Massages can - and should - be used to treat a number of ailments, according to a study compiled by a joint team from RMIT University and the Australian Association of Massage Therapy (AAMT).

The report, Effectiveness of Massage Therapy, is a review of 740 Australian and international evidence-based academic research papers, published between 1978 and 2008.

It concludes that health professionals - such as GPs and nurses - should be more active in including massages as part of treatment plans for illnesses ranging from back pains and anxiety to nausea and stress as well as chronic disease management.

It also highlights evidence that massages can be used to delay the onset of muscle soreness (DOMS) and increasing pulmonary function.

The research includes systematic reviews, randomised controlled trials, comparative studies, case-series/studies and cross-sectional studies covering anumber of massage disciplines, such as acupressure, bowen therapy, lymphatic drainage, myofascial release, reflexology, rolfing, shiatsu, Swedish massage, sports massage, infant massage, tuina and trigger point therapies/modalities.

Tricia Hughes, chief executive of AAMT, said: "Among key findings of the report was that there is a growing body of research supporting massage therapy as being an evidence-based therapeutic modality

"We certainly hope that this report leads the way for future research in the field of massage therapy.

"This groundwork provides remedial massage therapists, complementary and alternative medicine practitioners and the broader allied health community with a basis to pursue evidence-based practice."

To access the full report, click here