Which of the following is an example of manual modalities?

• A. Therapeutic massage
• B. Joint mobilization and traction
• C. Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation
• D. Intermittent compression devices (edema)

Answer: (C)

Manual modalities are hands-on interventions used by the clinician to influence movement and neuromotor control. Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation fits this idea because it relies on the therapist’s hands for contact, stabilization, and guided resistance within specific movement patterns to elicit and enhance motor responses. The hands-on facilitation, along with proprioceptive cues and controlled stretch and resistance, is what makes PNF a manual modality. In contrast, intermittent compression devices operate by mechanical means without clinician touch, and while massage and joint mobilization are also hands-on, they focus more on tissue manipulation or joint movement rather than the neuromotor facilitation pattern emphasized in this approach.