Biomechanical assessment of massage therapists

Abstract

This study was undertaken to investigate the biomechanical demands on the low back of Massage Therapists performing typical massage therapy techniques and the nature of the associated cumulative exposure. Ten Massage Therapists performed a standardized relaxation back massage that incorporated a series of basic massage therapy techniques used in standard treatments. The 44-minute massage treatment was videotaped and a posture-matching approach was used to determine 3D peak and cumulative loads on the low back. Although the resultant peak low back loads would be considered safe in relation to current published compression and shear guidelines, the cumulative loading values were well within the ranges considered disconcerting in other health care and industrial workers. The therapists were found to assume non-neutral trunk, neck and arm postures for a significant portion of the massage, which could place these professionals at risk of cumulative musculoskeletal disorders.