Palplation Skills

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Mara Nicandro LMT, NMT on February 4, 2011 at 1:32pm

My advance certification is in Neuromuscular Re-education therapy and it's an important skill to develop.

Permalink Reply by Walt Fritz, PT on February 7, 2011 at 7:39am

Frank,

To me, palpation is one of the big three skills I offer (visual observation and listening are the other two). Education forms the basis of palpation, but clinical practice is essential to hone your skills. You need to know both what you are looking for, as well as the curiosity to search beyond your expectations. This is the key to successful therapy.

Permalink Reply by Mara Nicandro LMT, NMT on February 7, 2011 at 9:24am

Very well said

Walt Fritz, PT said:

Frank,

To me, palpation is one of the big three skills I offer (visual observation and listening are the other two). Education forms the basis of palpation, but clinical practice is essential to hone your skills. You need to know both what you are looking for, as well as the curiosity to search beyond your expectations. This is the key to successful therapy.

Permalink Reply by Walt Fritz, PT on February 7, 2011 at 7:56pm

Paula,

Count me in disagreement.

Without education, listening has little value, as you don't know what to listen for. Education teaches you what can harm and what can't.

Visual skills of observation give me a starting point; I begin with a visual analysis. Not necessary for all, I know, but a postural assessment starts me in the right direction. A person without vision could certainly be a highly effective therapist, but I use what I was given.