This document provides a checklist for back care procedures in a hospital setting. The purpose is to prevent bed sores, stimulate blood circulation, detect early signs of bed sores, and relieve pressure on pressure points. The checklist outlines the necessary equipment, pre-procedural steps like assessing the patient's condition and explaining the procedure, intra-procedural steps of massaging and cleaning the back using different strokes, and post-procedural steps such as changing linens and documenting the procedure. Massage techniques described include effleurage, friction, petrissage, tapotement, vibration, kneading, and cupping.

1. CHECKLIST FOR BACK CARE
S.NO CONTENT DEMO RETURN
DEMO
PRACTICE
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PRACTICE
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1 PURPOSE –
 To prevent bed sore/pressuresore.
 To stimulateblood circulation.
 To detect early sign of bed sore.
 To relievepressurefrom pressurepoints and to change position.
 To promote rest and sleep.
 Promote physical and mental relaxation
2 ARTICLES REQUIRED-
 Screen
 Mackintosh with draw sheet
 Fresh bed linen and the patient’s clothes
 A small basin
 Sponge cloth-(mitten-2)
 Soap dish with soap
 Spirit/oil
 Powder
 A towel
 A pair of clean gloves
 Pillows or alphamattress
 Kidney tray
3 PREPROCEDURAL STEPS-
 Assess the condition of the patient.
 Assess the condition ofthe back especially on the pressure points
(scapula vertebral spine,sacral area, and coccyx) for any redness
and breakdown in the skin integrity.
 Identify the conditions like rib or vertebral fracture, burns or
open wound on the back or identify any contraindications to back
care.
 Explain the procedure to the patient.
 Assemble all equipment required.
 Wash hands.
INTRAPROCEDURAL STEPS-
 Bringthe patient closeto the edge of the bed to maintain good
body mechanics.
 Turn the patient to lateral, prone or side-lying position and sitting
position with the back towards nurse.
 Spread mackintosh and draw sheet underthe patient from head to
buttocks.
 Drape the patient and provide adequate privacy.
 Mix water to desire temperature.
 Make a mitten with sponge towel.
 Untie the patient gown and expose the back.
 Wet the patient’s back from neck to buttocks with the help of

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mitten.
 Apply powder/oil/lotion/cream/spirit according to the skin
condition.
 Massage from sacrum to neck by using different seven stroke.
 Stroke of back massage.
Effleurage –This is stroking the back with fingers by long, smooth strokes
upward to downward .
Friction- These movements are in circular nature. It is performed with
the help of the thumb and fingers pads.
Petrissage – This is the process of pressing and rolling of the tissues and
is performed with one or both hands,with thumb and fingers.
Tapotement- This involves hacking, tapping, clapping, beating. It is
achieved by striking the back rapidly. Short and quick blows are generally
given from the wrist. Tapotement helps in atrophied condition of the
muscles.. It is a rhythmic movement done with the edge of the hand,a
cupped hand or the tips of the fingers. The movements used can be beating
(hitting area with closed fist tightly), slapping hacking. The hands
movements are given from the wrist.
Vibration – The vibration is given by rhythmically moving the heel of
the hand,the side of the hand or finger tips. Vibrating hand should move
constantly.
Kneading – kneading is part of the Swedish massage tradition and
involves the grasping and lifting of tissue.It is usually performed with the
palms, first pressing down on muscular tissue and then lifting it with the
fingers in a rhythmic and churning action.
Cupping – Cupping therapy is an ancient Arabic form of alternative
medicine in which a local vacuum is created on the skin. Professionals
believe this mobilizes blood flow in order to enhance healing. Cupping
helps to release toxins, activate the lymphatic system, clears colon
blockages.
 Repeat again covering entire back.
 Remove any extra spillage of oil/cream/lotion with the help of
gauge piece.
POSTPROCEDURAL STEPS-
 Check the level of patient’s comfort.
 Change the linen if soiled.
 Replace the articles in utility room after cleaning and washing
with water or disinfectant solution.
 Put the dirty linen in hamper.
 Tidy –up the bedding and the unit.
 Wash hands
 Document the procedure with time, date and remarks if any like
condition of the skin and patient’s response.