Final answer:
Palpation involving superior vertical strain is used in osteopathic medicine to assess and treat a specific cranial dysfunction. This gentle pressure technique identifies issues in the cranial base and tissues, guiding treatment to promote healing.
Step-by-step explanation:
The type of palpation that involves the superior vertical strain is a technique used within osteopathic manipulative medicine. It is a method whereby the practitioner applies a gentle pressure with their hands to assess the condition of tissues, fluids, and the overall structural make-up of the body in relation to an osteopathic dysfunction known as superior vertical strain. This strain is identified when the cranial base moves superiorly, resulting in a physiological response that can affect various systems of the body.
During osteopathic palpation for a superior vertical strain, practitioners look for abnormalities in the motion and fibrous tissues around the sutures of the cranial bones. Identifying and treating such a strain involves subtle manipulative techniques aimed at encouraging the body's natural healing processes and restoring normal function.