Shockwave Therapy for Dupuytren's Contracture
Focused shockwave therapy (fSWT) is a non-invasive treatment option for Dupuytren's Contracture that, when combined with physiotherapy, reduces fibrotic tissue, improves hand function and potentially slows disease progression.
It is particularly beneficial for clients seeking to avoid surgery or those in the early stages of the condition. It can also be used to break down scar tissue formation that occurs post-surgery.
How does it work? | Treatment protocol | Benefits | When to consider fSWT
What Is Dupuytren's Contracture?
Dupuytren's Contracture is a hand condition that involves the abnormal thickening of the palmar fascia, a fibrous layer of tissue beneath the skin of the palm. As the condition progresses, nodules and cords of tissue form, which can pull the fingers into a bent position. The exact cause of Dupuytren's Contracture is not well understood, but it is believed to have a genetic component and may be influenced by environmental factors like repetitive hand trauma or certain medical conditions.
If you think you have Dupuytren's Contracture and would like some advice then book your FREE phone consultation online now, drop us an email or phone us on 07760 536155 for a quick chat.
How Focused Shockwave Therapy Treats Dupuytren's Contracture
- Softens fibrous tissue
- Reduces pain and inflammation
- Improves circulation and tissue healing
- Enhances hand function
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
Typical Course
A course of shockwave therapy and physiotherapy for Dupuytren's Contracture usually involves 5 to 8 sessions, spaced about one week apart. Each session lasts 30 minutes. The exact number of sessions may vary depending on the severity of the condition and the client’s response to treatment.
Intensity And Frequency
The intensity and frequency of the shockwaves are carefully adjusted based on the client’s pain tolerance and the characteristics of the condition.
Minimal Downtime
Clients can usually resume normal activities immediately after treatment, although they will be advised to avoid strenuous activities for a short period if possible.
Post-Treatment Sensation
Some clients may experience mild soreness or swelling in the treated area. This typically resolves within a few days.
Benefits of Shockwave Therapy for Dupuytren's Contracture
Non-Invasive
Focused shockwave therapy offers a non-surgical option, which is particularly appealing for clients who wish to avoid the risks and recovery time associated with surgery.
Pain Reduction
Focused shockwave therapy provides significant pain relief, improving the client’s quality of life and ability to use their hands for daily activities.
Potential Disease Progression Halt
By addressing the underlying tissue abnormalities, focused shockwave therapy may slow or halt the progression of Dupuytren's Contracture, reducing the need for more invasive treatments in the future.
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.
Minimal Side Effects
Focused shockwave therapy is generally well-tolerated, with minimal side effects and no need for extensive recovery time.
High Success Rate
Clinical studies and/or client outcomes indicate that shockwave therapy is highly effective in treating Dupuytren's Contracture, especially in cases where other traditional treatments have failed.
When to Consider Shockwave Therapy for Dupuytren's Contracture
Early intervention
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 treatment
For those who prefer to avoid more invasive treatments such as needle aponeurotomy or collagenase injections
Palmar fascia thickening
If diagnostic imaging reveals significant thickening of the palmar fascia or nodules that are likely to progress.
To avoid surgery
If elderly or those with co-morbidities who are considered high-risk for surgery due to anesthesia or other health concerns.
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.
No commitment, pressure or obligation! Book your FREE 30 minute phone consultation online now or call us for a quick chat.
Having previously tried radial shockwave treatment, which was painful (due to the hammering action) and ineffective, I did some research and decided to try FSWT. I noticed an immediate pain reduction in relation to my plantar fasciitis, which had been persistent for over 6 months. The improvement to my knee pain came more gradually, but it had been an issue for many years. But after 5 treatments I was almost pain free. Nim was very professional and friendly and also offered advice on when to avoid and start normal activities and also included stretching programmes. I'm glad I made the investment and managed to get myself back to my outdoor hobbies before summer.
After almost two years of either living in (sometimes debilitating) pain with plantar fasciitis (PF) and not doing anything about it or having some unproductive and even counterproductive osteopathy and physiotherapy sessions/advice, I did some research into best treatments for PF and found Nim's focussed shockwave therapy (FSWT).
After 3 sets of FSWT sessions I'm now almost pain free, and I'm certain that a few more sessions will completely eradicate the PF. Unfortunately, at the end of last year I was hit with painful sciatica, and an MRI confirmed that I have two herniated discs (HDs). Nim advised me that FSWT works wonders with HDs, and since this is now my main complaint, we decided to focus on the sciatica, and will then intercalate the PF treatment. I'm feeling very positive about it!
Nim is a very knowledgeable, competent and professional physiotherapist, and an incredibly kind and caring person. She is always patient and keeps reassuring me every time I get frustrated. In addition to the FSWT sessions, I was given a tailored home stretch and self-treatment programme, both for the PF and for the HDs/sciatica.
I cannot recommend Nim and her magical machine enough! Thank you for everything, Nim :)
I came to Nim several months ago frustrated and in pain with a herniated disc what just wasn't healing. I arrived with restricted movement and pain everyday, even when I coughed of sneezed! I paid for 2 sets of shockwave therapy and it is the first time in a year where I feel like myself again. She not only provided the treatment but also was kind, and incredibly reassuring in my moments of frustration. Thank you for everything!
I had started to develop pain in the ball of my foot when I ran and then the pain continued when I walked. I went to the docs and got a diagnosis of a mortons neuroma. After trying various ways to manage the pain, I did some research and found Nim's focussed shockwave therapy. It was a tough commitment to come to 5 sessions in London when I live in Redcar (North East of England) but totally worth it. The pain I had when I run has gone and hopefully it won't come back as I start to increase my distance and frequency.
I 100% recommend Nim, she is such a lovely caring person and made me feel very comfortable during the treatment and also gave me plenty of good advice ☺️
I was struggling with bi-lateral achilles tendinopathy and retrocalcaneal bursitis which was impacting my ability to play sport. Over a number of sessions the Shockwave reduced the swelling, scar-tissue and most importantly the pain and both issues are now completely resolved. I also found Nim extremely professional and really nice to deal with. Recommended.
