The physically demanding nature of massage therapy has revealed an increasing prevalence
in work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) among masseurs. A survey using Nordic
Musculoskeletal Questionnaire was conducted and BRIEF (Baseline Risk Identification of Ergonomic
Factors) checklist was executed for the visually impaired masseurs to explore the WMSDs risk
factors. Two hundred subjects and twelve subjects were recruited to participate as paid volunteers for
questionnaire survey and BRIEF assessment, respectively. The results of the questionnaire showed
that 89.5% subjects had musculoskeletal complaints with at least one body part in the past 12 months.
Lower back (65.9%), shoulder (64.8%), and hand/wrist (62.6%) obtained the largest musculoskeletal
complaint rates. BRIEF results showed that hand/wrist and back had 100.0% of high risk scores for
whole body massage and 100.0% and 83.3% for upper body massage, respectively. Neck obtained
33.3% of high risk scores for both whole body and upper body massage. The study results indicated
that lower back, hand/wrist, shoulder, and neck were the body parts at high risk for masseurs.
Improvement measures should be made to prevent the WMSDs in massage therapy.