Preoperative Stretching programs are different than simply trying to stretch the fingers straight. In the short term, stretching may straighten the fingers, but the long run, stretching alone probably worsens the contracture 6884845. Stretching exercises other than these are not recommended.
- Intermittent Pneumatic Soft-Tissue Distraction 12073189 ,10763127
- External fixation 12073188, 10991808, 9555992 , 9460968, 7498843 , 7964109, 7964108, 8516411, 1718360. High recurrence rate of PIP contractures 8982931
Massage: As noted above, vigorous stretching or traction is probably wrong for Dupuytren’s. However, there is anecdotal evidence that direct pressure massage may help soften nodules and firm areas related to Dupuytren’s. One technique for direct presure massage is to roll a cylinder (such as a 1/2″ to 1″ diameter wooden dowel) between the palm and a flat surface such as a tabletop, as shown here:
