Palpation is used to determine which joints of the spine or extremities are restricted. Practitioners traditionally do this while the patient is stationary. Motion palpation takes this to the next level by evaluating how the joints of the spine and extremities are actually moving. We believe that patients should not only be evaluated statically while lying on the table. They should also be evaluated throughout their full range of motion while in the weight bearing position.
These tests are necessary to help determine the exact tissues that are injured. They help to determine if the patient’s symptoms are due to a joint, muscle, nerve or arterial disorder. They also help to rule out more serious pathologies.