Understanding Bodywork for the Patient With Cancer

The goal of this article is to increase oncology nurses' understanding of common bodywork modalities and the current research about them in the oncology setting. Bodywork is a broad term that incorporates massage and energy modalities. Eleven modalities are described. In addition, issues related to safety, licensure, making referrals, and nurses' and bodyworkers' roles are discussed. Better knowledge will increase oncology nurses' abilities to assess and guide patients' bodywork choices and facilitate discussions with patients, physicians, and bodyworkers to ensure that patients with cancer are receiving safe and effective care.