Exercise May Be the Missing Link in the Fight Against Musculoskeletal Disorders

Dental hygienists often experience repetitive strain injuries.^1-13 The upper extremities, neck, and back regions of the body are often overexerted, sustained in static postures for long periods, and exposed to cumulative trauma which may contribute to persistent pain, fatigue, and functional limitations.

Additionally, the demanding nature of dental hygiene schedules often does not allow for adequate recovery time between loading of the same muscles, ligaments, tendons, and joints.^14,15 Because many of these risk factors are unmodifiable, developing interventions for reducing musculoskeletal (MSD) risk and manging pain is critical. Operatory adjustments, clinician and patient positioning, magnification, and ergonomic instrument designs remain essential for MSD prevention, however these strategies may not fully address the cumulative biomechanical strain that occurs clinically. Therefore, exercise-based mitigation strategies should be part of a comprehensive approach to supporting ergonomic health.

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* References and figures can be found in the original article via the link above.