See discussions, stats, and author profiles for this publication at: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/356218382
Back massage
Presentation · November 2021
CITATIONS
0
READS
77
1 author:
Some of the authors of this publication are also working on these related projects:
Guar gum & Iron deficiency anemia among the patients with inflammatory bowel disease View project
Fatma Ibrahim Abdel-Latif Megahed
Suez Canal University
30 PUBLICATIONS 7 CITATIONS
SEE PROFILE
All content following this page was uploaded by Fatma Ibrahim Abdel-Latif Megahed on 15 November 2021.
The user has requested enhancement of the downloaded file.

Back massage
Prepared by
Assistant lecturer / Fatma Ibrahim Abdel-latif

Out Lines:
1. Definition of back massage.
2. Desired outcomes of back massage.
3. General guidelines of back massage.
4. Assessment of back massage.
5. Common massage techniques.
6. Preparation.
7. Procedure.
8. Post procedure.

Definition:
is a procedure which is usually done with
the hands, such as friction, kneading,
rolling etc. on the back. It is usually given
in conjunction with the activities of
bathing the client.

The desired outcomes of the procedure back
massage:
1. Clients feel refreshed and relaxed, as evidenced by
verbal or nonverbal response.
2. The blood supply to the muscles and skin of the back,
evidenced by a change in skin color and warmth.
3. Clients who feel pain to feel more comfortable after a
back massage, as evidenced by non-verbal and verbal
response.

General guidelines
1. A back massage should take about five to ten minutes and can be
given with the patient's bath, before bedtime, or at any other time
during the day. Starting massage with stroking move start from the
hip to shoulder for about eight times.
2. Minimal direct pressure on bony processes and do not put any direct
pressure on the spine.

General guidelines cont.,:
3. Massage oil decreases the friction created on the skin and
prevents the pulling of hairs. Don't use too much: The less
oil, the greater the friction and the deeper the pressure.
4. Ensure that your hands are warm and Nails must be short
before touching the patient’s body.
5. Minimize verbal communication, but ask for feedback on
what feels good and if something hurts.
6. Use slower movements for a calming response.
7. Your position and body mechanics should be monitored to
avoid back injury.

Assessment:
1. Assess client's need and willingness to have a massage.
2. Assess for back rub contraindications as: vertebral
fractures, rib fractures, burns, open wounds, bleeding, or heart
attack.
3. Assess condition of client's back and fatigued or stiffed
areas in back or shoulders to focus on.
4. Assess any limitation in client positioning as if prone or
side-lying positions are prohibited.
5. Assess client's level of pain using a 1 to 10 scale.
6. Assess if any patient allergies or skin sensitivities exist
before applying lotion to the patient's skin.

Common massage techniques:
Effleurage.
Petrissage.
Tapotment.

Common massage techniques:
1. Effleurage.
Applying smooth rhythmic stroking or gliding on
the skin; may be light or deep pressure by using
the whole surface of both hands.
• It is a way of oil distribution

Common massage techniques:
2. Petrissage.
A squeezing movement by holding the tissue
between the fingers.
 Assisting with venous return & milking out
waste products.

Common massage techniques:
3. Tapotment.
Gentle tapping or pounding of the skin by using
ulnar side of hand.
 Promotes relaxation of irritated nerve endings.

Equipement:
• Bath blanket.
• Bath towel, to absorb excess moisture, oils.
• Lotion, powder, or massage oil.
• Gloves, if necessary.
• Basin of warm water.
• Washcloth.
• Soap.

Preparation

1-Wash your hands with warm water and apply
gloves, if necessary.
2- Assemble all equipment required.
3- Explain procedure and purpose to the client.
4- Put all required equipment to the bed side and set
up.
5- Provide privacy.

Preparation cont.,:
6- Prepare environment:
Quite environment free of interruptions, with a comfortable
room temperature and fine lights.
7- Elevate the bed to a comfortable working level and lower
side rails near your side.

procedure

1. Help client to a prone or side –lying position.
Put a mackintosh covered by big towel under
the client's body.

2- Drape the bath blanket, and undo the client's gown, exposing the back, shoulder,
and sacral area, but keeping the remainder of the body covered.
3- Observe the back for any abnormality.
4- Lather soap by washcloth. Wipe the back in Z manner, rinse with Plain warm
water and dry thoroughly.

5- Pour a small amount of lotion or oil in your hand and warm between yours for a
few moments.
* The lotion bottle can also be submerged in a bowl of warm water for a few minutes
to warm the lotion.
6- Keep hands in constant skin contact with client from beginning backrub until it was
completed.

7- Repeatedly move hands up on either side of client’s spine, across
shoulders, and down lateral aspects of back using the effleurage strokes,
applying firm and steady pressure.
8- Then rub hands over the scapular area extending over upper shoulders,
using a circular motion. Move hands down center of client’s back to sacral
area.
9- Massage with a figure-eight motion from Shoulders to buttocks.

10- When stimulation is desired, back and buttocks were lightly struck with the
fleshy sides of hands, called tapotement. Using an alternating rhythm, moved up
and down the back several times.
In addition, kneading was accomplished by picking up skin between thumb and
fingers as you moved up the Back, a movement called Petrissage.
11- Rub lightly up and down back a few strokes before lifting hands from client’s
back.

13- Gently pat and wipe excess lubricant of the
client and cover the client.

Post procedure

• Make bed making as needed
• Place patient in comfortable position.
• Lower bed level and elevate side rails.
• Clean and return equipment.
• Remove gloves.
• Wash hands.
• Document :
-Time and date of back massage.
-Client's response to back massage.
-Any complaints of pain or tension the client reported.
-Any unusual findings.

View publication stats