Having a similar characteristic as frozen shoulder, Dupuytren’s Contracture is a condition that causes the soft tissue of the hand  to become fibrotic altering the natural ligamentous elastic properties that eventually leads to a significant shortening compromising the overall movement of the hand and leading to the deformity.

In my clinical experience, Dupuytren’s Contracture is cause by the chronic  residual build-up of inflammation caused of any untreated hand/wrist injuries, this leads to a compensatory build up of calcium in the area in attempt to decrease the acidity caused by the ongoing inflammatory response, as a result the surrounding soft tissue support becomes compromised initiating the development of this disease. Hence, is paramount to efficiently treat any wrist/hand injuries to prevent Dupuytren’s Contracture

Assessment Protocol

The entire upper extremity biomechanical chain must be evaluated as per the neurological and mechanical influences of the spine, shoulder and elbow..

Clinical assessment to identify the key dysfunctions of the wrist and hand  that have contributed to this condition. Soft tissue analysis to pinpoint the level of irritation in the ligaments and fascia.

X-ray

Anterior – Posterior (AP) X-ray wrist view is essential for proper diagnosing the master joint of the wrist (Radial – Ulna) as the origin of poor hand mechanics starts from a dysfunctional radial and ulna bones.

Lateral Xray view is important to check the degree of the total arch compromised and the direction of misalignment of the lunate bone

MRI

Hip MRI is essential for visualizing the extent of injury on the muscle/tendon and ligamentous layers.

Locate the exact injury point; Allows the treatment to be more specific during the application of the treatment modalities

Identify the extent of tissue damage and the presence of scar tissue; Provides valuable information regarding prognosis and the application of friction soft tissue modalities to aid on scar tissue removal.

Treatment protocol

Specific wrist/hand adjustments followed by a rehabilitation regime to strengthen the entire soft tissue support of the hand .

Application of Low-level Laser and PEMF to aid on the cellular level of heling as well as improving the microcirculation for the area.

Friction soft tissue therapy helps to reduce dysfunctional scar tissue

Specific selected essential oil application to enhance healing and remove residual inflammation.

Depending on level of misalignment and chronicity a minimum of 6 weeks up to 12 weeks of treatment care may be necessary to resolve this deformity.