OSTEOPATHY AUCKLAND
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Dupuytren's Contracture
Shockwave Therapy
MOVEMENT MECHANICS OSTEOPATHY AUCKLAND
Don’t put up with hand pain. Our Auckland osteopaths use radial & focused shockwave therapy as a non-invasive, evidence-based option to ease painful Dupuytren’s nodules and support hand function. At Movement Mechanics Osteopathy Auckland, we blend modern, evidence-based care with a future-first mindset, incorporating considered assessments, straightforward plans, and innovative modalities such as focused shockwave therapy (fSWT) & radial shockwave therapy (rSWT). It’s proactive medical wellness that looks and feels as good as it works.
What is Dupuytren’s contracture?
Dupuytren’s is a fibroproliferative condition of the palmar fascia. It often starts with painless nodules and can form cords that pull one or more fingers into flexion, sometimes failing the simple “table-top test” (can’t lay the hand flat). There’s no cure, but function can be protected and contractures can be straightened with procedures when indicated (e.g., needle fasciotomy, fasciectomy). Enzymatic injection (collagenase/Xiaflex®), previously used in some countries, is not currently supplied in New Zealand (withdrawn for business, not safety reasons), so pathways here focus on watchful waiting, hand therapy, needle fasciotomy or surgery when function is limited.
Shockwaves are acoustic (not ultrasound) pressure waves with a rapid rise time and high peak pressure. The best-supported mechanisms relevant to Dupuytren’s include:
Pain modulation (neurogenic inflammation):
Down-regulation of substance P and CGRP signalling, dampening neurogenic inflammation and nociceptive transmission.
Anti-fibrotic signalling & tissue remodelling
In fibrotic skin models, ESWT reduces TGF-β1/SMAD2/3 signalling, α-SMA, collagen I and fibronectin, and limits fibroblast migration mechanisms coherent with softening nodules and improving tissue
Where Shockwave therapy fits
We use focused Shockwave Therapy as a non-invasive option for painful nodules in early disease to reduce pain and support function. Shockwave does not straighten fixed contractures; when contracture thresholds are met or function is compromised, we coordinate timely hand surgery referral. Studies using focused shockwave therapy have shown significant pain reduction and improvements in function. These results support the use of Shockwave Therapy as an adjunct treatment for the pain and restriction associated with Dupuytren's contracture.
Dupuytren's is a painful and debilitating condition affecting the palmar fascia of the hand. Shockwave therapy can effectively reduce discomfort and maintain function, either as a standalone treatment or alongside other therapies you’re currently receiving.