Physical Therapy Exercises Following Dupuytren’s Contracture Release Surgery: Consistency Is Key

Is Dupuytren’s Contracture Release Surgery Enough?

Dupuytren’s contracture release surgery is the surgical treatment for the hand disease Dupuytren’s contracture. The condition causes the fascia to thicken and tighten, permanently pulling the fingers inward. During the release surgery, the surgeon removes the thickened tissue to free up the skin and joints, thereby increasing finger mobility. However, the release surgery alone is not enough to permanently treat the disease. The patient still needs several physical therapy sessions to increase finger motion, strength, and function.

Post-operative care and physical therapy

Right after the procedure, the hand will be heavily bandaged with only the fingertips showing. The surgeon removes the bandage and stitches after 2 weeks. The patient will then start physical therapy with a qualified therapist, often surgeon-referred. The therapist will teach the patient safe ways to massage the hand and fingers to lessen the swelling. Specific exercises will also help achieve optimal recovery. The therapist might also provide a thermoplastic splint to wear at night to prevent surgery scars from contracting.

Typical finger and hand exercises

Even after regaining full use of the hand, patients still need gentle stretching and strengthening exercises for up to 6 months after the surgery. For each finger, the therapist will recommend stretching and straightening movements. These consist of spreading out the fingers, straightening and flexing each finger, full-finger bending, and hook finger bending. For the hand, exercises include making repeated fists of different sizes. A pen or marker is also used to roll the fingers into a fist. On average, these exercises are done every 2 hours. However, the therapist will decide the frequency and repetition based on the patient’s abilities.

Tendon gliding exercises

Tendon gliding exercises are among the most recommended activities to help with recovery. The tendons need to restore smooth motion after the thick fascia limited movement. Physical therapy exercises aim to engage 2 flexor tendons in the fingers. Gliding these flexor tendons helps the fingers to move freely and make a firm grip, reducing swelling. An example of tendon gliding starts with straightening the fingers first. Next, bend the tips of the fingers into a hook, then the large knuckles, and make a straight fist while holding the end joints straight. Lastly, make a full fist by bending all the joints. Other tendon exercises will improve flexibility and strength.

What happens if you stop physical therapy?

Like any exercise to grow and strengthen muscle, consistency is critical. However, physical therapy exercises carry an added challenge. The patient is dealing with an injury that can be painful even after surgery. Working through pain can be difficult, and some patients aren’t mentally prepared. Physical therapy can also be inconvenient. Even with home exercises, as little as 35% of patients complete the regimen. Stopping physical therapy means a more extended period of pain, less motion, and reduced grip strength. There is also an increased chance of repeat injury. Patients should speak with the therapist about any challenges in keeping up with the exercises.

Consistency matters

Undergoing release surgery for Dupuytren’s contracture can help decrease stiffness and pain while improving flexibility. However, surgery alone cannot fully restore the hand’s strength, motion, and function. In addition, due to factors like age and health, some patients heal faster than others. Therefore, physical therapy exercises are equally important. For faster and optimal recovery, do the hand exercises according to the frequency instructed by the therapist. These exercises may seem simple, but doing each daily significantly impacts recovery.