If resident reports pain during back rub, what should you do?

• A. Increase pressure and continue quickly
• B. Continue rubbing more firmly on the same spot without stopping
• C. Stop, assess cause of pain and adjust technique
• D. End the session immediately and report

Answer: (C)

When a resident says there’s pain during a back rub, the immediate action is to pause and check. Pain is a signal that something may be wrong or that the technique isn’t tolerable for that moment. Stop the massage, ask where the pain is, how strong it is, and if it began with that touch. Gently assess for possible causes: sensitive or irritated skin, a bruise, a recent injury, a pressure point over a bone, or any medical issue the resident or nurse should know about. Then adjust your approach: ease off the pressure, slow down the strokes, and avoid rubbing over the painful or bony areas. Reassess the resident’s comfort before deciding whether to continue or stop the session. If the pain persists or you’re unsure how to proceed safely, report to the nurse and document what happened. This approach protects the resident’s safety and respects their comfort needs.