Learn to manage your wrist or hand pain with these tips that will help to improve your productivity

70% of dental professionals will report symptoms of wrist and hand pain at some point during their career. Pain doesn't have to be a by-product of dentistry. You have the ability to reduce or eliminate your pain by developing better working habits. Since many dental professionals never fully recover from wrist and hand pain syndromes being proactive with prevention strategies is imperative to looking after Dentist's health and career longevity. Within dentistry hand and wrist injuries can develop from gripping a variety of instruments for long periods, from lifting heavy objects or performing forceful movements and from doing procedures that require repetitive movements like twisting.

Try these simple tips to help manage hand and wrist pain. 

1) Choose Instruments Based on Function and Ease of Use

Use instruments that reduce the amount of time the hand must be used, like instruments with variable and rapid speeds. These will enable you to use the instruments without the risk of repetitive strain injury occurring. Use instruments that perform many of the same functions the hand normally performs like instruments that swivel and reduce torque. Where possible use instruments with features that are easy to use like vibration free, lightweight, and ones that have enlarged handles

2) Take Regular Breaks

Taking regular breaks from repetitive tasks is a great way to vary the movement of the hand and wrist. For example, take a couple of minutes break every half hour from doing tasks requiring grip. Interestingly research has indicated that frequent shorter breaks results in elevated productivity as opposed to longer breaks further spaced apart. Increased movement of the hand and wrist means improved blood flow and a clearance of built up waste products. 

3) Stretch

Static activity often times is more taxing than dynamic movements due to the reduced blood floe to the area. So stretch your hands after tasks that require intense grip, especially the area between the thumb and first finger. This will enable increased comfort while performing more intricate work, help to improve your efficiency and increase your productivity also. Similarly to taking a break and moving your wrist, stretching will improve the blood flow in your hands and allow for improved performance at work.

For more information regarding workplace ergonomics among dentists or to arrange a Free Consultation with one of our Ergonomic Consultants at our Dublin City Centre Showroom (3 Clare Street Near Merrion Square, opposite the National Art Gallery) get in touch at 01 6110200.