5

BACK RUB
(Dependent Function)

By: Michael Cruz, RN

OBJEVTIVES
To demonstrate the procedure with
confidence.
To know and identify the basic
back rub techniques.
To understand the purpose of back
rub.

BACK RUB / BACK

MASSAGE
Massage of the back utilizing strokes
to promote circulation and relaxation.

PURPOSES
Stimulates blood circulation
Relaxes and relieves muscle
tension
Makes patient comfortable and
helps to induce sleep

THE 5 BASIC
STROKES
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Effleurage
Petrissage
Tapotement
Friction
Vibration

Effleurage
consists of long, gliding, sweeping strokes administered
with hands (both open palm and fists) and forearms.

Petrissage
Characterized by kneading, rolling, wringing and lifting
strokes.

Tapotement
The hand position can be cupped or with palms flat, or
it can be with fingers interlocked in either a palms
together position or in soft fists.

Friction
This stroke can be done by rubbing back and forth
along the length of the muscle or across it by either
using wringing motion or small circular movements.

Vibration
Refers to rocking, shaking and trembling movements
applied to one limb or to the entire body.

ASSESSMENT
Patients willingness to have a
massage.
Contraindications of a back rub.
Conditions include open sores or
lesions, vertebral fractures, burns and
signs of decubitus ulcers
Patients anxiety or emotional
disturbances.

PLANNING
Prepare materials/
supplies:
Small towel
Lotion, Powder,
or Massage oil
(preferred by
patient)
Pair of clean
gloves

IMPLEMENTATION

IMPLEMENTATION
CONT.
8. Lower side rails near you while leaving
the opposite side rails up.
9. Position the patient on prone or side-lying
position, facing the raised side rail.
10.Wear clean gloves as a universal
precaution.
11.Drape the patients body, and untie/loosen
the patients gown, exposing the back,
shoulder, and sacral area, keeping the
remainder of the body covered.

IMPLEMENTATION
CONT.
12.Pour a small amount of (lotion, oil or powder) as
necessary in your hand and rub between your palms
for a few moments. The lotion bottle can also be
submerged in a bowl of warm water for a few
minutes to warm up the lotion.
13.Begin in the sacral area with smooth, circular
strokes, moving upward towards the neck and
shoulders. Gradually extend the strokes (effleurage)
to the upper back, scapulae, and upper arms. Apply
firm, continuous pressure.
14.Assess patients back as you are massaging for
areas of redness and signs of decreased circulation.

IMPLEMENTATION
CONT.
15. Provide a firm, kneading massage (petrissage)
to areas of increased tension if desired, in areas
such as the shoulders and buttocks (figure of 8
patterns over the gluteal & sacral area.
16. Complete the massage with long, very light
brush strokes, using the tips of the fingers.
17. Gently pat or wipe excess lubricant and fix the
patients gown.
18.Raise the side rail near you.
19. Remove gloves and discard appropriately.
20. Perform hand hygiene.

EVALUATION

Patients response to the

procedure