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Touch--more than a basic science.

Mitchell L Elkiss¹, John A Jerome

¹Associates in Neurology, PC, 27555 Middlebelt Rd, Farmington Hills, MI 48334-5011, USA. mitchellelkiss@mac.com

The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association

|August 21, 2012

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) utilizes the power of touch to engage the musculoskeletal, immune, nervous, and endocrine systems. This tactile interaction enhances the patient-physician relationship, promoting diagnostic and therapeutic healing through empathic communication.

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Area of Science:

Osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT)
Integrative medicine
Patient-physician relationship

Background:

The physical and psychological dimensions of touch are integral to osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT).
Touch serves as a crucial element in the diagnostic and therapeutic dialogue between patient and physician.
The patient-physician relationship is deepened through the reciprocal nature of touching and being touched during palpatory examinations.

Purpose of the Study:

To underscore the significance of skillful touch in osteopathic patient evaluation and treatment.
To encourage osteopathic physicians to routinely integrate tactile assessment and OMT.
To highlight the role of empathic communication in facilitating synchronized healing.

Main Methods:

The article provides a rationale for the use of touch in OMT.
It emphasizes the integration of verbal and tactile communication.
Focuses on the palpatory examination and treatment as key components.

Main Results:

Skillful touch is physically realized within multiple body systems, including musculoskeletal, immune, nervous, and endocrine.
Psychologically, touch facilitates a diagnostic and therapeutic interaction.
Empathic communication enhances the patient-physician connection, leading to synchronized healing.

Conclusions:

Osteopathic physicians should routinely employ skillful touch for patient evaluation and treatment.
The tactile dimension of OMT is essential for both physical and psychological therapeutic outcomes.
Integrating empathic touch strengthens the patient-physician relationship and promotes healing.