The Top Two Stretches Every Dental Clinician Should Do Daily for Pain Relief

Awkward Postures

Dental clinicians spend hours in static, awkward postures that overload the neck, shoulders, and forearms. Over time, these repeated positions increase intramuscular pressure, reduce blood flow, and contribute to pain, fatigue, and long-term musculoskeletal disorders. That’s why incorporating simple, targeted stretching into your day is one of the most effective ways to protect your body and improve your ergonomic health.

Below are the top two stretches for dental clinicians—the same ones I teach in my free Posture Mini Course.

Upper Trapezius Stretch

1. Upper Trapezius Stretch

The upper traps tighten when we lean, elevate our shoulders, or retract soft tissue for long periods. A gentle upper trapezius stretch helps lengthen the muscle, relieve neck compression, and reduce the headaches and shoulder tension that commonly affect hygienists and dentists. This stretch is essential for restoring balance to the muscles that support your head and neck during patient care.

Forearm Stretch

2. Forearm Flexor/Extensor Stretch

Heavy pinch force and repetitive scaling place continuous strain on the forearm muscles. Stretching the flexors and extensors decreases intramuscular pressure, improves circulation, and prevents the overuse injuries that lead to pain, numbness, or tendinitis. Even 20 seconds can make a noticeable difference in how your forearms feel by the end of the day.

These two stretches are quick, effective, and perfectly designed for busy operators who need relief without extra equipment.

👉 Want to learn these stretches step-by-step? Access them inside my Free Posture Mini Course—your first step toward better ergonomics and less pain in the op!