Deep Dupuytren massage and gentle stretching works best
Dupuytren massage can be a helpful therapy for hand and finger contractures when it is done in a very specific way and especially when it is applied early in the disease process; massage therapy can be successful later during the course of Dupuytren contracture but more time and effort is required.
In the DCI therapeutic model for at-home physical therapy that is used for Dupuytren contracture, it is the combination of massage and stretching that are considered as one combined therapy. Doing only Dupuytren massage will not be very effective; the same can be said for Dupuytren stretching by itself. Both work together in a synergistic way just as with the vitamin, mineral and enzyme supplements that are also used for Dupuytren treatment.
While the Dupuytren massage has a direct therapeutic effect on the soft tissues around the nodules and cords, it also has the indirect effect of increasing local blood circulation, relaxing muscle tension, and increasing lymphatic drainage in the upper extremity. So in this sense Dupuytren massage has a dual action, but it still is not as important therapeutically as direct slow, gentle and frequent palmar fascia stretching.
During the early phase of Dupuytren development the greatest beneficial effects of physical treatment comes from using light and prolonged lengthening stretches of the palmar fascia. This soft tissue technique increases lymphatic drainage and local blood circulation, stimulates cellular activity to assist cartilage reabsorption and mobilization of fibrin producing cells. These efforts can be beneficial for reducing or eliminating the Dupuytren cords and nodules on the palm of the hand.
As Dupuytren’s contracture slowly advances, the palmar fascia thickens and shortens, and cords develop that keep the involved fingers in a flexed position closer and closer to the palm, it becomes increasingly more difficult to stretch the contracted soft tissue.
As the soft tissue (fascia) continues to shortening it leads to the development of fibrous restrictions in the palm of the hand. It is important to find a treatment strategy that will reduce or eliminate that shortening via gentle and sustained traction or stretching massage. This can be accomplished by using an aggressive plan of self-administered stretching and massage to the palmar soft tissue so these restricted and thickened tissues frequently have the greatest opportunity to release the fibrous binding that is taking place within. Stretching not only the involved fingers, but also the wrist and forearm in gentle relaxed hyperextension is the sensible approach that will earn the greatest benefit for Dupuytren contracture.
The method of Dupuytren massage suggested by DCI is not to be applied directly to the nodules or hand lumps. In fact, do not do Dupuytren massage anywhere near the nodules or contractures since this might aggravate your problem.
Dupuytren massage research project
Currently, DCI is very close to completing a research project to develop a method to specifically stretch the palmar soft tissue nodules and finger contractures. If you are interested in learning about this new Dupuytren research, please send an email to Dr. Herazy at herzy@sbcglobal.net and ask for information about “Hand Contracture Graduated Stretching.”
Further, DCI is beginning another research project to develop a special method to deliver a Dupuytren massage without risk of aggravating the hand contractures. If you are interested in participating in this Dupuytren massage research, please send an email to Dr. Herazy at herzy@sbcglobal.net and ask for information about the “Dupuytren Massage Project.”
I am interested in further data on massaging the hand with Dupuytren’s contracture to avoid it getting larger……can I use a massage oil to bring in more circulation to the area? and to apply extending the fingers backwards , can this help the process to slow down its advances.? thank you….also do you have for sale a CD that one can follow by visually watching the proper massage in the area of concern? thank you……Helen
Greetings Helen Marie,
DCI is currently doing research for the best way to massage and stretch Dupuytren’s contracture. Our results should be available soon.
I am concerned about your phrase “to apply extending the fingers backward.” That image of the fingers being extended backward suggests a very strong and sustained stretch which would be excessive. Any effective stretching method for Dupuytren’s contracture that we have so far investigated has been very light and gentle – not strong or aggressive. So please do not overstretch or injure the hand tissue where you have your Dupuytren’s contracture.
Any stretching used for DC is only a part of a larger overall treatment plan; stretching done itself has small chance of success. Please read the DCI website about to use a good Dupuytren’s contracture treatment program.
Good luck. TRH
Hi,
I too am interested in the massage/stretching treatment. I have a small Dupuytren’s lump; would like to know how to treat myself.
Regards,
Christine
Greetings Christine,
DCI is working on a revised and updated Dupuytren’s contracture massage/stretching DVD that will explain what you need to know. This project has taken much longer than I initially expected, but I think the results will be worth it.
In the meantime please understand that the Dupuytren’s contracture massage/stretching procedure is only a part of the overall and larger DC treatment protocol of DCI. Dupuytren’s contracture is much to difficult and complex a problem to treat to respond to just a massage and stretching procedure. It is necessary to use a combination therapy approach of vitamins, minerals, enzymes, DMSO and other topical therapies, in addition to a good massage and stretching procedure. Dupuytren’s contracture is not a typical kind of soft tissue problem, and for this reason a different kind of treatment approach is required.
While we are near completing the Dupuytren’s contracture massage/stretching DVD I suggest that you review the DCI website to learn how to use the DCI treatment protocol.
Good luck iwth your Dupuytren’s contracture treatment. TRH
Greetings Christine,
DCI is working on a revised and updated Dupuytren’s contracture massage/stretching DVD that will explain what you need to know. This project has taken much longer than initially expected, but the results will be worth it.
In the meantime please understand that the Dupuytren’s contracture massage/stretching procedure is only a part of the overall and larger DC treatment protocol of DCI. Dupuytren’s contracture is much too difficult and complex a problem to treat with just a massage and stretching procedure. It is necessary to use a combination therapy approach of vitamins, minerals, enzymes, DMSO and other topical therapies, in addition to a good massage and stretching procedure. Dupuytren’s contracture is not a typical kind of soft tissue problem, and for this reason a different kind of treatment approach is required.
While we are near completing the Dupuytren’s contracture massage/stretching DVD I suggest that you review the DCI website to learn how to use this treatment protocol.
Good luck with your Dupuytren’s contracture treatment. TRH
Hello – I have bilateral early stage Dupuytren’s contracture in hands, but have now also developed foot nodules – you mention vitamins and enzymes – what advice is there on dietary effect or supplements please?- is there any OTC pharmacy advice?
Is surgery an option for the foot? is it successful/advised?
Many thanks
Morna
Greetings Morna,
Most of the general advice you are looking for concerning vitamin. mineral and enzyme supplementation to treat Dupuytren’s contracture is found throughout this website. All specific advice about our DCI treatment plans is supplied with each order. Perhaps a good place for you to start is https://dupuytrens-contracture.com/new-customer-how-to-select-your-best-treatment-plan-2/
As far as OTC pharmacy advice to offer you, I suggest that you not go to a pharmacy for your nutritional needs. Drug stores tend to sell vitamins that are synthetic, not of organic origin. Many studies have shown that synthetic vitamins, especially like vitamins E and C, are not nearly as effective as their organic counterparts and have been associated with adverse physical reactions (side effects).
Foot nodules (Ledderhose disease) can be removed surgically but will return in a few years, almost always larger and more numerous than the initial occurrence. For this reason it is wise to do all that you can do to avoid surgery. I suggest that you review this website for ways to encourage your body to eliminate the Dupuytren’s contracture and Ledderhose disease fibrous tissue naturally. TRH
Dear Dr. Herazy,
Thanks for sharing. May I know how can do the massage to relieve the pressure from the Dupuytren’s contracture in my palm? Thanks.
Greetings Candy,
DCI does not suggest massaging the palm, but stretching it. The details of how this is done would take a long response. Better that you go to a page on this website to see how it id done correctly: Dupuytren’s contracture stretching. TRH .
Dr. Herazy,
I am a massage therapist working in a chiropractic office. The Dr. has referred a patient to me that has Dupuytren. Could you please tell me the best tech. to use and what to avoid. I want to do the very best for my patient.
Thank You — Carol Allen, LMT
Greeting Carol,
Massage is not a suggested therapy for Dupuytren’s contracture; gentle stretching is a better therapy form. Please go to Stretch Dupuytrens Contracture to see the instructions for applying a series of gentle stretches to the afflicted hand. You can apply these stretches, or instruct your client how to apply them. TRH