NA is described as piercing the cord and snapping it to relieve the contracture. My question is, what cord is this? Does the snapping of this cord have any effect on the use of the finger? Can the finger be contracted voluntarily? (as in gripping something)

The description just sounds like you're having an essential tendon snapped. Someone please clear up my confusion!

I have DP on my right pinky, the tendon that runs down the side of the hand, so no contracture to speak of yet. But there is a pencil thick nodule about 1/2 inch long that surrounds the tendon. I've been wondering when or if I should investigate NA.

I guess I'm having a hard time visualizing the relationship between the diseased tissue and the tendon itself. Your answer is very encouraging.