area, reducing the likelihood of fluid accumulation again.
- Massage Therapy: While gentle massage can sometimes help in reducing the size of a ganglion cyst, it should always be done by a trained professional to avoid causing more harm. Your physical therapist can incorporate safe and effective manual techniques to help drain the fluid and reduce tension around the cyst.
Did you know you have Direct Access* to Physical Therapy? No referral, no problem!
Conclusion
Remember that while ganglion cysts are not dangerous, neglecting their impact on your daily activities can lead to further problems.
Regular physical therapy will ensure that you gain maximum function and comfort in your wrist and hand. Taking action now can help you avoid discomfort in the future.
Under our direction, you will learn a range of exercises to:
- mobilize and strengthen joints
- reduce swelling after surgery
- improve hand strength and flexibility
- prevent stiffness
- maintain coordination
With the right support and guidance, you can regain control of your hand and wrist health and get back to the activities you enjoy.
The Jackson Clinics serves 18 locations throughout Northern Virginia.
Find one near you: https://thejacksonclinics.com/locations/