Palpation of the Respiratory System in Osteopathic Manual Medicine: From the Trachea to the Lungs

Abstract

There is a lack of published literature in osteopathic manual medicine on how to perform palpation of the lower respiratory tree such as the trachea, main bronchi, and lungs. Several authors have studied the osteopathic effect and respiratory response of palpation but have failed to demonstrate how to perform palpation of the visceral areas involved in breathing, either in the context of a clinical trial or as a case report. This paper reviews the innervation of these anatomical areas, the mechano-metabolic weight of the passage of fluids and air in the respiratory tract, the anatomical topography, and the movements involved in respiration. Drawing from current knowledge, this article illustrates, for the first time, how to place the hands for an effective osteopathic assessment of the tracheal, bronchial, and pulmonary structures. Understanding how to perform palpation of the lower areas is a fundamental tool in the clinic and potential therapy in osteopathic manual medicine.

Autonomic nervous system responses in the intermediate band to cranial cutaneous stimulation

“…CVH touches lateral cranial regions and cranial bones with the palm of both hands and the palmar surface of fingers (no thumb) at very low pressure on the scalp. Yet, the need to unravel the question of the origin of the PRM/CRI prevails as has been most recently stressed again (Bordoni & Escher, 2023).…”