Dentistry is a very physical profession and many dental professionals suffer from chronic pain in their neck, back, wrists, and forearms.  The pain can be so severe that it forces us to reduce our workload and can even lead to depression, chemical dependence, and suicide.  Unfortunately, most dental professionals were never taught correct ergonomics and posture, and that’s why I wanted to have Kevin McLaughlin, PT, Cert MDT on the show!  Kevin specializes in treating mechanical disorders of the spine and extremities, and he and I discuss the following:

• How Kevin got interested in physical therapy and how his approach to treatment has changed over his 28 years in private practice.
• Why dentists, hygienists, and dental assistants frequently suffer from pain related to poor ergonomics and posture.
• What is the McKenzie Method and how does it differ from traditional physical therapy.
• The role of modalities like E-stim/TENS, ultrasound, etc.
• When it’s best to use ice versus heat.
• The difference between intermittent versus continuous pain and how that changes the approach to treatment.
• How to differentiate a mechanical issue from one that is inflammatory.
• The importance of getting to the true mechanical etiology of the pain before initiating treatment.
• Some of the differences between physical therapy and chiropractic.
• The best ergonomics for dental professionals.
• Stretches dental professionals can do to before, during and after work to minimize their risk of injury and chronic pain.
• The importance of not only addressing a patient’s pain, but teaching them how to maintain the improvement.
• Whether you (or a patient) can send a patient directly to the PT or if a referral is needed.
• How pain in the extremities can originate in the neck.
• When and how TMD pain can originate in the neck.
• How PT can help your patients who are suffering from TMD and/or headaches.
• The importance of focusing on what you do well and being comfortable with referring what you haven’t mastered to other professionals.
• And much more!!

LINKS:

-Stretching exercises for dental professionals:  https://www.my-exercise-code.com/code/xrxTL?u=BLUQ&c=8GG9SB7

-Kevin’s Website: https://www.mjphysicaltherapyny.com/

-APTA Website: https://www.apta.org/