By its strictest definition, taking a person’s pulse may be considered a form of palpation.
This article discusses several kinds of palpation assessments and describes the process of palpating during medical examinations.
A few possible examples are listed below, but your healthcare provider may use many other kinds of palpation.
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Thoracic Palpation
Thoracic palpation is typically used to diagnose problems of the chest or spine.
Palpation is also helpful in evaluating the function of the heart.
Palpation may even help diagnose anabdominal aortic aneurysm.
This finding should be followed up with imaging like anultrasoundorCT scan.
Breast Palpation
Palpation of the breasts is performed with the flats of the hand and fingers.
The nipples themselves would be palpated for elasticity and gently squeezed to check for discharge.
The same technique can be used to help diagnosetemporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.
There are four core components of a physical exam.
Sometimes palpation is used to confirm normal findings.
However, palpation can also be used to test for an injury or abnormal process.
A Word From Verywell
Palpation involves being touched by your healthcare provider.
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