(Massage Therapy)
GENERAL EXPLANATION:
Ganglion is a mucous cyst occurring in the joint capsule near the tendon sheath. The cause remains unknown, but it is related to traumatic injury. It often occurs on the dorsum of the wrist or styloid process of the radius and the dorsum of the toes. Cysts gradually occurs without any symptoms in the very beginning. The cyst gradually enlarges and bulges in a hemisphere with a smooth appearance and a full and fluctuating sensation to the touch without adhesion to the skin. It is accompanied by local soreness in the distal part. Massage therapy can strengthen the tendon dissipate accumulation, eliminate swelling and stop pain with a satisfactory result.
NOTES:
1. The therapeutic effect is better in early treatment, but it easily reoccurs. After the ganglion has dissipated, it is necessary to go on with massage treatment for a period of time.
2. It is advisable to exercise the function of the joints. For example, swing the hands, shake the wrists, or extend and shake the ankles and toes.
TREATMENT:
1. Rub and knead the ganglion and nearby tissues 2 to 3 times.
2. Hold the sick wrist tightly with both hands and violently press the ganglion with the thumb of one hand (or both hands) toward the radius to break the ganglion. Then, knead the local area with the thumb for 2 minutes to dissipate the cystic fluid for absorption.
3. Knead the ganglion swiftly and forcefully with a percussion hammer (or the palm) to break the cyst and knead it.
4. Bandage the local area tightly for one to two days.
