Forum for Dupuytren's and Ledderhose

PRP + ASC

Tobi89 — Fri, 03 Apr 2026 06:22:12 +0000

Being new to Ledderhose Disease and an AI engineer I created a system to check for the most promising therapies that might come.

The most interesting is a study (in nude rats, so no active immune system, which could be achieved by combination with steroids) that showed that specifics stem cells with PRP can be used to turn overactive myofibroblasts into passive fat cells. Much nicer to step on squishy fat than thick collagen scars...:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37480917/

This is all science, but a case report just showed the positive effect of PRP alone on a patient in Dupuytren's:
https://athenaeumpub.com/wp-content/uplo...a-Injection.pdf

This makes me wonder if it would be sane for me to to try to find a PRP specialist as I am in early phase Ledderhose before doing Radiotherapy, knowing that it is extremely experimental.

As I also have Peyronie's disease I know that PRP was tested in Peyronie's patients with mixed results as a monotherapy. But one thing that appears to be crucial is timing it in early disease states which is something not really accounted for in most studies as Peyronie's is often treated with "wait and see 1-2 years, then treat with surgery or collagenase".

I think it is time to be hopeful that in 10 years some of these regenerative procedures are more widely tested and hopefully available.

Anyone on the forum who tested PRP?

Re: Hyaluronidase Injections - Long Term Recurrence Experience

Tobi89 — Wed, 01 Apr 2026 17:44:31 +0000

Yes, but I hoped to get long term Recurrence experience on this separate forum to get more neutral? responses :). But I will check out the FB Group.

Re: Hyaluronidase Injections - Long Term Recurrence Experience

spanishbuddha — Wed, 01 Apr 2026 16:25:48 +0000

Hi

We have a few threads or posts about the experiences of using Dr Davis' protocol, and in case you have not checked it out one of the more positive ones is here, although it may not answer your specific questions.
https://www.dupuytren-online.info/Forum_...roma-1_335.html

I assume you are also aware that Dr Davis hosts (moderates) a FB group on this?

Best..SB

Hyaluronidase Injections - Long Term Recurrence Experience

Tobi89 — Wed, 01 Apr 2026 10:44:04 +0000

Hi All,

I have seen a couple of posts on positive experience with Hyaluronidase Injections following the protocol of Dr. Davis.

I am currently deciding between watchful waiting, then Hyaluronidase, then RT in case of aggressive Recurrence VS early radiotherapie.

My age is 36 so kind of young for RT. I would like to push the timing for RT as much as possible.

---

For those that had success with hyaluronidase injections: How did it develop over the course of many years? I am mostly interested if the original nodules grew back or if the injection stitch caused scarring on its own. Was it then possible to repeat the treatment?

Thank you for your experiences.

Re: DMSO & Nicotine Oil

spanishbuddha — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 07:24:35 +0000

If you search the forum you can find a few questions and experiences of using DMSO usually with potassium iodide. Care needs to be taken as DMSO transfers whatever's on the skin through to the blood stream. In some cases of using it with SSKI there have been (anecdotal) reports of interference with thyroid function as a result. It most often comes up as a treatment for nail fungus when mixed with various agents, but with dubious results. I have not heard of using it with nicotine before or for DD, but presume there will be a risk of nicotine addiction or intolerance, and related side effects, just like with smoking or vaping nicotine. In any case there are almost no anecdotal reports of success using DMSO/SSKI with Dupuytrens. I personally would not try this but thanks for reporting it anyway.

Re: DMSO & Nicotine Oil

Greenytx — Mon, 30 Mar 2026 21:38:04 +0000

Interesting... I had never heard of DMSO before. Just did quick research and while it seems like it would be good, I read it's not for long term use and my hand is in pain pretty much everyday and some side effects are garlicy breath! Yuck - did you experience that? Secondly, as a former smoker (been over 10 years now) I am thinking doing the nicotine oil would not be good for me. But I am going to ask my doctor about the DMSO.

DMSO & Nicotine Oil

rttech — Mon, 30 Mar 2026 21:20:01 +0000

I'm 76 year old man living in Sydney Australia. I had surgery on my left hand 10 years back and removed the contraction which had the ring finger at 90° to my hand, surgery was successful and hand has returned to normal.
3 Years back I noted growths were commencing on my RH, I work full time and use keyboards for typing and that new growth was going to stop me working. So I commenced to rub DMSO into the area as I already very good results from using DMSO to free up my body from age related changes.
The DMSO on its own appeared to halt the growth from expanding but did not reduce the growth.
Dr Brian Ardis posted work using nicotine patches and I was using them and found it hard to keep the patch on and decided to purchase some nicotine oil from an essential oil vendor and commenced to use DMSO and nicotine oil on another areas not related to Dupuytren's Growth.
I replaced the DMSO only to a mixture of 3 DMSO : 1 Nicotine oil and commenced to rub it in the Dupuytren's Contracture occurring on the right hand.
I applied every 3-4 hrs, Nicotine has a 4 hr life in our body.
2 months later, now, the Dupuytren's Contracture occurring on the right hand is in full remission, my body is removing the growth, (can't feel it) and I can get my hand flat onto the surface when doing push ups, that feeling of the hand flat without the burning as the growth is stretched can only be appreciated by a Dupuytren's Contracture sufferer.
Warnings, very easy to overdose with nicotine, when you over dose you realise nicotine is not a party drug, not fun, not super dangerous, goes in 3-4 hours.
The mixture of 3:1 of DMSO:Nicotine, 4 drops will give an overdose though this disappears a lot as your tolerance builds up and on the hand harder to overdose. When I did it, it was on the back of my head.
Easy to fix, increase the amount of DMSO to 6:1 or 8:1 but I have not tried those ratios,
I'm using 3:1 and that appears to be able to reduce the Dupuytren's Contracture damage back to a non annoying stage in 3-4 months topically applying, I'm not sure what occurs at the end and I'll repost when that occurs, and please remember, this is not medical advice, just what I tried and what occurred

Re: Duputyren NA Experience

Handyman — Tue, 24 Mar 2026 14:55:49 +0000

Practitioner used local anaesthesia injections.

Re: CoQ10 and Dupuytrens

spanishbuddha — Mon, 23 Mar 2026 21:03:16 +0000

Hi Poppy
On the BDS Facebook group for DD and LD there are few, mostly positive, experiences from people who have explored the benefits of taking COQ10. As you say these are mostly anecdotal, self selecting to give positive feedback, and usually without longer term follow up. But anyway it will be interesting to hear about your outcome or views after a few months.
Best wishes SB

Re: Duputyren NA Experience

spanishbuddha — Mon, 23 Mar 2026 20:51:58 +0000

Hi
Thanks for sharing your situation and NA experience. Given questions on other recent and related threads on using local anaesthesia for NA, to be aware of nerve proximity during the procedure, or a more general anaesthetic, can you also say what anaesthetic you had since you have ongoing nerve related symptoms.
Thanks

Duputyren NA Experience

Handyman — Mon, 23 Mar 2026 19:38:40 +0000

FWIW: My NA experience (Dupuytren’s) - left small finger PIP ~35°

Clinical brief (pre-procedure)

Primary issue: Left small finger PIP flexion contracture ~35°, partially correctable; positive tabletop test
Other findings: Palmar cords; left thumb oblique cord
Prior treatment: None (no surgery, no collagenase/Xiaflex)
Goal: Regain extension with a minimally invasive option (NA)
Age: 55

History: My small-finger contracture progressed aggressively over ~18 months prior to treatment.

Why I chose NA vs. Xiaflex vs. surgery
I chose NA based on my read of the tradeoffs: effectiveness (especially for my stage), risk profile, downtime, and cost.

Major-institution hand surgeon consult (U.S.)
Options offered: Xiaflex, open surgery, and (surprisingly) amputation.
NA was not offered in that office.

Xiaflex (collagenase) – what I was told

Risks discussed: including rare but serious issues like tendon injury/rupture (the way it was explained to me was “the tendon could be affected”).
Recovery: days (with bruising/swelling expected).
Estimated cost quoted to me: $14,000–$21,000 (breakdown given: ~$13,400 for Xiaflex + ~$600 for injection procedure; total dependent on billing/coverage).

Open surgery – what I was told

Risks discussed: infection and neurovascular/tendon injury (general surgical risks).
Recovery: weeks with therapy/splinting.
Estimated cost quoted to me: $5,000–$15,000 (again dependent on billing/coverage).
NA practitioners (U.S. and Europe) – what I found

NA (U.S. practitioner)

Risk discussed: low overall; nerve irritation/injury was specifically mentioned (I was told roughly “~0.5% chance,” though exact rates vary by series and definition).
Recovery: 2–3 weeks to settle down, then ongoing remodeling.
Cost: ~$1,500.

NA (Europe practitioner)

Similar risk/benefit framing.
Cost quoted to me: ~€400.

Outcome (my experience)

I chose NA with a U.S. practitioner.
Practitioner used local anaesthesia injections.
Range of motion improved a lot in my little finger and thumb.
I experienced sensory symptoms consistent with nerve irritation/injury in the little finger (numbness/tingling/sharp pain on impact).
At 6 weeks, sensation has improved somewhat, but I still have residual symptoms and expect it may take several additional months to see more significant recovery.

Notes

This is just my experience and the quotes/costs I personally received - pricing and options vary a lot by provider, region, and insurance.

Edited 03/23/2026 19:55

Re: CoQ10 and Dupuytrens

Poppy — Mon, 23 Mar 2026 17:15:53 +0000

Greetings
this is my first post, I had searched on coq10 and Dupuytren’s and was surprised to find this thread. I was searching on Coq10 because of two articles.
The first is from a physician whose patient reports that his DD improved with use of COQ10. Here’s the article
Could coenzyme Q10 be the treatment for Dupuytren's disease?
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6398680/

The problem with this article is the same problem with the above post theorizing that COQ10 causes or triggers DD- it’s anecdotal, it’s one patient’s experience. It’s a case report. It has value, but limited. And we don’t have good bio markers to run a blood test and say this is effective.

However, the research into Peyronie’s and COQ10 is more substantive. For example
Safety and efficacy of coenzyme Q10 supplementation in early chronic Peyronie's disease: a double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized study
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20720560/
Note that this article was covered in the journal Nature, and cited.
https://www.nature.com/articles/ijir201020

So solid enough for me to pursue as a remedy not a cause. Not that I have Peyronie’s— but I have Dupuytren’s in both hands, Ledderhose in both feet, and I have had frozen shoulder twice. I’m sure if I had the organ, I’d have Peyronie’s. I assume I have Dupuytren’s Diathesis. I have just started taking COQ10.
I think that we all need to be cautious. It’s a chronic disease that is not well understood.
I’ll let you know how my COQ10 regimen goes.

Edited 03/23/2026 21:07

Re: 20-year update: Needle release vs surgery

pixi — Mon, 02 Mar 2026 14:58:36 +0000

Good to still see you guys here!

SB, in that second example it sounds like the patient was out for the entire procedure, which is what I was hoping for. Maybe things have changed in the past 10 years and surgeons want the patient more awake?

Wolfgang, it was crazy painful for everything—both the local anesthesia injections (of which I had over a dozen), and the needling. Never screamed so much in my life, not even in childbirth.

Re: 20-year update: Needle release vs surgery

mikes — Sat, 28 Feb 2026 17:58:51 +0000

I had needle release (NA) way back in 2006 with Dr. Keith Denkler in Larkspur, CA. Overall, a massive success. He used a local anesthetic with about 8-10 injections. As the # of injections increased so did the pain associated with each one. It was indeed excruciating. The breaking of the chords was 100% pain free. I felt nothing at all. After the procedure I also felt no pain associated with the procedure.

Re: 20-year update: Needle release vs surgery

wach — Sat, 28 Feb 2026 09:06:03 +0000

Hi pixi,
I had needle release about 10 years ago. I was fully awake and had a little local anaestesia - and no pain at all. When did it hurt for you? When you got the injection or when the doctor poked the cord or when he tried to break it? As Henry wrote, the patient must be awake to report tingling when the needle approached a nerve.

Wolfgang

Re: 20-year update: Needle release vs surgery

spanishbuddha — Fri, 27 Feb 2026 21:17:50 +0000

Hi pixi

I've not had NA so can't comment from experience. I think many surgeons doing NA prefer the patient awake so that they can say if they experience 'electric shocks' if the needling gets too close to a nerve. This does not prevent the use of some partial local anaesthetic to help with pain though. I think an example is in a thread here, and maybe you can discuss this with your surgeon?
https://www.dupuytren-online.info/Forum_...57022254.html#4

There is another example thread of someone having NA under a more full anaesthetic, it doesn't sound like a general but enough so they dont remember the experience, see this thread. It may depend on how close the cords and proposed needling is to the nerves in the palm or fingers as to what the surgeon wants to do. You could ask about this too?
https://www.dupuytren-online.info/Forum_...nce-0_2042.html

Best wishes SB

20-year update: Needle release vs surgery

pixi — Fri, 27 Feb 2026 20:23:35 +0000

Hi, all. Long story short:

2012: Surgery for right thumb contracture. That surgeon said he had removed the "pulley" so the thumb would never contract. And indeed, it hasn't. Total success.

2022: Surgery for left thumb contracture. I had asked surgeon to also operate on the left index finger which had started to contract. He said to leave it alone. He also did not remove the pulley.

2024: Left index finger further contracted; left thumb contracting again. Did needle release with only local anesthesia, which was terribly painful.

1.5 years later here I am with further contraction in left index finger and thumb. So now I am torn between needle release and surgery.

Surgeon says he could give me sedation for the needle release, but it would not be pain free as I need to be awake enough to tell him if he's getting too close to a nerve. That scares me, as the pain was so intense during the needle release.

Has anybody had needle release under sedation? How bad was it compared to local anesthesia?

Or should I just do surgery again? I'm 51 years old. No palmar chords. Knuckle pads on most fingers.

Edited 02/27/2026 19:24

Re: Summary of NA procedure done by Dr Manet (Paris) in November 2021

Guitareth — Mon, 16 Feb 2026 09:13:21 +0000

Just thought I'd give an update to my past above. I still swear by the Needle Aponeurotomy (NA) treatment method myself. Yes the problem typically returns after between 2 and 5 years (typically 3 for me) but I found it much better than the full hand surgery which I originally got done in 2015. I've now been to Dr Manet in Paris for for the NA treatment 3 times (Nov 18, Nov 21, and Dec 23) and am still happy to recommend that option.

Since my last treatment in December 2023 I bought and have been wearing a special splint glove in bed EVERY night. It's called the FixxGlove (see http://www.fixxglove.com/), and that seems to have helped considerably as my right hand has hardly changed at all since my Dec 23 operation, so I shouldn't need to return so soon for NA. Note the "FixxGlove" is no use for treating the problem - it's only good for maintaining your fingers as straight as possible AFTER you've had the needle surgery.

By the way, I have also attached the document I wrote in 2019 about the NA procedure and my own experiences of it with Dr Manet in Paris. Any questions, don't hesitate to ask.

Re: Dermofasciectomy

spanishbuddha — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 21:08:33 +0000

Greenytx:
@spanishbuddha

Is there a difference in Dermofasciectomy and just Faciectomy?

Thanks
KG

Dermofasciectomy usually refers to those cases where the (some) overlying skin is removed and replaced by a skin graft. A surgeon would advise the necessity for a particular case, but it is likely used for more severe cases where more tissue is removed to prevent recurrence.

Re: Dermofasciectomy

Greenytx — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 19:48:46 +0000

@spanishbuddha

Is there a difference in Dermofasciectomy and just Faciectomy?

Thanks
KG

Re: Dermofasciectomy

spanishbuddha — Sun, 25 Jan 2026 20:57:11 +0000

Hi

We have a list of recommended NA surgeons on the website, some also do open hand surgery.
I would start by calling Dr Gary Pess to see who he would recommend if not himself, or one of the Drs listed for Florida.
https://www.dupuytren-online.info/na-list-north-america/

Best wishes SB

Dermofasciectomy

SLG11 — Sun, 25 Jan 2026 19:32:28 +0000

Hi all,
I am a 68 year old female with DD for 30 years. Have had radiation, na, xiaflex, 3 fasciotomies. Also have LD disease which responded nicely to radiation. I think it’s time for a Dermofasciectomy. I live in NY and Fl but am willing to travel for treatment. My current surgeon does not perform this procedure. Would appreciate any info.
Thanks,
Susan

Re: Recommended Physicians and Hospitals

Greenytx — Wed, 21 Jan 2026 21:51:22 +0000

Definitely look at the DART page on Facebook. It is a great resource for information, recommendations, etc about Dupuytren’s & radiation therapy. My oncologist that did my RT recommended it to me and is one of the physicians that will sometimes answer questions, or make comments on posts. I live in Dallas Texas, and absolutely loved my oncologist.

Re: I see dupuytrens & elbow joint probs together a lot

Greenytx — Wed, 21 Jan 2026 19:40:57 +0000

I am experiencing the same thing in both my elbows since my surgeries and as my disease progresses. My surgeon told me that she didn’t think it has anything to do with it, but I do. I need to do more research and hope that if there are others out there experiencing the same symptoms we are will read this thread and give their thoughts.

Re: Cost of radiation treatment without insurance

Greenytx — Wed, 21 Jan 2026 19:36:45 +0000

I would double & triple check with your insurance about if they will cover RT. I had to do that until I finally got approved. Plus I had my surgeon and RT oncologist write a letter stating that this would be helpful for progression of DD/DC. Obviously we know there is no cure, but RT can help slow down progression in most cases. RT is also basically a “newer” option in the states so that is always an obstacle. Good luck and keep researching, keep on your insurance company too.

Re: Surgery Vs Non-Surgical Treatments

ethansmith — Wed, 21 Jan 2026 09:41:51 +0000

Deciding between surgical and non‑surgical treatments for something like Dupuytren’s really comes down to how advanced the condition is and what your daily symptoms are like. Non‑surgical options can be great early on or when mobility is only mildly affected, but surgery often becomes necessary when contractures start limiting function. It’s worth talking with a specialist about both risks and recovery expectations so you can make an informed choice. I’ve seen discussions in other communities, even around treatments like those from Mesolyft for different concerns, where people emphasize tailored plans over one‑size‑fits‑all answers — and that approach feels just as relevant here.

Re: Is stretching the hand/fingers of any use?

Larissa — Mon, 19 Jan 2026 10:43:37 +0000

newman:
Hi from my experience stretching is of no value . You may be better off using a night splint .
Regards

Thank you newman.

Re: Add another to the mix - Dupuytren maybe caused by lack of use of the hand (because of De Quervain)

ethansmith — Mon, 19 Jan 2026 10:18:29 +0000

It’s really interesting to consider how one condition might influence another, especially when it comes to hand use and changes in tissue over time. Sometimes reduced movement due to pain or weakness can lead to tightness or changes that feel related, even if the root causes are different. Sharing real-world experiences can help everyone see patterns that aren’t always obvious from medical descriptions alone. I’ve seen thoughtful posts in places like visagesculpture that remind me how useful patient perspectives are when we’re trying to piece these things together. Have you noticed if certain activities make your symptoms better or worse?

Re: Is stretching the hand/fingers of any use?

newman — Mon, 19 Jan 2026 05:46:14 +0000

Hi from my experience stretching is of no value . You may be better off using a night splint .
Regards

Re: Is stretching the hand/fingers of any use?

Larissa — Sun, 18 Jan 2026 17:40:41 +0000

Hello.
Is there an update to this question? What experiences did you have? Does stretching worsen the situation? Has anyone any experience with things like this rubber “expander” for the fingers - see photo?
Thank you. 🙏🏻
Larissa

Re: Recommended Physicians and Hospitals

spanishbuddha — Tue, 06 Jan 2026 16:59:04 +0000

wach:
Two further sources of information in that respect:
a) this website, specifically https://www.dupuytren-online.info/radiotherapy-clinics/
b) on Facebook is a group "Dupuytren Advocates for Radiotherapy" (DART) that is also listing clincics for RT

Wolfgng

Yes do visit DART anyway since they have a lot of US experience, but the list is here:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/e...mesSdEB_5BnLQcA

Re: Recommended Physicians and Hospitals

wach — Tue, 06 Jan 2026 15:14:36 +0000

Two further sources of information in that respect:
a) this website, specifically https://www.dupuytren-online.info/radiotherapy-clinics/
b) on Facebook is a group "Dupuytren Advocates for Radiotherapy" (DART) that is also listing clincics for RT

Wolfgng

Recommended Physicians and Hospitals

Myke999 — Tue, 06 Jan 2026 13:21:27 +0000

I am finding it difficult to find physicians that will provide cost estimates. In the US, insurance companies and hospitals are secretive about costs, so I am willing to travel to another country for treatment. Can we use this thread to post recommended physicians and hospitals - particularly radiation oncologists in any and all countries around the world?

Edited 01/06/2026 12:22

Re: Has my surgery failed ?

spanishbuddha — Sat, 03 Jan 2026 08:22:38 +0000

Lkm956:
I had surgery yr.half ago. Before surgery I could bring my fingers out of my palm., with my right hand. . After surgery , I'd take my splint off during the day and my fingers automatically would turn in towards my palm.. now they are fixed and very painful. Middle,ring and Pinky...my right hand is now progressing quickly. I've still not met the surgeon that done my surgery. I've had a problem getting all my records on the surgery. I'm worried if my finger (fingers) will have to be amputated.. I don't see another way to stop the pain

Hi
Sorry to hear this. It sounds like you need a consultation with a different surgeon. I think that would be my next step, and I would do some research on who to choose.
Best wishes SB

Re: Has my surgery failed ?

Lkm956 — Sat, 03 Jan 2026 02:31:01 +0000

I had surgery yr.half ago. Before surgery I could bring my fingers out of my palm., with my right hand. . After surgery , I'd take my splint off during the day and my fingers automatically would turn in towards my palm.. now they are fixed and very painful. Middle,ring and Pinky...my right hand is now progressing quickly. I've still not met the surgeon that done my surgery. I've had a problem getting all my records on the surgery. I'm worried if my finger (fingers) will have to be amputated.. I don't see another way to stop the pain

Re: Cost of radiation treatment without insurance

wach — Thu, 01 Jan 2026 20:45:51 +0000

Prof. Seegenschmiedt sent me below estimate on RT for Dupuytren's in Germany:

"consultation and examination 200 Euro, RT planning and full one of two courses of one extremity 700 - 800 Euro: if 2 RT courses are needed 1.350 - 1.400 Euros."

This means about 2,000 $ for one hand for both series of treatment. If both hands need to be treated the price would roughly be 3.500 $. Usually there is a 6 weeks gap between both series. That would be a little long for someone from abroad but I would expect that there are work arounds. You would need to discuss that with the treating doctor.

Re: Cost of radiation treatment without insurance

wach — Thu, 01 Jan 2026 17:09:10 +0000

In Germany I would guess (!) the full RT session would cost about 2,000 - 3,000 USD. You have to add travel expenses but if you pick the right time, this could be a real holiday trip because RT doesn't take much time. 120,000 $ is far too high, not worth it. Maybe Canada would be cheaper and closer?

Wolfgang

Cost of radiation treatment without insurance

Myke999 — Thu, 01 Jan 2026 15:52:48 +0000

Insurance may not cover my treatment. A clinic in the US told me 10 treatment sessions could cost $130,000 - $140,000 USD.
1. Is that accurate?
2. Please tell me what my options are for clinics in the US and other countries. I am willing to travel to another country for a cheaper price, but I find it difficult to find clinics that are knowledgeable about Ledderhose, and are willing to provide a cost estimate.

I see dupuytrens & elbow joint probs together a lot

Futchy73 — Tue, 09 Dec 2025 21:13:20 +0000

I've had dupuytrens 4 many yrs in both hands particular left were all fingers are effected but the last year my elbows have gotten more and more painfull to the point now were there's a physical lump thats agony to touch, I've looked at a few stories with similar experiences, im begging to think that the contracture itself is putting more pressure on the elbows which is giving the elbow issues, there's just to many people who have both that in many cases stop and start together. I'm aware of how both work but is this possible?

Re: RT experts in Portugal

spanishbuddha — Tue, 02 Dec 2025 08:42:15 +0000

Hi Larissa
This question comes up regularly for Spain and Portugal. The DART facebook group now has a listing for Spain, Dr Rivas at Genesis Care in Malaga. https://www.genesiscare.com/es/nuestros-...MBLh4j4YMbJX5d0

However if you are going to travel, then probably trying to see Prof Seegenschmiedt in Germany is worthwhile.

Alternatively, find a local RO and ask them to research the radiotherapy protocol used in treating DD to see if they will consider treating you. You or the RO might still be able to do an online consultation, video or email with Prof Seegenschmiedt as part of that.

Best wishes SB

RT experts in Portugal

Larissa — Mon, 01 Dec 2025 09:48:08 +0000

Hello.
I’m new to the forum.
I am living in Portugal and would like to ask whether one of you knows if there are any RT experts here? I just found a post from 2017 where there weren’t any experts mentioned, but hope this has changed in the meantime. 🫣
I had to undergo hand surgery in August of this year and apparently this kicked-off Dupuytren for me. At the moment it’s just nodules, but they are popping up rather fast. No contractions though, maybe one or two little strands starting to form, but I guess this is still early stage.
My hand surgeon confirmed the Dupuytren condition and said I should wait until I have a contraction of a finger and then we would do surgery or PNF (the “needle option, sorry, don’t know the proper word in English).
However, I have read here that RT might be able to stop or delay the further development. So I was wondering if there are any RT experts in Portugal that I could talk to.
Thank you. 🙏🏻

Re: Post surgical therapy question - tendon issues

gjl137cyn — Mon, 17 Nov 2025 19:19:14 +0000

Thank you so much for the response, I sincerely appreciate it. I will be speaking to the surgeon to see what else can be effective, perhaps some form of therapeutic massage and additional exercises. I guess the frustration is just something that comes with the territory. I know academically that it will heal and I will get past this, but at the moment, emotionally, it's difficult to see it!
Thanks again.

Re: Post surgical therapy question - tendon issues

spanishbuddha — Mon, 17 Nov 2025 19:11:10 +0000

Hi

It may not seem like it but it sounds like it is still early days, for you, as part of your recovery. Some people take a few weeks versus some taking several months. As well as internal/external scarring, problems with inflammation or swelling can persist for a while delaying recovery, and you can ask your doc when you meet about them or what else they think could be causing the difficulty. I assume no infection? I would keep up the recommended exercises, but also ask if there are other forms of therapeutic exercises that may be beneficial for your case, for stretching and strengthening, e.g Baoding, massage, or similar. Rehab from surgery or injury can often be physically and mentally frustrating, with progress that appears to stall with hardly any noticeable day to day improvement, but hopefully you will get there in time.

I have not had surgery for DC but did have hand surgery for a traumatic injury. My own recovery was more than 18 months or so. I now play tennis regularly and piano with no regard to the original injury.

Best wishes SB

Edited 11/17/2025 18:11

Post surgical therapy question - tendon issues

gjl137cyn — Mon, 17 Nov 2025 17:20:25 +0000

Hi everyone.
I had surgery in late September to correct a fairly severe contracture on my right ring and baby finger. The surgery went well, no complications, and I have been working with an OT for the last month or so to regain function. However, I have noticed from the beginning that my wrist is really not responding very well. It almost feels like a severe sprain or chronic tendinitis. The therapist has mentioned that the scar tissue that we are trying to break up is preventing the tendons from sliding properly and that could be affecting them, but I don't seem to be noticing any improvement! It's extremely aggravating as I'm an active person (weight training, bike riding, etc), and I can't seem to feel any reasonable hope that these tendons will become strong again. It's very worrying. I will be seeing the doctor again this week to discuss.
Has anyone here experiences issues with weak or irritated tendons affecting wrist function? If so, what type(s) of therapy worked best to alleviate this problem, and how long was it before you felt reasonably functional?
Thank so much. I am getting a little desperate here!

Re: Gabapentin and Dupuytrens is it safe?

rjfriki — Sat, 15 Nov 2025 23:49:06 +0000

You did it correctly, it came through just fine, thank you!!

Re: Gabapentin and Dupuytrens is it safe?

Greenytx — Sat, 15 Nov 2025 19:08:02 +0000

Trying to add photo, but not sure I am doing it correctly.

Re: Gabapentin and Dupuytrens is it safe?

Greenytx — Sat, 15 Nov 2025 19:00:11 +0000

@rjfriki - I probably didn’t explain that correctly. The RT didn’t fix or even change the degree of my ring finger contracture, I just think that it must have maybe reduced the thickness of the my finger between my knuckle & hand. I only think that because I was able to get my wedding ring over the bent knuckle and fully on, which I haven’t been able to do for a long time. The contracture is still the same.

I tried to add a photo but it won’t upload.

Re: Gabapentin and Dupuytrens is it safe?

rjfriki — Sat, 15 Nov 2025 11:05:27 +0000

I find it fascinating that it appears your contracture corrected itself; am I hearing that correctly or am I misinterpreting what you have said?!

Re: Gabapentin and Dupuytrens is it safe?

nanshands — Tue, 11 Nov 2025 21:30:19 +0000

Hi, Sorry to hear of everything you have gone through and continue to deal with. But, glad to read that RT has helped you. I don't have any information about the safety of Gabapentin and DD. Someone else may be able to address that. I do wonder, however, if your doctors have ruled out carpal tunnel regarding the pain in your elbow and forearm? That could also be contributing to your hand pain. I mention this, because I'm dealing with the same kind of pain right now too. And, I'm pretty certain it relates to the overuse of my hands with typing, and scrolling. A great cause of carpal tunnel. Combine my DD cords, especially with my middle finger with the carpal and bam! It's painful. Tennis elbow can also cause pain in elbow and forearm. Hope this helps!

As to Gabapentin, it is a very strong drug. One I cannot take due to a severe reaction to it. So, if you can find an alternative to it, I would stop it.

Re: Gabapentin and Dupuytrens is it safe?

Greenytx — Tue, 11 Nov 2025 19:25:11 +0000

Hi all. I know this is an old thread, but I wanted to see if anyone knows of new information regarding gabapentin and DC? Both of my hands have contracted fingers. Started back in 2008 with my left hand pointer, middle & ring fingers. Had my 1st surgery in 2009 with great success in pointer & middle fingers but not my ring finger. Had 2 more surgeries to try to keep ring finger from contracting any further with the last surgery being in 2021. Was not successful and the finger is at a little more than 90 degree contraction. Had to have my wedding ring cut off for that final surgery. Learned to live with it and no further issues until late 2023 when my right hand started to show signs of DD and progressed so very quickly. Had surgery on pointer & middle fingers in April of 2024. The ring finger had started showing signs of contracture and was going to have that finger treated with the other 2, but doctor couldn’t get to it during surgery as she said there was so much removal she had to do on the first 2 fingers and time would not allow for her to get to it. Again, it was not as bad as other 2 fingers. Had 2 rounds of RT after surgery on both hands with last round in September of 2024. The RT seemed to be doing its thing but the first 2 fingers began to contract again, but the ring finger that didn’t have the surgery on started to straighten to almost completely. Also just recently, about 4 months ago, the contracted ring finger on my left hand released a little - enough where I could get my wedding ring back on (it was sized up to get over the knuckle after the final surgery back in 2015). Was kinda crazy. I have not had any pain or problems with my left hand since RT. However, my right hand continues to worsen and I am in pain pretty much daily, but no more contractions- just pain. I’ve been on Gabapentin since 2024 to help with the pain, which sometimes I think it helps and sometimes not. I’ve also had serious pain in my elbow & lower arm, which I feel is associated with DD but neither my hand surgeon or Oncologist thought it had anything to do with DD.
My question is if there have been any recent changes or updates about Gabapentin possibly affecting the disease? I’ve seen bits and pieces of information about it, but nothing solid. I’ve started tapering off the medication but I feel as if the pain is worsening. If the medication isn’t good to take with DD/DC, then I certainly don’t want to take it. Any thoughts and/or advice would be greatly appreciated! This disease just has so many unknowns even though great strides have been made over the years.
I am a 55 year old woman, had partial hysterectomy in 2002, with 1 ovary remaining. In 2020, I had to have the other ovary removed and started estrogen. I also had lower back surgery in 2020. Thank you