What does this research mean for the field?

On-site manual therapy programs at fire stations are feasible, safe, and associated with significant self-reported pain reduction and high satisfaction among firefighters. Novelty: ClaimNovelty.NOVEL_FINDING. Consensus alignment: ConsensusAlignment.NEUTRAL.

What question did this study set out to answer?

To evaluate the feasibility and outcomes of on-site manual therapy for firefighters in Seoul.

April 19, 2026Open Access

On-site manual therapy for firefighters in Seoul: six-month utilization and outcome from a retrospective service analysis and web-based survey

Key Points

To evaluate the feasibility and outcomes of on-site manual therapy for firefighters in Seoul.
Provided manual therapy sessions at fire stations by a Korean Medicine doctor.
Analyzed clinical records and conducted a web-based survey with firefighters.
Compared baseline characteristics and pain reduction responses between different service tenures.
376 firefighters participated with a total of 808 therapy sessions.
82.4% of survey respondents reported lower pain scores after the therapy.
97.3% recommended the service, citing on-site accessibility as a key benefit.

Abstract

In 2023, firefighters in Seoul responded to over two million emergency calls, exposing them to substantial physical and psychological strain. This working environment increases the risk of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and occupational stress. To address these issues, the Seoul Metropolitan Fire 66.8% had a history of herniated disc or rotator cuff syndrome. Manual therapies—primarily myofascial release, joint mobilization, and muscle energy techniques—were applied in 94.8% of visits. No serious adverse events were reported. Among 148 survey respondents (39.4%), self-reported NRS pain scores were lower after the program in most cases (82.4%). Firefighters with longer tenure reported a lower proportion of pain improvement but higher satisfaction scores than those with shorter tenure. Most respondents (97.3%) recommended the service, with on-site accessibility as the key advantage. Station-based manual therapy appeared feasible and well accepted, with participants reporting pain reduction and high satisfaction. Their working tenure influenced utilization and perceived benefit. In 2025, SMFDH extended the program to a nine-month schedule across fifteen stations. Controlled studies with objective functional outcomes and long-term follow-up are warranted to confirm its occupational health benefits.

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