Physiotherapy Touch Types & Informed Consent

Vocabulary flashcards covering the main touch categories used by physiotherapists and the sequential steps of obtaining informed consent.

Assistive Touch (AI)

Physical contact used to aid a patient’s movement or positioning (e.g., guiding ROM, guarding during ambulation, assisting transfers).

Touch to Provide Information (PRO)

Contact used to communicate instructions, gain patient attention, or verify correct positioning during activities such as exercise or transfer training.

Caring Touch (CAR)

Comforting or encouraging touch (e.g., pat on shoulder/arm/back) intended to show empathy and support, often during or after therapeutic tasks.

Perceiving Information Touch (PER)

Palpation or other contact used to gather diagnostic data (vital signs, manual muscle tests) about the patient’s condition.

Therapeutic Intervention (TI)

Task-oriented manual treatments (massage, joint mobilization, positioning, thermal agents, facilitation techniques, stretching).

Preparation Touch (PREP)

Non-therapeutic contact used to ready the patient for therapy (e.g., draping, helping with slippers) to minimize delays in the session.

Security Touch (SEC)

Contact aimed at providing a sense of safety or reassurance to patient or therapist, commonly paired with assistive touch during transfers or ambulation.

Building Rapport Touch (RAP)

Gentle contact used to establish therapist-patient relationship and assess patient comfort with touch.

Multiple-Intent Touch

A single instance of contact serving two or more purposes (33 different combinations identified by physiotherapists).

Informed Consent – Step 1

Explain the procedure to the patient.

Informed Consent – Step 2

Describe the benefits and risks involved.

Informed Consent – Step 3

Present reasonable alternatives.

Informed Consent – Step 4

Ask, “Do you understand what I have said to you?”

Informed Consent – Step 5

Ask, “Do you have any questions?”

Informed Consent – Step 6

Confirm, “Are you happy to proceed?”