Which of the following is an example of mechanotherapy?

• A. Whirlpool
• B. TENS unit
• C. Laser, light therapy
• D. Massage

Answer: (D)

Mechanotherapy relies on applying mechanical forces to tissues to influence healing, mobility, and function. Massage fits this best because it directly uses hands or tools to apply pressure, kneading, friction, and stretching to soft tissues. Those mechanical actions help break up adhesions, improve tissue extensibility, enhance blood and lymphatic flow, and reduce muscle tension, all of which promote recovery.

The other options deliver energy rather than mechanical manipulation. TENS uses electrical stimulation to modulate nerve activity for pain relief, and laser/light therapy uses light energy to influence tissue biology. A whirlpool involves water and heat (hydrotherapy) with some sensory and circulatory effects, but it isn’t primarily a mechanical tissue manipulation in the same direct way as massage.