| Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) represent a highly prevalent occupational health issue among physical therapists (PTs), significantly impairing their work efficiency and quality of life. This article systematically reviews the epidemiological characteristics of WMSDs in PTs globally and within China. Key findings include an annual global prevalence ranging from 32% to 96%, with studies in China reporting even higher rates of 85.1% to 92.7%. The lumbosacral region, neck/shoulders, and upper limbs are identified as the primary sites affected. The review further analyzes the multifactorial interplay of risk factors contributing to WMSDs, encompassing biomechanical loads, organizational and work-related factors, psychosocial stressors, and individual predispositions. Based on this, this paper focuses on the primary prevention with source control as the core and the secondary prevention with early health management as the core, aiming to provide evidence-based basis for improving the occupational health protection level of PTs in China and formulating targeted and graded preventive measures. |
