Posture
Dental saddle stool
Bethany Valachi, a Dental Ergonomic Consultant/Lecturer/Physical therapist, has recently promoted the saddle stools to the dental industry. For those unfamiliar with saddle stools, they may seem unconventional, if not radical, compared to traditional flat operator stools. However, with the prevalence of back pain in dentistry unwavering over the past 50 years (around 65%), alternative methods for sitting are gaining increased recognition.
Bethany suggests that the benefits of saddle stools in dentistry are numerous and include:
The saddle stool, however, utilizes different muscles than one generally uses in a typical workday and one may become a little sore for the first few days. Bethany suggests one to use the stool only 3 hours or so for several days, then gradually increase the hours up to a full day of use. She advises the importance of selecting a saddle stool that is the right contour for the pelvis. A saddle that is too narrow for the pelvis can cause compression and be uncomfortable. Likewise, a saddle that is too wide for a smaller operator can cause uncomfortable splaying of the hips. Due to anatomical differences, men should consider either a highly padded style saddle or a split seat saddle stool to decrease compression on the genital area. A new style saddle stool also offers a flexible seat that moves with the operator, enabling movement of the lumbar (low back) spine. I am glad to see the increasing popularity of the saddle stool/chair that manipulative physiotherapists have been suggesting for decades and hope that more and more different professions are going to accept the simple concept proper sitting posture.
Luck LI
Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist
- The stool places one in a 'tripod' position, which is the most stable position for the hip joint.
- Diaphragmatic (abdominal, relaxed) breathing is improved.
- Easier to get close to & move around the patient.
- Facilitates correct movement at the hips.
- Minimizes the need for backrest support.
- Neutral spinal posture promotes correct head posture and proper shoulder movement.
- Enables easier access in the 12:00 position.
- Easier to move correctly from the sit-to-stand position.
- Strengthens the trunk stabilizing muscles.
The saddle stool, however, utilizes different muscles than one generally uses in a typical workday and one may become a little sore for the first few days. Bethany suggests one to use the stool only 3 hours or so for several days, then gradually increase the hours up to a full day of use. She advises the importance of selecting a saddle stool that is the right contour for the pelvis. A saddle that is too narrow for the pelvis can cause compression and be uncomfortable. Likewise, a saddle that is too wide for a smaller operator can cause uncomfortable splaying of the hips. Due to anatomical differences, men should consider either a highly padded style saddle or a split seat saddle stool to decrease compression on the genital area. A new style saddle stool also offers a flexible seat that moves with the operator, enabling movement of the lumbar (low back) spine. I am glad to see the increasing popularity of the saddle stool/chair that manipulative physiotherapists have been suggesting for decades and hope that more and more different professions are going to accept the simple concept proper sitting posture.
Luck LI
Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist