Touch--more than a basic science.
The potency of touch in osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) is physically realized within the musculoskeletal, immune, nervous, and endocrine systems. Psychologically, touch supports a verbal and tactile interaction that is both diagnostic and therapeutic. Touch is a 2-way street that adds meaning and depth to the patient-physician experience. The relationship between touching and being touched offers a potentially powerful and intense deepening of the patient-physician relationship that emerges within the palpatory examination and treatment. Empathic communication, through word or deed, allows a therapeutic, synchronized healing to occur. In the present article, the authors provide a rationale to sensitize and invigorate osteopathic physicians to routinely evaluate and treat patients using their skillful touch.
Associates in Neurology, PC, 27555 Middlebelt Rd, Farmington Hills, MI 48334-5011, USA. mitchellelkiss@mac.com
Mitchell L
ML
Elkiss
John A
JA
Jerome
D003142:Communication; D004645:Empathy; D006801:Humans; D026301:Manipulation, Osteopathic / Q000379:methods*; D010173:Palpation; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D011601:Psychophysics; D013598:Systems Theory; D014110:Touch