PALPATION 1

Why palpate? To identify changes in texture, tension or actual damage. To assess the tissue at a microscopic level (anyone can feel large trauma) Can some times be just a few fibres no thicker than a human hair. Need to identify localized area that feels irregular/different compared to adjacent tissue.

Pain Doesn’t always mean there is a problem could be a trigger point. If tissue feels normal but cause pain on palpation compare with other side. (Some areas have a fairly high degree of tension and can hurt if pushed deeply ITB) No benefits applying deep passive pressure in small area then releasing as it doesn’t give information about the surrounding tissue.

Technique Press and maintain pressure gliding in all different directions through the area to feel any textural changes. Can explore to deeply into tissue in an effort to find the problem only to miss it because it is more superficial. Apply different pressures fairly light to deep to assess all tissue layers.

Remember Fibrosis or scar tissue may also occur on bony structures. Whilst palpation of a joint, move it into different positions. This gives assess to different surfaces of the bones and soft tissues. Practice, practice and practice!!!!