Palpation is central to osteopathic diagnosis. Palpation is the Osteopaths
ability to feel and sense the state of the soft tissues under the osteopath's
fingers that enables him to decide where and how to treat. This palpatory
skill is developed over many years.
The palpatory assessment of the osteopath involves assessing the active and
passive motion of the joints under examination. This ability to detect passive
motion, provides the Osteopath with the capability of focussing his treatment
on restricted areas. With experience Osteopaths learn to palpate not just
superficially but also very deeply within the body. This sensory information
is received through the Osteopath's fingertips and palms.
It is this sensing of the quality of the tissues and their position and
mobility, that allows the Osteopath to determine the tissues that need
immediate attention.
The Israel
Center for Osteopathy
