Answer :
Physicians use the examination method of **manipulation** to determine the range of motion of a joint.
Here's why:
1. **Manipulation** involves the passive movement of the joint by the physician to assess the extent to which the joint can move in various directions.
2. This method helps physicians identify any restrictions, pain, or abnormalities in the joint's range of motion, which can be indicative of underlying issues such as injuries, inflammation, or joint diseases.
3. Through manipulation, physicians can accurately evaluate the flexibility, strength, and overall health of the joint, aiding in the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal conditions.
4. Palpation involves touching and feeling the body to assess areas of tenderness, swelling, or abnormalities; auscultation involves listening to internal body sounds like heartbeats or breathing; mensuration involves measuring body parts. While these methods are valuable in medical examinations, they are not specifically used to determine the range of motion of a joint like manipulation.
Therefore, in the context of determining the range of motion of a joint, physicians rely on the examination method of manipulation.