What is the primary benefit of giving a back-rub to a repositioned patient?

The primary benefit of giving a back-rub to a repositioned patient is that it helps relieve pain. Gentle massage can provide significant relief from discomfort by promoting relaxation and improving the overall sense of well-being. When a patient is repositioned, they may experience pain or discomfort due to pressure on certain areas of the body or changes in their position. A back-rub serves to alleviate that discomfort and can provide physical and psychological benefits, as the soothing action can increase comfort and provide a sense of warmth and care.

While improving circulation is a valuable aspect of back-rubs, the direct connection to pain relief makes it the more immediate benefit in the context of a repositioned patient. Additionally, while offers a form of exercise, and can also help distract from anxiety, these are secondary effects compared to the primary goal of addressing discomfort directly through the relief of pain.