I also have a patient (who I am seeing for unrelated condition) who has about 4-5 cysts in her wrist. She c/o pain and is really limited in quadruped because of it. I also thought about what I could do to help....
You may laugh, but the book method does work. However, I have only used it on friends and relatives, as patients would probably sue. And win. Surgery is the only lasting option, and Im not sure that the cysts always stay away.
Slamming a book on the cyst is generally not a recommended treatment - I agree you should only use it for self and family. It was used in physician offices in the past.
Ganglion cysts sometimes return after surgery but it is the best option available per recent discussion with a hand surgeon. Apparently surgery is only recommended for adults. Sometimes the surgery is more cosmetic. The cysts do not always interfere with function.
If the cyst or surrounding tissue is inflamed, treatment to reduce inflammation may be helpful. Other than for acute or sub-acute inflammation, I doubt if PT will be helpful.
Thanks for all the replies. My patient has had surgery in the past, she now has about 2 more than she originally did. They do interrupt her function, so maybe another surgery is advised....