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Featured Article |
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deQuervain's Syndrome or OA of the Thumb?
Both of these syndromes cause pain on the thumb side of the wrist, but are due to different processes. Learn key
ergonomic and exercise strategies to prevent and manage these syndromes.
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| Ergo-Tips |
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Instrument selection. Accessing molar regions and distal pockets can encourage twisted wrist postures. For these areas, consider selecting an instrument with mutilple accentuated angles and longer terminal shank, such as a Gracey Curette 15/16 or 17/18.
Swivel Tips.
A 360 degree swivel tip on your handpiece or ultrasonic scaler can go a long way in reducing hand/wrist fatigue and strain.
Lightweight hose. Many older hoses on delivery systems are heavy and can create strain when held for prolonged periods. To avoid muscular strain, look for silicone, low voltage, straight six-pin hose or ISO-C tubing.
Rubber Dams. Why reflect soft tissue manually when you can use a rubber dam to do the job for you?
Fat & Light. Larger instrument diameters (10mm) have been shown to reduce hand muscle load and pinch force. Also, lightweight instruments (15 grams or less) help reduce this force as well. | |
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Greetings!
Have you ever experienced pain, numbness or tingling in your hands or wrists? While there is a myriad of literature on carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), there is less attention paid to those syndromes that can manifest as CTS among dental professionals but have an entirely different etiology. In this issue, we'll look at what is NOT carpal tunnel syndrome. As always, each newsletter will feature a different 'theme' and also some brand new information not included in my book, articles or seminars. I hope you find Ergo-News interesting and helpful!
Bethany Valachi, PT, MS, CEAS
Dental Ergonomic Consultant/Lecturer/Physical therapist |
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SPECIAL BOOK EXCERPT: Pain Syndromes that mimic Carpal Tunnel--but are not! |
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Chapter 5 Excerpt: "Getting the Upper Hand on Pain"
from "Practice Dentistry Pain-Free: Evidence-based Strategies to Prevent Pain & Extend Your Career"
Bethany Valachi, PT, MS, CEAS
In Chapter 5, Bethany addresses a commonly misdiagnosed syndrome among dental professionals--carpal tunnel syndrome. True carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) would normally cause pain, numbness or tingling in the first 3 1/2 fingers on the palm side of the hand, with symptoms that are usually worse at night and first thing in the morning. In this excerpt from Chapter 5, you will discover the four syndromes that mimic CTS but have an entirely different origin. Learn how to recognize differences, what type of healthcare clinician to contact, risk factors and effective interventions.
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FEATURED EXERCISE |
Glove Extension. The delivery of dental care involves frequent, sustained contraction of the finger and wrist flexors. Reversing this position and strengthening the 'antagonist' muscles is important for hand and wrist health. Eric Shamus, PhD, MS, PT of Nova Southeastern University shares this exercise, which he teaches to dental professionals. Perform the Glove Extension exercise, when you change gloves. Simply place the fingers into the baggy wrist portion of the glove and slowly extend the fingers until they are straight or slightly extended. Repeat 5-10 times. Always check with your doctor before beginning any new exercise. |
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PRODUCT UPDATES |
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 The WrisTimer is a soft brace that is used to prevent excessive wrist flexion, a risk factor for many hand/wrist disorders. Worn underneath a glove, it helps re-train chronic 'wrist-flexors'. Click here for more information.
- The ErgoVac is a new HVE suction from HagerWorldwide that places the tip of the suction at a 110 degree angle to the handpiece, offering more neutral wrist posture. Our clinical trials found that the non-swivel head was preferred to the swiveling head.
- A-dec now offers an operator stool with tilting seat pan. Got an older model? Retrofit it with the tilting mechanism kit from A-dec for $180.
- The complete Wellness System for Dental Professionals is now available that addreses all three essential dental ergonomic interventions: operatory ergonomics, chairside stretching and specific endurance strengthening. It includes both Chairside Stretching and Home Exercise DVD kits plus the new book, "Practice Dentistry Pain-Free" for one low, discounted price...plus you'll receive a FREE audio CD, "Preventing Low Back Pain in Dentistry".
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Posturedontics, LLC was developed by a dental ergonomic consultant/physical therapist and clinical dentist to provide dental professionals with quality, research-based ergonomic education, products and resources. We value your input and ideas for future newsletters.
Please send us your ergonomic success stories! | |
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