Health problem from working as Thai traditional massage therapists

Abstract

Objective: To determine health problems of Thai traditional massage therapists (TTMs) who work at Thai traditional medicine units in general hospitals in Thailand. Method: A cross-sectional survey study in Thai traditional massage therapists in general hospitals in Thailand from March to July 2012 was conducted. The therapists completed self-administrated questionnaire. Results: About 60% of Thai traditional massage therapists practised both Common and Court-type Thai massage. The highest symptom of injury was lower back pain (82.2%) followed by upper back (80.2%) and neck (78.0%). The majority used incorrect posture which was the main cause from working while giving massage to the clients (76.1%). The posture mostly used kneeling on heels (75.9%) and the parts of the body mostly used were thumbs and knuckles (71.4%). This study showed the types of massage related to left shoulder pain (p=0.00) and the duration of working related to lower back pain (p=0.04). Conclusion: Duration of working, types of massage, long working hours, and incorrect postures affected the therapists.