Palpation in osteopathy
Palpation in osteopathy - how can touch diagnose and treat?
One of the pillars of osteopathy is palpation - the art of careful, precise touch. It is through this osteopath can not only diagnose the cause of the patient's ailment, but also monitor the effects of the therapy in real time. Palpation combines anatomical knowledge, clinical experience and a deep focus on the other person's body.
What is palpation?
Palpation is more than mere touching - it is conscious tactile sensing of the patient's condition. The osteopath uses his or her hands to gather information about the tension, temperature, mobility of the skin and deeper tissues. Even the direction of the hairs can be an indication of the distribution of tension in the body.
Osteopathic therapy is a dialogue - silent but very precise. The therapist's hands read the signals coming from the body and, at the same time, influence the tissues, triggering the process of regeneration and return to balance.
What structures are examined by palpation?
Palpation makes it possible to assess the different layers of the body:
- Bones - are the most easily accessible structures. The osteopath can easily locate their position, shape or any restrictions of mobility.
- Ligaments and tendons - Although less hard than bone, they are clearly perceptible.
- Muscles - The therapist can assess the direction of fibres, tension or the presence of trigger points.
- Neurovascular system - Gentle palpation can identify the course and possible tensions in these structures.
- Internal organs - The osteopath is able to sense the position of organs, their tension, mobility and the flow of fluids such as blood, lymph or cerebrospinal fluid.
Palpation as a prevention tool
Importantly - osteopath can detect abnormalities in tissue tension or mobility before symptoms appear. As a result, osteopathy not only treats, but also prevents the development of many ailments.
Does palpation hurt?
No. Palpation osteopathic is a very gentle, attentive touch. The therapist adapts the pressure to the current state of the tissues, and the treatment itself is usually pleasant and relaxing. The patient should be as relaxed as possible during the therapy, which allows for even better diagnostic and therapeutic results.
Where will you benefit from professional osteopathic palpation?
All treatments osteopathicof which precise diagnostic and therapeutic palpationwe perform at the clinic Unident Union® in Wrocław. Our team consists of experienced therapists who combine medical knowledge with a holistic approach to the patient.
