admin Title: Dupuytren’s and Hand Therapy: Can Rehab Slow Progression?
Categories: Dupuytren’s Contracture; Hand Therapy; Treatments; Rehabilitation
Keywords: Dupuytren’s contracture, hand therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, rehab, stretching, fibrosis, contracture
Slug: dupuytrens-hand-therapy
Meta Description: Hand therapy may help Dupuytren’s patients. Learn how stretching and rehab support function.
Suggested Alt Text: “Hand therapist stretching patient’s Dupuytren’s fingers”
Source & Link: J Rehabil Med. 2016;48(3):245–252. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4865422/
License: CC-BY 4.0
Word Count: 755
Image Hint: Therapist working with hand exercises.
Introduction
Dupuytren’s contracture is a chronic condition that causes thickening of the connective tissue in the palm, leading to stiff fingers and limited hand movement. While no therapy can reverse fibrosis once it forms, early hand therapy—including stretching, massage, and splinting—may improve function and slow the progression of contractures.
Many patients ask whether physical or occupational therapy can actually help. Though not a cure, rehabilitation strategies are gaining traction as supportive treatments, especially before symptoms worsen or in recovery after surgery or injections.
What Is Hand Therapy for Dupuytren’s?
Hand therapy includes a combination of manual stretching, exercise routines, joint mobilization, and splinting aimed at preserving hand mobility. This therapy is usually performed by a licensed occupational or physical therapist who specializes in upper extremity rehabilitation.
The goal is not to cure Dupuytren’s but to maintain range of motion, reduce stiffness, and possibly delay the development of fixed contractures. This approach is particularly useful in:
Early-stage disease
Post-surgical rehab
Recurrence prevention
General function support
Research: What the Studies Say
A study published in the Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine (Nielsen et al., 2016) evaluated the impact of hand therapy on Dupuytren’s patients. The study involved structured stretching programs, heat application, splinting, and myofascial release techniques. Results showed that patients:
Experienced improved grip strength
Reported reduced morning stiffness
Maintained better hand extension over time
Benefited from early intervention
While therapy did not stop fibrosis entirely, it significantly helped patients maintain hand function and avoid rapid worsening.
When to Consider Therapy
Hand therapy is most effective when initiated early, during the nodule stage, before cords become deeply entrenched. It can also support healing and reduce scar stiffness after:
Surgical fasciectomy
Needle aponeurotomy
Collagenase injections (Xiaflex)
Therapy may include:
Dynamic splinting to gently extend fingers
Manual stretching of affected tissues
Massage and myofascial release
Tendon gliding exercises
Functional movement training
Consistency and compliance are critical—patients who follow their therapist’s plan are more likely to maintain mobility.
What Other Experts Recommend
The American Society for Surgery of the Hand (ASSH) recommends hand therapy as a core component of Dupuytren’s care, especially post-procedure. While therapists can’t dissolve cords or nodules, they help preserve what motion remains and train patients to use adaptive techniques in daily life.
The British Dupuytren’s Society also acknowledges hand therapy as valuable, particularly when paired with orthotic devices or as part of a multidisciplinary approach.
Key Benefits of Hand Therapy
Non-invasive: No drugs or surgeries are required
Low risk: Few side effects, if any
Improves function: Can help you maintain hand strength, grip, and coordination
Supports post-op healing: Reduces scar adhesions and stiffness
Enhances quality of life: Especially for those in early or moderate stages
Why It Matters if You Have Dupuytren’s
If you’re living with Dupuytren’s, you may feel like your options are limited to surgery or waiting for things to get worse. But hand therapy offers a proactive middle ground.
Even if you’re not a surgical candidate—or if you’re in early stages—rehab may help preserve mobility, maintain independence, and delay more invasive treatments. While therapy won’t reverse fibrosis, it can give you more time and flexibility, both literally and figuratively.
Additionally, engaging in therapy may help you stay more in tune with your hand health, track progression, and respond more quickly if things worsen.
Key Takeaways
Hand therapy supports function: While it can’t cure fibrosis, therapy improves flexibility and grip
Early is better: Starting therapy before cords become rigid increases success
Post-op rehab matters: Recovery from procedures is more effective with guided therapy
Consistency is key: Regular stretching and splinting offer the best long-term results
Therapy is low-risk: A safe, non-invasive tool in a holistic management plan
Legal & Medical Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider. Dupuytren’s Solutions is an educational resource to support —not replace— professional care. Individual results may vary.
Call to Action:
Connect with our Dupuytren’s community for support and real-world tips: https://www.facebook.com/groups/dupuytrensolutionsandhealth. Discover my journey in my new book Dupuytren’s Solutions and find out about all treatments to date — conventional, alternative, root-cause therapies, and remission strategies — at https://www.dupuytrenssolutions.com.
Attribution (CC BY 4.0): Adapted from Nielsen C, et al. Hand Therapy in Dupuytren’s Patients. J Rehabil Med. 2016;48(3):245–252. Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0. For the complete article and reference list, click Source.
