Palpation of the Abdomen

Palpation of the abdomen

The firmness of the liver and the large intestine can be palpated in the abdominal cavity.

Hard, rigid or stiff areas in the abdominal cavity may indicate possible visceral pathology. Please note that if firmness is felt in the intestinal area, this firmness may be due to a normal digestive process. If this is the case, the areas of firmness should change over time. The client should be referred to a doctor immediately if a normal digestive process has been ruled out as the cause of any abdominal firmness.