1

Principles Principles of of PositioningPositioning

Just how many years CAN you stand on your head?

2

How are YOU working?How are YOU working?

ERGONOMICLY?ERGONOMICLY?

oror

EXPEDIENTLY?EXPEDIENTLY?

3

Possible ConsequencesPossible Consequences

Carpal TunnelCarpal TunnelThoracic outlet Thoracic outlet syndromesyndrome

FibromyalgiaFibromyalgialots worse stuff...lots worse stuff...

Patient Positioning - Patient Positioning - Maxillary ArchMaxillary Arch

Patient Positioning - Patient Positioning - Mandibular ArchMandibular Arch

Light Position - MandibleLight Position - Mandible

Light Position - MaxillaLight Position - Maxilla

Operator PositioningOperator Positioning

Head and neck in Head and neck in same vertical plane as same vertical plane as torsotorso

Upper arms aligned Upper arms aligned with long axis of bodywith long axis of body

Chair supports the Chair supports the small of your backsmall of your back

thighs are parallel to thighs are parallel to the floorthe floor

10

““Put the patient where Put the patient where YOU are comfortable”YOU are comfortable”

Sit alongside with upper arms Sit alongside with upper arms against your sides against your sides

lower arms crossed at your waist.lower arms crossed at your waist.Patients open mouth should be Patients open mouth should be

below the point of your elbow.below the point of your elbow.

Neutral Position of Wrist and Neutral Position of Wrist and FingersFingers

Try to avoid...Try to avoid...

13

End of AppointmentEnd of Appointment

Raise back of chair slowlyRaise back of chair slowlyLower baseLower baseAllow patient to sit briefly Allow patient to sit briefly

to avoid postural to avoid postural hypotensionhypotension

14

Sugested ExercisesSugested Exercises

NeckNeckShouldersShouldersBackBack

see additional handoutsee additional handout

15

BREAK - (15 minutes)BREAK - (15 minutes)

Take a short walk around clinic and Take a short walk around clinic and observe postures of Docs, RDH’s observe postures of Docs, RDH’s and assistants.and assistants.

What is the most repeated mistake?What is the most repeated mistake?(easiest habit to fall into…)(easiest habit to fall into…)