09 Aug The Importance of Hand Therapy Treatment for Dupuytren’s Disease
The Importance of Hand Therapy Treatment for Dupuytren’s Disease
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Here at Pro-Active Physio Pilates, we offer hand therapy treatment for a range of different hand complaints, whether that be arthritis, a sports injury, or conditions such as Dupuytren’s contracture. Taking a non-surgical approach to hand rehabilitation, we use physical exercise techniques to improve mobility and ease pain. Using a combination of joint mobilisation, stretching and active exercises, we curate a bespoke treatment plan that is unique to your needs. We even make bespoke hand splints on-site to aid recovery. Taking a holistic approach to hand therapy, we start by taking the time to get to know you, your symptoms and your relevant medical history.
To book your initial consultation, call 01386 298058 or book online here:
*Please call us on 01386 298058 if you are booking through insurance.
In this blog, we highlight the importance of seeing a specialist hand therapist for Dupuytren’s disease. To see the full list of conditions we treat, visit our hand therapy treatment page here.
What is Dupuytren’s?
Dupuytren’s is a benign growth along the fascia in the palm of the hand. Often hereditary, this condition leads to (usually) painless hard lumps forming in the palm and on the fingers. These can then cause the finger to bend towards the palm, and many are then unable to straighten it fully.
It usually progresses slowly over a number of years, and typically effects the fingers furthest from the thumb. Dupuytren’s can form in both hands, however it’s more common to have one hand more severely affected than the other.
Hand Therapy for Dupuytren’s
Dupuytren’s will not follow any pattern in terms of what you do or don’t do. Some people, for example, only have the lumps which do not affect mobility of the fingers. If the condition is mild, physiotherapy can’t cure it, but it can prevent it from progressing into a bigger issue and can even prevent surgery.
If the finger has started to bend, management of the problem depends upon how much it is limiting your function.
If the finger keeps getting in the way, then surgery may be needed to release it. In any case, it is always essential to see a specialist hand therapist for Dupuytren’s, whether you need surgery or not.
After surgery, Dupuytren’s patients need specialist hand therapy treatment to fabricate a splint to keep the finger straight as it heals. They will also need guided exercises to ensure the tendons work properly as the scar forms.
The splint is normally worn for 2 weeks, 24 hours a day (taken off periodically to do the exercises) and then for 3 months at night only.
Once the wound has completely healed (which usually takes about 3 weeks), you will massage the scar with cream to help soften it and stop it sticking to the underlying tissues. At this point, you can drive again and resume all your normal activities.
When should I consider surgery for Dupuytren’s?
The best option for surgery is when only the bottom joint of the finger has contracted to about 30 degrees and not the middle joint as well. When the middle joint has become bent and stuck, sometimes the finger never straightens fully again, even with surgery.
If the whole finger has bent down fully and been like that for a long time, the likelihood of the finger being fully straight again is slim.
So, it’s important to be pro-active to give yourself the best chance of retaining hand mobility.
Why Choose Pro-Active Physio Pilates for Hand Therapy Treatment?
With hand injuries and everyday aches and pains, we always advise to act quickly. Responding early to pain usually results in a faster recovery and working with our physiotherapists can get to the root of the issue before it develops into anything more severe.
Hand therapy has an essential role in recovery and rehabilitation from hand or wrist injuries. Our qualified therapists will help you with the restoration of hand function and not only treat the problem, but help to keep the injury from reoccurring.
To book your initial consultation, call 01386 298058 or book online here:
*Please call us on 01386 298058 if you are booking through insurance.