Preventing WMSDs and Pain in Dentistry: Tip 3

This chapter focuses on the third tip to manage some of the risk factors for work-related musculoskeletal disorders detailed in the What are Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders? chapter. Additional tips can be found in the previous two chapters and following chapters.

Tip 3: Engage in Daily Stretching and Strengthening Exercises

Based on several studies, participation in a daily stretching and strengthening regimen has shown positive effects on the physical and mental well-being of current and future dental professionals including reduced muscle tension, decreased musculoskeletal pain symptoms, and reduced psychological stressors.^{[1] [2]}

Stretching & Strengthening Exercise Program for Dental Professionals

Whether you are currently experiencing musculoskeletal pain or not, it is important to embed a daily stretching and strengthening exercise program into your routine to help manage musculoskeletal pain or prevent it from developing.  In the appendix, you will find a Stretching and Strengthening Exercise Program that has been developed specifically for dental professionals to combat and/or prevent WMSDs.

Specific Exercises to Avoid as a Dental Professional

There are also specific exercises that you want to avoid as a dental professional due to the distinct nature of your job and the individual muscle groups that are often overworked because of it. It is important to note that you do not want to exercise muscle groups that currently have pain or those that are prone to being overworked, ischemic, and tight because this may lead to further injury.

Listed below are some of the primary strengthening exercises that you may want to avoid:

• Deltoid lift/shoulder abduction
• Full sit ups/crunches
• Bench press
• Single arm push-ups
• Overhead lifting
• Upright row
• Any exercises that require weight bearing through an extended wrist

While this is not an inclusive list, these exercises are primarily used by young athletes that target muscles dental professionals often overwork.

For a deeper understanding of these individual exercises and how they may lead to further injury or pain, you may listen to a recorded lecture created by Nicole Motz, an occupational therapy student, which is linked here.