Bakers Cyst

Written By Martin Spitzeck

Physiotherapy for Baker’s Cyst (Popliteal Cyst)

We provide targeted physiotherapy for Baker’s cysts to reduce swelling, improve knee mobility, treat the underlying cause, and help you return to normal activity without pain.

Effective Physiotherapy for Baker’s Cyst

A Baker’s cyst—also known as a popliteal cyst—is a fluid-filled swelling at the back of the knee. It usually develops when there is irritation or inflammation inside the knee joint, causing excess fluid to collect in the popliteal space.

Rather than treating just the cyst itself, we focus on fixing the underlying knee issue—often arthritis, meniscal irritation, patellofemoral overload or swelling after injury. With the right physiotherapy, the swelling reduces, movement improves, and daily activities become more comfortable.

Common Symptoms of a Baker’s Cyst

  • A lump or swelling behind the knee

  • Tightness or pressure when bending or straightening the knee

  • Pain when walking, squatting or kneeling

  • Stiffness after rest or prolonged sitting

  • Calf tightness or referred discomfort

  • A feeling of fluid or fullness at the back of the knee

Areas We Treat

1. Reduce Knee Swelling & Inflammation

We address the excess joint fluid contributing to the cyst by focusing on:

  • Gentle joint mobilisations

  • Soft tissue release

  • Swelling management strategies

  • Ice, compression and elevation guidance

  • Taping to support knee mechanics

Reducing intra-articular swelling often leads to a significant reduction in cyst size.

2. Treat the Underlying Knee Cause

A Baker’s cyst is usually a symptom of another knee condition.
We assess and treat contributors such as:

  • Knee osteoarthritis

  • Meniscal irritation or degeneration

  • Patellofemoral overload

  • Post-injury swelling

  • Soft tissue imbalance

  • Biomechanical movement issues

Addressing the root cause is essential for long-term improvement.

3. Improve Knee Mobility & Movement

Stiffness around the knee joint increases pressure and discomfort.
We restore mobility through:

  • Knee flexion/extension mobility exercises

  • Patella mobility

  • Stretching tight quads, calves and hamstrings

  • Guided movement retraining

Better mobility reduces joint stress and supports healing.

4. Strengthening for Knee Stability

Strong muscles reduce joint compression and fluid build-up.
We focus on:

  • Quadriceps strength (especially VMO)

  • Hip/glute stability to reduce knee load

  • Hamstring and calf balance

  • Core and pelvic control

A stronger, more stable knee reduces recurrence of cysts.

5. Gait, Squat & Functional Movement Retraining

We correct patterns that overload the joint, including:

  • Poor knee control during squats/lunges

  • Overloading during walking or stairs

  • Hip drop or knee collapse

  • Compensation strategies from pain

Small technique adjustments create big improvements in comfort.

6. Load Management & Activity Guidance

We help you continue activity safely by adjusting:

  • Exercise volume

  • Training intensity

  • Squat depth and leg-day modifications

  • Walking, running or gym routines

  • Recovery strategies to minimise swelling

This allows you to stay active while managing symptoms.

Why Baker’s Cysts Occur

Baker’s cysts form when:

  • There is irritation inside the knee joint

  • Excess fluid escapes into the back of the knee

  • Mechanical stress increases due to weakness or overload

  • Arthritis or meniscal changes create persistent swelling

Physiotherapy reduces both the cyst and the underlying cause, preventing it from returning.

Get Relief From Baker’s Cyst Pain

If swelling behind your knee is stopping you from walking, bending or training comfortably, physiotherapy can help reduce symptoms, improve movement and treat the root cause.

Book your assessment today and start your recovery.

Martin Spitzeck
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