I was recently diagnosed with DC after having surgery on my left thumb for CMC joint arthritis. I am 45, type 1 diabetic, low vitamin D, CMC joint arthritis in both hands and have had frozen shoulder in the past. I first noticed a nodule on my left thumb where my cast from surgery was rubbing. My hand therapist did some ultrasonic work on it and it decreased substantially (and is still quite small). This wasn't the node that prompted me to ask my doctor what was going on but looking back, I find it interesting that Ultrasound waves helped it. It is of the same type,consistency as my other nodules so know that particular one IS Dup. I have several nodes in my palm, one on my index finger, and thickening of the joints closest to my palm in my first three fingers. The right hand is not nearly as bad as the left.....anyway, just curious about the use of ultrasonic waves. I see Dr. Richard Brown here in San Diego. He is a big believer in Xiaflex.....I won't do the RT (with my luck I would get cancer) because I have 8 year old twins that need me to be around even if I have bad hands. I am lucky because my career is not at risk (I am a stay at home stepmom). I will ask my doctor next time I see him but am thankful for you all on this site, thankful for the information....

Ultrasound, and low level laser light, have been discussed on here several times. This included suggestions for specific machines one can use at home, as there are different types (frequencies). There was no consensus that it helps long term. Some people thought it helped, others not.

A specific type of massage has been reported as helping. Some suggest stretching too, and again others not. There is a theory that cords develop along the lines of tensile strain, so if correct that would suggest be careful with stretches.

So no consensus. Do what you think is right for you, but be careful.