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ePaper created 2017-05-12, 10:32:27 | version 1.38.0
12 exhibitors 2017 ASM — May 5, 2017 Elbow your way to better health Here in Toronto For more information on ergonomics in the dental clinic, visit and/or contact Posiflex via www.posiflexdesign.com. Dentists, hygienists and dental assist- ants face on a daily basis all of the top conditions needed to develop musculo- skeletal disorders. Dental work requires precision and control in movement — so static positions can result in fatigue in the muscles of the neck, the back and the shoulders. After a few years or even months, the muscle fatigue may cause ailments, pain or even more severe conditions, such as tendinitis, bursitis, neck pain, disk herniation and others. If I work with my arms close to my body, can I avoid muscle tension? Even when your arms seem relaxed along your body, the shoulder and upper back muscles have to be con- tracted to keep the stability required for the precise work of your hands. These muscle contractions can reduce the blood flow up to 90 percent, which causes fatigue to accumulate and weaken your muscles and articula- tions. Why use mobile elbow supports? The Posiflex mobile elbow support system was developed to diminish the charge to the upper body in order to favor a good bloodstream. A scien- tific study* demonstrated that using the Posiflex system contributes to achieving a more secure and comfort- able work posture while significantly reducing muscle contractions in the shoulders, neck and upper body. This unique concept follows body move- ments. The elbow rests offer an appro- priate support of the arms while preserving the freedom of movement. Precision work requires concentra- tion and effort. We forget ourselves when we are concentrated on a task. The elbow supports enable practition- ers to keep a good posture as they keep you in line. Do I have to always be on the supports to get the benefit? It is not possible to be on the supports 100 percent of the time. The studies demonstrated that with 50 percent of 5 Michelle Fontaine, RDH, remains in practice today thanks to changing her position and using Posiflex Free Motion Elbow Sup- ports. Below are the factors contributing to development of musculoskeletal disorders. (Photos/Provided by Posiflex Design) Repetition. Tempo. Force. Awkward movements and posture. Inadequate rest. the time on the support, bloodstream is sufficient to prevent and diminish tension. After a short learning curve, the majority of users are on the sup- ports 80 to 90 percent of the time. created by medical treatments or leave from work. Do you have to plan long procedures early in the week because your body can’t do it on Thursdays? Why invest in a dental stool? Dental professionals can easily spend eight to 12 hours a day on a stool. In fact, it is the piece of equipment you use the most and, generally, it is also the most neglected. You pay attention to your patient comfort, so what about your comfort and that of your employees? The investment is modest and quickly profitable compared to costs How should the patient chair be adjusted to keep the practitioner in good posture? Eyes-to-task distance is the key for good posture. When the patient chair is placed low it forces you to bend your neck, even with loupes, creating ten- sions. Furthermore, because of lack of leg room, the operator must straddle the chair or, worse, sit on the tip of the seat. This position does not provide lum- bar support or a safe position. Many speakers and authors favor a higher position of the patient chair with the patient lying flat. The arms stay close to the body and the forearms are flexed. Editor’s note: Complete list of ref- erences is available online at www. posiflexdesign.com. *Proteau, Rose-Ange, Prevention of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Dis- orders (MSDs) in Dental Clinics, 2009, free on the web at www.asstsas.qc.ca. (Source: Posiflex Design)