Acupuncture Therapy for Dupuytren's Contracture of the Hands

Understanding Dupuytren's Contracture

Dupuytren's contracture is a condition where the fascia under the skin on the palm thickens and tightens over time. This causes one or more fingers to bend down toward the palm in a fixed bent position that progressively worsens.

Symptoms of Dupuytren's Contracture

Symptoms tend to develop slowly over months and years. Some early signs include:

• Thickened, pitted skin on palm
• Nodules or knots under palm skin
• Ring finger and little finger bending down toward palm
• Difficulty flattening palm or extending fingers completely straight

As fascia cords continue to shorten and thicken, fingers pull further inward and lose extension range of motion. This hand and finger contracture eventually may limit normal use of the hand.

What Causes Dupuytren's Contracture?

The exact cause remains unclear but may involve a complex interplay of factors like genetics, hormones, environmental exposures, vascular diseases, diabetes, smoking, alcohol use, certain medications, trauma or repetitive hand strain.

Those with family history of Dupuytren's have an inherited predisposition. Northern European descent also increases prevalence. The condition usually first appears in adulthood, after age 40.

Treatment Options for Dupuytrens Contracture

Treatment aims to restore improved hand extension and function. Common medical and alternative interventions include:

Non-Surgical Options

• Collagenase injections - Enzymes weaken cord fibers
• Steroid injections - Help slow progression in early stages
• Radiation - Attempts to prevent tissue changes
• Physical therapy - Stretches hand to maintain flexibility

Surgical Options

• Needle aponeurotomy - Cuts tight cords with small needle
• Partial fasciectomy - Removes problematic fibrous tissue

Recurrence rates approach 20-50% at 5 years even after surgery in advanced cases as tissue continues to scar and contract.

Can Acupuncture Help Dupuytrens Contracture?

Research into acupuncture efficacy specifically for Dupuytren's remains limited. But some early studies and anecdotal evidence suggests potential benefits through various mechanisms of action that deserve further investigation.

Improving Local Blood Flow

By stimulating nerve fibers and increasing capillary circulation around needle sites, acupuncture may benefit affected hand and finger tissue through improved blood flow. This could help deliver oxygen and nutrients, remove waste, modulate inflammation and facilitate healing.

Reducing Adhesions and Scar Tissue

The needles also trigger the body to release its own anti-inflammatory and tissue repair compounds. This helps address the underlying fascial inflammation and fibrosis driving the contracture progression. So acupuncture could help minimize formation of additional scar bands.

Relaxing Muscular Tension

The profound relaxation effect of acupuncture sessions further aids recovery. Releasing upper extremity muscular tension and spasms through this stress reduction mechanism assists in straightening bent fingers.

Acupuncture Points to Target for Dupuytrens Contracture

Acupuncturists tailor customized treatments based on each persons specific areas of pain, skin changes, movement limitations and palm hardness or nodules. But commonly focused points may include:

Hand and Finger Points

• LI 5 (Yangxi) - Relaxes tendons/ligaments, benefits contraction
• LU 10 (Yuji) - Eases inflammation, promotes tissue repair
• PC 7 (Daling) - Helps open contracted hand, stimulates blood flow

Arm and Wrist Points

• LI 11 (Quchi) - Alleviates pain, reduces inflammation
• TE 5 (Waiguan) - Improves circulation, eases muscle spasms
• SJ 5 (Waiguan) - Releases tightness, benefits joints/tendons

Applying acupressure massage on these acupoints between visits maximizes therapeutic effects.

Whole Body Treatment Considerations

Addressing the body holistically also impacts localized hand tissue through neural, vascular, immune and hormonal connections. So calming the nervous system while supporting cardiovascular, liver, kidney and endocrine function helps optimize results.

Lifestyle counseling on diet, exercise habits, smoking cessation and managing other health conditions further bolsters improvements long-term.

Acupuncture as Complementary Care for Dupuytrens Contracture

While lacking in clinical trials specifically analyzing efficacy for this indication, experts theorize acupuncture can still benefit Dupuytrens contracture in several ways as part of a broader treatment plan when combined with conventional medical care like injections or physical therapy.

Maximizing non-surgical options helps delay progression to the point surgery is necessary while gentle acupuncture simultaneously aids tissue healing and finger extension. Acu treatments pre and post-surgery may also quicken recovery and reduce recurrence risk.

Visiting an experienced, licensed acupuncturist familiar with muskuloskeletal and hand conditions ensures optimal, customized therapy based on each patients unique presentation.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.