Specialist Focused Shockwave Therapy for Dupuytren's Contracture
Noticing small, hard lumps in your palm or finding it difficult to fully straighten your fingers?
Our specialist London clinic offers a non-invasive approach to managing Dupuytren’s contracture using advanced focused shockwave therapy (fSWT).
While there is no permanent cure for Dupuytren’s, focused shockwave is becoming a leading choice for clients across the UK who wish to manage the condition. By targeting the thickened tissue (the fascia) in the palm, fSWT softens nodules and cords, slowing or even reversing the progression of the contracture and improving hand and finger dexterity.
Book your free phone consultation today to see if this treatment is right for you.
How does it work? | Treatment protocol | Benefits | When to consider fSWT
What Is Dupuytren's Contracture?
Dupuytren’s contracture is a condition where the connective tissue under the skin of your palm begins to thicken and tighten. Over time, this can form firm cords that pull the fingers—most commonly the 4th and 5th fingers—into a bent position toward the palm.
Early intervention is advised, although many clients travel to our RIchmond clinic from across London and the UK after other treatments such as surgery have not been successful. Our high-energy focused shockwave therapy works by targeting the thickened fascia, breaking down fibrotic tissue and nodules, which improves hand function.
Differential Diagnosis: Identifying Hand Nodules and Cords
Because Dupuytren’s involves a thickening of the palmar fascia, it can be confused with:
- Myofascial Pain Syndrome: Tightness in the hand fascia that can mimic a contracture but lacks the hard cords or nodules.
- Scar Tissue: Thickening caused by a previous injury or surgery.
- Trigger Finger: Both involve cords, but trigger finger causes a mechanical catch, whereas Dupuytren’s causes a permanent pull.
Not sure which condition is causing you pain and would like some advice?
Book your FREE phone consultation online now, drop us an email or phone us on 07760 536155 for a quick chat.
See all conditions we treat to learn how fSWT can help.
How Focused Shockwave Therapy Treats Dupuytren's Contracture
- Softens fibrous tissue
- Reduces pain and inflammation
- Improves circulation and tissue healing
- Enhances hand function
Learn more about shockwave therapy and the difference between focused and radial shockwave therapy.
Book your FREE 30 minute phone consultation online now or drop us an email to find out more about how we can help.
Treatment Protocol for Dupuytren's Contracture
With years of experience treating Dupuytren's contracture for clients in Richmond, Greater London, and across the UK, we develop personalised treatment plans tailored to your symptoms and recovery goals.
Typical Course
- Starts with 5–8 sessions, usually once per week.
- The exact number of sessions will depend on the severity of your condition and response to treatment.
Intensity And Frequency
- Shockwave intensity and frequency are adjusted to your pain tolerance and the characteristics of the condition.
Minimal Downtime
- Most clients can continue normal activities immediately.
- Reduction in high-impact activity is advised during the first few sessions of the treatment plan.
Post-Treatment Sensation
- Mild soreness or swelling may occur, usually resolving within a few days.
Each treatment plan is tailored to your condition. Learn more about what to expect from focused shockwave therapy and view a full breakdown of clinic fees on our prices page.
Benefits of Focused Shockwave Therapy for Dupuytren's Contracture
Non-Invasive
Focused shockwave therapy for Dupuytren's is a non-surgical treatment, which means zero recovery time and no scar tissue formed as a result of the treatment.
Improved Hand Function
Clients often experience an improvement in hand mobility and strength, making it easier to perform tasks that were previously difficult due to the contracture.
High Success Rate
Client outcomes have shown that shockwave therapy is highly effective in treating Dupuytren's contracture, especially in cases where other traditional treatments have failed.
When to Consider Focused Shockwave Therapy for Dupuytren's Contracture
Early nodule formation
For early stages of Dupuytren's Contracture when the nodules and cords are still developing, and the contracture is mild.
Significant impairment
If the condition is causing significant functional impairment in daily activities, such as difficulty grasping objects, typing, or performing manual tasks.
Rapid progression
If the contracture is rapidly progressing, causing noticeable bending of the fingers and limiting hand function.
To avoid invasive treatments
For clients who prefer to avoid needle aponeurotomy, collagenase injections or surgery.
Palmar fascia thickening
If diagnostic imaging reveals significant thickening of the palmar fascia or nodules that are likely to progress.
Focused shockwave therapy may soften the fibrous tissue in the palm and fingers when introduced early, potentially slowing the progression of contractures and improving hand function.
FAQs – Dupuytren's Contracture & Focused Shockwave Therapy
Q: Can focused shockwave straighten a finger that is already fully curled?
A: Shockwave is most effective in the early to moderate stages. While it may help improve flexibility in a curled finger, its primary goal is to soften the cords and nodules to prevent further progression and improve general hand function.
Q: Is the treatment in the palm painful?
A: The palm is a sensitive area, but focused shockwave is much more comfortable than radial shockwave. You will feel a tingling sensation, and we will always adjust the energy levels to your pain tolerance.
Q: How many sessions will I need?
A: For tissue remodelling in the hand, we typically recommend at least 5 to 8 sessions. Because Dupuytren’s is a progressive condition, some clients choose to have top-up sessions every 6 to 12 months to maintain flexibility.
Q: Can I use my hands normally after the session?
A: Absolutely. Unlike surgical procedures, there are no restrictions on driving, typing, or daily activities immediately following your treatment.
Q: Can I have shockwave therapy even if I've already had surgery for Dupuytren's?
A: Certainly. Many of our clients have experienced significant improvements in hand function as focused shockwave softens nodules and also the scar tissue formed as a result of surgery.
For more answers to common questions, see our FAQs page
No commitment, pressure or obligation! Book your FREE 30 minute phone consultation online now or call us for a quick chat.
Dupuytren's Testimonials
Our Specialist Focused Shockwave Clinic
Be Vibrant Physio is a leading UK provider of advanced Focused Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (F-ESWT).
Based in Richmond, London, our clinic is a specialist hub equipped with world-class Storz Medical technology.
We routinely welcome clients from across Greater London, the UK, and international visitors seeking expert clinical protocols.
Situated a short walk from Richmond Station, we are easily accessible via the District Line, Overground, and National Rail, with 90 minutes of complimentary parking available nearby.
After 2.5 years of problems with my collarbone, the shockwaves helped me immensely. Nim was great and very professional throughout - before and after pics!
I was unable to play tennis due to hamstring tendinopathy for many months and it did not improve until I had a course of shockwave treatments which have been very successful. Nim is very pleasant and is genuinely interested and enthusiastic about seeing an improvement in your condition. She is very knowledgeable and information and advice she gives is always based on up to date research.
I was recommended focused shockwave therapy for a hamstring tendinopathy that had not been resolved through traditional physio. I found Nim, and her treatment has been excellent. After years of pain, I am delighted with the results. She is so knowledgeable and I've learnt a lot from her. How I approach sports training has changed forever for the good! She is also a lovely and interesting person to talk to: I always learned something new in each treatment session.
It’s difficult to know where to start but I found Nim after hearing a podcast about shockwave therapy, Google led me there and my first meeting with her gave me the reassurance to give her a go.
I suffered a spinal fracture nearly ten years ago, recurring sciatica, lower back pain, daily aches and stiffness. A diagnosis of arthritis and years of chiropractors, osteo’s, physio’s and rheumatologists.
Nim took one look at me and noticed my pelvic twist, my imbalance caused from years of compensating for pain. Coupled with focused shockwave to repair the damage that never properly healed and targeted stretches, nothing rocket science or hard to fit in to a busy schedule. Now I am pain free for the first time that I can remember, my mobility has returned and the ‘arthritis’ gone.
Thankyou Nim, you are a true healer and proof that there is help out there if you are strong and willing enough to refuse a lifelong diagnosis and find the help you need. 11 stars from me.
I was told how good Nim was by another satisfied client which was why I decided to finally tackle a decades old problem - a horrible crunchy rotator cuff which was limiting my arm movement. The shockwave therapy really works and Nim is both very friendly and extremely knowledgeable, supporting the therapy with a programme of exercises to do at home. I've got far more movement in my shoulder now, thanks to Nim!
