Palpation is a fundamental examination technique in which structures of the musculoskeletal system are felt and assessed with the hands. It complements inspection, movement and function testing in the physiotherapy assessment.
Assessed are, among other things, the position and course of muscles, tendons, ligaments and bony landmarks, skin quality, temperature, swelling, muscle tone, trigger points and painful pressure points. A distinction is made between superficial and deep palpation. Findings are documented in side-to-side comparison and in relation to the movement examination.