Palpation of the urinary bladder
This is an excerpt from Clinical Guide to Surface Palpation 2nd Edition With HKPropel Online Video, A by Michael Masaracchio,Chana Frommer.
Zone IV: Pelvic Viscera
Urinary Bladder
Positions
- Patient: supine, with the knees bent
- Clinician: standing on either side, facing the head of the table
Instructions
- Palpate the pubic tubercle (see chapter 10) with the index finger and thumb.
- Move the fingers slightly superior to the pubic tubercle.
- Firmly, but gently, begin to sink the thumb and index fingers posteriorly.
- Depending on the fullness of the bladder, it may be located deeper.
Note
- Palpation of the bladder is contraindicated in the following conditions:
- Pregnancy
- Use of intrauterine device (IUD)
- Presence of tumors
- Presence of infection or stones
Clinical Pearl
- Restrictions in urinary bladder mobility can lead to dysfunction at T11 to L2 and at the sacroiliac and sacrococcygeal joints.
- Lower trunk rotation, unilateral heel slides, and single-leg hip external and internal rotation can all be used during visceral mobilization with movement.
SHOP

Get the latest insights with regular newsletters, plus periodic product information and special insider offers.
JOIN NOW
Latest Posts
- Outdoor recreation and adventure activities lead to positive health outcomes for children
- Schools offer a wide variety of adventure programs for children
- Using sport to change society
- Despite progress, equity remains a pressing challenge for women in sport
- What today’s athletes expect from coaches
- Barriers to youth participation in physical activity and sport