<p>Massage has been considered therapeutic for many thousands of years - indeed, there is evidence of the therapeutic use of massage in China more than 5,000 years ago. Initially it was seen as an adjunct to medical practices, but was later associated with less scientific activities. Since the end of the 17th century, it has regained its associations with medicine (while retaining its other associations) and in recent years has attained the status of a complementary therapy. McMahon and Pearson (1992) argued that if nurses are to be truly therapeutic they need to create beneficial outcomes for clients deliberately. Massage may be one way of achieving this aim.</p>