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Show Your Hands, Shoulders, and Neck Some Love

All those repetitive movements and the sustained grasping when using dental instruments can wreak havoc on your hands. Taking daily stretch breaks can help prevent work-related injuries, pain, and future issues. Below is a list of tips for reducing the physical demands on your hands and a simple chair-side stretch for your shoulder and neck that can fit into even the busiest of days.2,3

• Use instruments that reduce stress on the hand, such as those that are vibration free, lightweight, and have enlarged handles
• Use instruments that improve access to the work area, such as instruments that offer bright illumination and magnification
• Reduce time spent doing the same task. Take a 10-minute break at least once every hour from doing tasks requiring a grip
• After completing a task with an intense grip, gently stretch the hand, especially the area between the thumb and first finger

Try this simple shoulder roll for your shoulder and neck!

Gently roll your shoulders back in a circle 10 times.