Investigation on Musculoskeletal Injury and Psychological Empowerment of Reflexologists in Taiwan: Analysis of the Recognition to Alternative Therapy
Limited EvidenceIn Plain Language: reflexology, explained
Many studies have proven that reflexology has been used as a complementary medical treatment. Therefore, the government has started to plan an examination system for reflexology personnel to ensure the quality of service. Reflexologists work long hours, have heavy workloads, and perform poses that do not conform to human factors, which often cause musculoskeletal fatigue. The purpose of this study is to understand the musculoskeletal pain conditions of reflexologists, the psychological empowerment status, and the perceptions of complementary medicine therapy. The data for this study were obtained in two ways: (1) 59 practitioners were surveyed by using a face-to-face questionnaire and (2) a semi-structured interview was carried out for 10 practitioners. This study discovered the following: (1) Reflexology practitioners have musculoskeletal discomfort symptoms in body parts, including the left shoulder (25.4%), left hand or wrist (25.4%), lower back (25.4%), right shoulder (23.7%), left elbow or forearm (22%). (2) Reflexology practitioners are highly psychologically empowered to work. (3) The practitioners of foot therapy hold a positive attitude towards foot therapy and believe that foot therapy is a natural therapy, which is self-serving and can help others. (4) Most reflexologists support the government's desire to promote the reflexology examination system and are willing to help develop the policy. (5) The height of most reflexologist work chairs does not match the height of the guest's seat and is not ergonomic.
Key Findings: what this cross-sectional study found
- ✓Reflexology practitioners experience musculoskeletal discomfort in multiple body regions, with the left shoulder, left hand/wrist, and lower back each affecting 25.4% of respondents.
- ✓Reflexologists work long hours with heavy workloads and adopt ergonomically incorrect postures that contribute to musculoskeletal fatigue and injury.
- ✓The Taiwanese government has begun implementing an examination system for reflexology personnel to standardize service quality as the practice gains recognition as a complementary medical treatment.
What This Means for You
This study shows reflexologists themselves experience significant musculoskeletal pain—consider asking your practitioner about their training in ergonomics and injury prevention to ensure they use safe techniques.
What This Means for Practitioners
Most of your peers support professional certification standards and feel empowered by their work, but you should prioritize ergonomic adjustments to your workspace and technique to prevent the shoulder, wrist, and lower back pain that affects over 20% of reflexologists.
Study Design: how this cross-sectional study was run
Common questions about this study
What does this study mean in practice?
This study shows reflexologists themselves experience significant musculoskeletal pain—consider asking your practitioner about their training in ergonomics and injury prevention to ensure they use safe techniques.
What did this study find?
Reflexology practitioners experience musculoskeletal discomfort in multiple body regions, with the left shoulder, left hand/wrist, and lower back each affecting 25.4% of respondents. Reflexologists work long hours with heavy workloads and adopt ergonomically incorrect postures that contribute to musculoskeletal fatigue and injury. The Taiwanese government has begun implementing an examination system for reflexology personnel to standardize service quality as the practice gains recognition as a complementary medical treatment.
How strong is this evidence?
This is a cross-sectional study and we rate its evidence limited. It covers 59 participants. It was published in Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland), a Q2 journal. Reflexology is a complementary therapy, not a replacement for medical treatment.
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