WE BELIEVE
Joint pain should never prevent anyone from living life to its fullest. The right information, at the right time, can change lives.
Physiobot nailed it. Two years of pain is over - thanks!
M. Hardy, Denver CO
YOUR BAKER'S CYST GUIDE
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OVERVIEW
This care guide and related information is educational in nature. Always consult with a medical professional prior to initiating new exercises or trying a new product, drug, or supplement.
CARE STRATEGY
To begin with, your main objective should be reducing the strain on your cyst so that inflammation can decrease and healing can begin.
To achieve this, take it easy and avoid activities that worsen your pain. This doesn't mean forever, just enough time for your joint to rest. Resting for even a few days can significantly improve your recovery.
However, keep moving as research has proven that movement is crucial for joint health and recovery. The key is to listen to your body and avoid activities that aggravate your injury.
Here are some practical tips: stay mobile, start a conservative Baker's Cyst exercise program (you can find one at the bottom of this page), and avoid sitting for long periods as it can make movement more painful.
Once your pain subsides, you can gradually return to your previous activities. If your recovery isn't progressing fast enough, it may be time to consult a clinician.
PHASE 1 | DAY 1-3
Goal: 25% Reduction in Pain
This phase is to jump start your recovery. Perform your exercise program 4 times per day. Twice in the morning, and twice in the afternoon. We want a noticeable improvement in pain levels by day 3. We know this can be difficult with busy schedules, but it's for a short time and necessary to promote a successful recovery.
DAY 3: If the pain worsens consider consulting a clinician. Otherwise, proceed to Phase 2.
PHASE 2 | DAY 4-7
Goal: 50% Reduction in Pain
This phase is about maintaining the momentum from Phase 1. Reduce your exercise frequency to 3 times per day. Keep at least one session in the morning or afternoon. The exercises should start to feel easier and automatic.
DAY 7: You should see significant relief by the end of this phase. If not, consider consulting a clinician or trying an option from the joint tools section (meds, e-stim etc.)
PHASE 3 | DAY 7-14
Goal: 75% Reduction in Pain
This phase is about consistency and slowly resuming normal activities. Perform your exercises 2 times per day. Perform one session of either walking or athletic activities (light jogging, cycling etc) at 25-50% normal intensity. No cutting activities. Let pain be your guide, if it hurts, back off!
DAY 14: You should feel markedly better and confidently on the path to recovery.
PHASE 4 | DAY 14-30+
Goal: 95% Reduction in Pain
This phase is about transitioning to a maintenance program and finalizing your recovery. Reduce your exercise frequency to 1-2 times per day. Keep building on your functional and athletic activity levels. You can begin to push your knee a little harder each day, but once again, let your body be your guide. Any doubts at all, consult a clinician. Congratulations on your self-driven recovery!
If you require additional guidance or help returning to full athletic levels, we recommend going directly to a physical therapist. Access options have exploded in recent years with therapists who come to your home or virtually.
If you have thoughts on how we can improve Physiobot, please let us know!
PAIN TOOLS
Let's be clear - therapeutic exercise and activity modification are your best bet. But everyone asks us about these joint tools and "if they work." To be honest, it's a tricky question. Results vary significantly person-to-person, and supporting evidence varies product-to-product. So, we did a clinical evidence review for each category. We were surprised by some of the findings.
MASSAGE GUNS
Clinical Evidence: Good(+)
Percussive massage devices use rapid, repetitive strokes to target deep muscle tissue.
ICE VS HEAT
Clinical Evidence: Strong
Evidence suggests ice can be useful to help reduce the swelling and manage pain. Heat tends to be best for muscle soreness.
MEDICATIONS
Clinical Evidence: Strong
Our literature review indicates a combination of NSAID topical cream and oral acetaminophen is a reasonable first strategy to consider.
KNEE BRACES
Clinical Evidence: Fair(+)
The right knee brace can add support, reduce pain, and help you remain active.
E-STIM UNITS
Clinical Evidence: Fair
E-stim units are a drug-free, pain relief option. New models allow for easy home use.
NEXT LEVEL CARE
Joint Care. On Your Terms.
Knee care is often severely delayed due to the barriers of time, travel, and cost. These delays can have life-long consequences on recovery. To overcome this challenge, new options have become available that bring evidence-based care to you.
HANDS-ON CARE, BROUGHT TO YOU
An expert Physical Therapist will evaluate you in person, at home or work. Insurance accepted. Learn More
100% VIRTUAL KNEE PAIN CARE
The next generation of joint care is here. Built for ease of use and accessibility. Learn More
Selected based on your condition match and care profile
Stretches
Hold for 45-60 seconds
1-2 repetitions per session
Perform on each side
Strengthening
10-15 repetitions per set
1 set per session
Perform on each side
- Consult with a physician prior to trying new exercises -
Range of Motion
This exercise methodically and safely addresses tightness and range-of-motion restrictions.
Hamstrings Stretch
This exercise methodically and safely addresses tightness and range-of-motion restrictions.
Quad Strength
The quadriceps are key for knee stability with walking and running. When weak, pain and instability occur.
Hamstrings Firing
This exercise is a simple way to help you bend your knee better when walking.
Bridging
Strengthening the hamstrings can help reduce strain on the knee and patellar tendon.