Dentistry and wellbeing
Dentistry requires huge amounts of concentration, and physical tension is a huge issue in many ‘sitting’ professions.
Dentistry requires huge amounts of concentration, and physical tension is a huge issue in many ‘sitting’ professions.
Clinicians are often required to sit for long periods of time doing complex treatments, so being able to relax before (and after) a procedure is vital. It also helps your patients, who will need to be able to keep their mouth open for some time; by being relaxed, you’ll help ease your patients’ fears, too.
This mental and physical pressure rests on the shoulders of dental professionals every day: staying focused, keeping grounded, and able to easily communicate with patients throughout treatment. One way to help alleviate the pain and tension in the shoulders is through massage, which will, as a result, ease the strain in your upper body and in your mind.
Release the tension
Massage is therapeutic on so many levels; a deep massage will change the way a tense body can be used – and so can a good diet and lots of hydration. Any profession that requires you to sit for long periods of time will change your body – massage can deliver more supple muscles, relieve tension, ease stress and make joints more flexible, all of which will make a difference in how you feel. The focus isn’t just on the shoulders, but the neck, head, arms and hands, too – they all need attention due to constant use. Holding your arms up in the same position for a long period of time, keeping your neck bent – all this will cause tension build-up. Your whole body needs attention, which a good sports or remedial massage can deliver. The more regular, the better. We can all regularly become misaligned – sometimes our muscles stop working properly and therefore require treatment. A strong core is key to keep the back strong and supple. Regular exercise is also recommended. This, along with regular bodywork treatments, will enable the clinician to work more freely, be more comfortable, and improve performance.
TAKE YOUR TIME The benefits of remedial massage are twofold, both for the mind and the body. Helping relax shoulders, arms and the upper body will not only have a beneficial effect on posture, but enable you to work more productively, healthier, and for longer periods of time.
DIY stretching
Certain stretches will help the body whilst the dentist is performing a procedure. The following are a few examples of stretches you can do at home or work:
• Lifting the arms up and pressing the forearms behind the shoulders (on both sides) will help keep the whole rotator cuff system flexible
• A cross-body stretch will help ease the shoulders and keep the upper spine loose, as well as free up the shoulders. To do this, cross your arm over your body horizontally and press it towards your body. Do this on both sides
• Stretching the neck from side to side using gentle pressure from your hands will keep
MASSAGE CAN DELIVER MORE SUPPLE MUSCLES, RELIEVE TENSION AND EASE STRESS
A few examples of stretches that will help with flexibility and posture it flexible and loose
• Bending your head gently from front to back will keep the neck flexible. Mindful practice A good diet, which includes regular hydration, is key to keeping your body working well, along with relaxation, deep breathing exercises and some mindfulness techniques to create a sense of peace. Complete wellbeing can be achieved through all the above exercises, helping you to perform better at work. If you are able to practise this at the beginning and end of the day with the whole team, even better! Emotionally, massage can create a feeling of calm, restore balance and give you a sense of euphoria that is long-lasting. Physically, it will ease tightness and release any tension, and it can create a sense of focus for your mental wellbeing. Practising the above exercises in the short term can help with the everyday ‘grind’, but a regular remedial massage will enable better physical ability and relaxation.