There are many ways to treat Dupuytren’s contracture, including injections and surgery. But if your symptoms are mild, you may be able to manage the condition with more conservative treatment, such as hand exercises and stretches.
“Stretching helps prevent further tissue and muscle shortening, which in turn helps manage joint stiffness and range of motion,” says Brittany Ferri, PhD, a registered and licensed occupational therapist and the owner of Simplicity of Health in Rochester, New York. “Stretching is an important part of symptom management for Dupuytren’s contracture. It can help you maintain functional use of your affected hand.”
Here are five hand exercises to try, plus other tips for managing Dupuytren’s contracture.
Hand Exercises That May Help With Dupuytren’s Contracture
There are several exercises you can do on a regular basis to help with complications from Duputren’s contracture. But the right ones for you will depend on your specific case. “It’s best to consult an occupational therapist or physical therapist for specific guidance on home exercises for Dupuytren’s contracture,” says Dr. Ferri. These exercises may include:
1. Finger Extensions
“Finger extension is one of the most important exercises for Dupuytren’s contracture, as fully straightening the fingers is one of the most noticeable concerns related to this condition,” says Ferri.
How to do it: Put your palm flat on a surface and spread your fingers wide apart. Then, bring your fingers back together.
2. Finger Lifts
This exercise helps you target each finger individually to assess its flexibility and dexterity. Dupuytren’s contracture typically affects the ring and smaller fingers more, so pay attention to how those feel when you do these movements.
How to do it: Put your palm down flat on a smooth surface. Lift one finger at a time, pause, and then lower it back down.
3. Fist Opening
Practicing fist openings regularly can help with your overall finger mobility, says Ferri. But be careful not to force your hand into a tight fist, as using a lot of pressure to squeeze the fingers together can do more harm than good, she adds.
How to do it: Form a loose fist with all fingers curled in toward the palm. Then, gently open the fist and stretch your fingers out.
4. Knuckle Bending
This exercise targets your knuckle joints, but it can be challenging if you don’t have much motion in your knuckles. If this is the case, “You can use your other hand to gently help bend each knuckle and then straighten it back out,” Ferri notes. “Be sure not to force anything, and don’t push past the point of pain.”
How to do it: With your hands in front of you, bend the first two joints of your fingers down and then straighten them.
5. Massage
“[Hand] massage can help manage stiffness, especially in your upper palm, near the base of your fingers,” says Ferri.
How to do it: Using your thumb or another finger on one hand, gently massage in between the fingers of your other hand. You might also want to consult a massage therapist experienced in treating Dupuytren’s contracture for more guidance.
How often you do these exercises will depend on how advanced the Dupuytren’s contracture is. “If you’re in the early stages of the condition, doing these at least once a day is usually the recommendation, as long as you can complete them and be relatively free of pain,” says Ferri. If you are in the later stages, it may be helpful to do these every other day or a couple of times a week. Too much exercise can worsen the condition, she adds.
Other Tips for Managing Dupuytren's Contracture
In addition to hand exercises, keep these practices in mind:
Consider seeing an occupational or physical therapist. These specialists can give you personalized recommendations for hand exercises, adaptive equipment, or assistive devices that can help you with your daily tasks. “Some examples are electric can openers if you want to cook, button hooks and zipper pulls if you have difficulty dressing on your own, or card holders if you enjoy playing games,” says Ferri. You can ask your doctor for a referral.
Follow your doctor’s or therapist’s instructions. They will tell you how often to do the hand exercises, as well as signs to look out for that indicate the condition is getting worse. “Exercise is a great way to manage stiffness and increase the functional use of your hand. But too much exercise can further strain the tissue, causing less motion at the joints,” Ferri notes.
Stay consistent with the hand exercise routine. “Consistency is the best way to see results,” says Ferri. It’s also a good idea to track symptoms before and after the exercises, so you can report back to your doctor or therapist.
Talk to your doctor before starting a new exercise. If you want to try a new exercise or routine, check with your doctor or therapist first to ensure it doesn’t interfere with Duputren’s contracture treatment.
The Takeaway
Finger extensions, lifts, fist openings, knuckle bending, and hand massage can help manage Dupuytren’s Contracture by improving flexibility, mobility, and reducing stiffness.
Regular practice of these exercises helps maintain hand function, but be mindful of overdoing it, as this can worsen symptoms.
Always check with your doctor before starting new exercises to avoid worsening the condition.
EDITORIAL SOURCES
Everyday Health follows strict sourcing guidelines to ensure the accuracy of its content, outlined in our editorial policy. We use only trustworthy sources, including peer-reviewed studies, board-certified medical experts, patients with lived experience, and information from top institutions.
Scott Haak, PT, DPT, has been a member of the Mayo Clinic staff since 2000. Dr. Haak serves as faculty for the Sports Medicine Fellowship program at Mayo Clinic Florida. He is certified by the NSCA (National Strength and Conditioning Association) as a CSCS (Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist), is a Certified USA Weightlifting Coach and Certified USA Football Coach, and possesses a MTC (Manual Therapy Certification) from the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences.
Haak is an exercise enthusiast and enjoys running, weightlifting, and sports performance training. He is the president and director of coaching of a youth tackle football organization, JDL Providence Football, and currently coaches high school football and weight lifting.
Erica Patino is a freelance writer and editor, content strategist, and usability specialist who has worked for a variety of online health outlets, including Healthline, Sharecare, and Twill Care. She was previously a senior editor at Everyday Health. She is also the founder and editor-in-chief of Hear 2 Tell, a website that covers advances in hearing loss treatment. Patino lives in Portland, Oregon, with her husband and twin sons.
