Palpation

Palpation is a method of feeling with the fingers or hands during a physical examination. It is used by healthcare providers to gather information about the size, shape, consistency, location, and tenderness of organs, tissues, or other body parts. Palpation can also be used to assess skin texture, temperature, and moisture.

The technique involves applying varying degrees of pressure to the surface of the body to detect abnormalities or changes beneath the skin. Depending on the area being examined and the information sought, palpation can be light or deep. Light palpation is used to assess superficial structures and detect subtle abnormalities, while deep palpation is used to assess deeper organs and tissues.

During palpation, the examiner may use one hand or both hands. Bimanual palpation, using two hands, is often employed to capture or delineate a structure, such as an organ, between the hands. The technique also involves observing the patient's reactions, as tenderness or pain elicited during palpation can provide important diagnostic clues.

Palpation is a fundamental skill in physical diagnosis and is used across various medical specialties, including general practice, internal medicine, surgery, and osteopathic medicine. Findings obtained through palpation are typically correlated with other diagnostic methods, such as imaging or laboratory tests, to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.