Rebound tenderness is a clinical sign resulting from physical examination of the abdomen. Abdominal pain is aggravated by stretching or moving of the parietal layer of the peritoneal membrane . Palpation over the area can be extremely painful, with the overlying muscles contracting to protect the peritoneum. This is a guarding mechanism. Sudden release of pressure by the examining hand aggravates the pain and the patient winces. This sign can be present in many conditions, e.g. appendicitis
