Top 55 Physiotherapy Interview Questions and Answers (2024)

Here are Physiotherapy interview questions and answers for freshers as well as experienced Physiotherapist candidates to get their dream job.

1) Explain what is the use of Electrotherapy?

Electrotherapy is the use of electrical energy for medical purposes and to relieve the patient from pain. Electrical stimulation can directly block transmission of pain signals along nerves. It also stimulates natural painkiller in our body like endorphins.

2) Explain what is Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy?

Musculoskeletal therapy is the treatment of muscle and joints conditions. The therapist will diagnose, gives treatment and prevent muscle and joint complications, especially a spinal conditions which are responsible for neck and back pain.

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3) Explain what is Nerve Pain? What are the symptoms of Nerve Pain?

Nerve pain is caused by damage nerves that often happens when you met with some accident or disease. It is also referred as neuralgia or neuropathic. Such pain is different in their effect, and it can start anywhere in the body. The pain is often like stabbing, shooting, burning, aching, burning or electric shock.

4) Explain what are the responsibilities of Physical Therapist?

Patient Assessment
Formulate patient care plan
Execute patient care plan
Keep records
Train and Supervise Aides

5) What are the areas where physical therapist are expert?

Neck and back pain
Wound care
Problems due to cancer
Treatment for older or children
Cardiac rehabilitation
Sports related injury and complications
Respiratory problems
Arthritis
Muscular aches

6) List out some of the conventional equipment used by physical therapist to treat a patient?

Conventional equipment used by physical therapist are

Ramps
Exercise balls
Resistance exercise bands
Posture Mirror

7) What are the techniques used by physiotherapy?

Techniques used are

Hands on Techniques: In this technique hands are used for many purposes like joint manipulation with gentle gliding, muscle stretches, massage and taping techniques.
Exercise Prescription: A planned exercise suggested by physical therapist, is the most common technique used for pain relief and to recover from accidental internal injury.
Biomechanical Analysis: Your physiotherapist can save you from fatal injuries while practicing any sports or sports training by educating you about what not to do by doing bio-mechanical analysis.

8) List out some common causes of Nerve Pain?

Common cause of Nerve Pain is

Shingles (Viral Infection)
Trigeminal Neuralgia
Diabetic Neuropathy
Multiple Sclerosis
Chemotherapy
HIV infection
Alcoholism and other nerve disorder
Cancer

9) Explain how does kinesiology tape reduce swelling?

When you apply kinesiology tape over an inflamed area, the stretch in the tape gently lifts the skin, creating a space between the skin and the tissue below. This will create a negative pressure, allowing lymphatic vessel and blood vessels to dilate (open) increasing the circulation of both fluids. When lymphatic vessel opens it will drain out the liquid accumulated at the inflamed area, which reduces swelling and relieves the person from pain. This tape does not contain any drug or pain killer in it.

10) Explain what is Lymphatic Drainage?

Lymphatic drainage is the delicate form of massage, where you do gentle massage on the body, which stimulates the body lymphatic system. It will improve the metabolism, helping the body to eliminate waste and toxin and boost the immune system at the same time. It is also helpful in relieving pain and reducing puffiness.

11) Explain what is TENS machine?

A TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) machine are electronic medical devices, which can help person to relieve from short term pain. It functions by stimulating nerves via electrical current.

12) What is the treatment of Arthritis?

Protect your joints: Do not lift any heavy weight which can exert pressure on your knees and joints
Do exercise: Under physician supervision or as guided by them you can do light exercise at small interval
Lose weight: lose excess weight
Bone up: Eat food that is rich in calcium or can take a calcium supplement as directed by physician. For a diabetic, blood pressure or heart patient, they have to take advice from a physician for the calcium supplement as it might interact with other medication.
Take the medication as prescribed: Don’t stop any medication by your own without consulting physician, if you are not finding medication of any use.
Apply warm water: Apply warm water pads it will help to relieve muscle tension and ease aching joints.
Stretch your legs: Small stretching exercise will make muscle ligament strong and stop muscles from wear and tear.
Apply Ice: When joints are inflamed and hot, try putting ice pack on it, it will reduce the swelling on it and pain by constricting blood vessels.
Eat healthy: Eat healthy food rich in minerals, nutrients and proteins. It will cover the quota you required to function your body metabolic activities.

13) How physical therapist treat back pain?

Physical therapist usually follows two approaches to treat patient with back pain.

a) Passive physical therapy

Heat or Ice packs
TENS units
Ultrasound
Iontophoresis

b) Active physical therapy

Back strengthening exercise
Low impact aerobic exercise
Stretching exercises for back pain

14) Mention what are the taping technique used in physical therapy?

The various technique of taping includes

ACL Taping: For stability
Hip Taping: For hip treatment
Mulligan Taping techniques: To treat Tennis Elbow
Mulligan Taping Technique: To treat inverse ankle sprain

Apart from this taping, it can also be applied to various part of the body.

15) Explain what is ITB (Iliotibial Band) Syndrome?

The Iliotibial band syndrome is a pain caused in the knee due to the overuse of a long tendon, which connects bones to the muscles in the knee. The pain usually occurs in the outside of the knee just above the knee. This syndrome is often observer in cyclists, runners and athletes

16) Explain how ITB syndrome is treated?

ITB syndrome is cured with simple exercise and stretches, physiotherapy can use the following approach to cure the patient with ITB syndrome

By treating the knee and the affected area with heat, ice and ultrasound
By adjusting your routine like shortening the distance of your running or cycling, not overdoing things or restrict some positions that can put stress on knee areas.
Choosing correct exercise for strengthening muscles
Using techniques like ultrasound and friction massage to reduce inflammation on the knees
Surgery is rarely needed to cure ITB problems

17) What types of treatment do Gynecology Physiotherapy includes?

The types of treatment that Gynecology Physiotherapy includes

Antenatal Physiotherapy
Post Natal Physiotherapy
Stress Urinary Incontinence

18) Explain what is the difference between Chiropractic, Physiotherapy and Osteopathy?

Chiropractic: It is primarily focused on the manipulation of the spine to improve the general health of muscles and bones.
Osteopathy: It deals with musculo-skeletal system and is concerned with the structure that may be affected by the poor health of these systems
Physiotherapy: It is more wide and deals with any complication with injuries to musculo -skeletal system

19) Explain how taping can be helpful in treating Patellofemoral pain syndrome?

It is observed that when patient is not given a tailored set of exercise and instead follows the generic exercise it fails to tread Patellofemoral pain. Apart from a controlled exercise, taping can also be used to cure Patellofemoral pain. It relieves pain and improves contractile ability of the quadriceps.

20) What complication occurs when a patient has an adverse neural tension?

The complication arises due to adverse neural tension are

Sciatica
Back pain
Neck pain
Shoulder pain
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Tennis elbow
Pinched nerve

21) Briefly explain about Thai Yoga Massage?

Thai massage is based on three aspects muscle compression, joint mobilization and acupressure. In this therapy, the therapist uses his knees, hands, feet and legs to move you into a series of yoga-like stretches.

22) What is Esalen Massage is like?

Esalen massage targets muscles and circulatory system with long, gentle, unpredictable strokes and mild stretching. It increases body awareness, relaxes the muscles and nervous system. It also excretes body toxins.

23) Mention what are the different types of Massage Therapy?

Swedish Massage
Aromatherapy Massage
Hot stone Massage
Deep Tissue Massage
Shiatsu
Thai Massage
Pregnancy Massage
Reflexology
Sports Massage
Back Massage

24) What massage therapist should take care of while giving massage to the client?

Avoid direct pressure to joints
Avoid local site of unstable fractures, open wounds, hematomas, burns, scars
No abdominal massage to pregnant women
Seek medical guidance from patient physician if he has some critical condition like tumor or skin cancer
Avoid massaging if client has kidney related problems or you observe edema in client. Avoid msaage if client has Arteriosclerosis & Circulatory conditions or Deep vein thrombosis & Varicose veins

25) Mention who should not take massage therapy?

A patient who is under following treatment or medication should avoid massage therapy or consult a physician before taking massage therapy.

Blood Thinners: It may result in bruising with heavy pressure or deep tissue work
Blood Pressure Medication: It can result in low blood pressure or uneasiness upon sitting or standing after massage
Topical drugs such as hormone or antibiotic creams: There are a chance that the cream or oil used for massage might interfere with the client’s absorption of the medication
Injectable medication: Massage therapist should avoid the injection site, specially patient with insulin, as it might interfere with how drug is absorbed
Pain Killers: A massage therapist should stick with low-pressure massage if the patient is on painkiller.

26) What things you should do before and after Massage Therapy?

Things to do before Massage

Drink plenty of water
Avoid Smoking
Listen to the Therapist Things to do after Massage
Steam Bath
Shower
Don’t sleep

27) Explain what is Reflexology type Massage?

Reflexology type massage involves the physical act of putting pressure to the feet and hands with specific finger, thumb and hand techniques without the use of lotion or oil. This therapy targets the reflex areas that are believed to reflect as a map on the feet and hands. It improves the blood circulation, and it is a popular therapy amongst cancer patients.

28) Explain what you can eat after and before massage therapy?

Prior to your treatment, avoid eating a heavy meal. It will leave you tired and lethargic
Its recommended you eat a light and easily digestible meal at least one and half hour before your massage like soup, fruit and non-fizzy drinks with natural sugars
Avoid alcohol prior to and after massage
Consume plenty of water, it helps to get rid of wastes, toxins and congestion
Try to eat a light meal like high protein and low carbohydrate after the massage

29) Explain what is Hot Stone Massage therapy?

Hot stone massage technique uses smooth, heated stones by setting them on the body while therapist massage other parts of the body. The heat does both deeply relaxing the muscles and at the same time warm up tight muscles and relieve from pain.

30) Explain what are the conditions that can be treated with Hot Stone Massage therapy?

Muscular aches and pains
Back pain
Arthritis
Fibromylagia
Stress and Anxiety
Insomnia and depression

31) Explain what is the Polarity Therapy?

Polarity therapy principle is based on the idea that a person’s health and well-being are determined by the natural flow of energy through the body. It is referred to the positive and negative charges of the body’s electromagnetic energy field. This therapy includes spinal realignment, curling toes, twisting the torso, rocking motions and moving the hands or crystals along the body’s natural energy pathways.

32) If you are a cancer patient and receiving a chemotherapy what things you should take care of?

You must not have a full body regular massage the day or the day after infusion. If done it will give feeling of being ill and experience of flu-like symptoms
The therapist should not work anywhere around the infused body part.
Therapist should know enough to ask if you are expecting any neuropathy

33) Explain what is Acrosage?

Acrosage is a combination of two techniques, acrobatics and massage. The acrosage practitioner holds the massage patient in an acrobatic stance and massages the entire body. This therapy is also known as inversion therapy as the client body is completely inverted in an upside down position balancing on the therapist leg.

34) Explain what is Aromatherapy?

In Aromatherapy, therapist uses a wide range of plant oils, perfume oils, essential oils are applied to your body or simply by inhaling those oils relieve you from stress and anxiety.

35) Explain what is Craniosacral Therapy?

In this therapy, a gentle pressure is applied through hands, to create a wave like rhythmic pulse through the entire body. In this technique, the therapist makes light contact at selected points around the head, knees, torso and feet. It consists of gentle finger pressure and no bone manipulating or forceful thrusts

36) Explain what is “Cupping” method?

In “Cupping” method, which is a traditional Chinese method, an alcohol soaked cotton ball is ignited. The lit portion of ignited cotton ball is inserted into a cup or bulb like glass to create a vacuum. The cup is then balanced upon body or moved across using gliding strokes, as per the client’s requirement. It is ideal for performing deep tissue massage and helps to remove toxins, loosen adhesions and facilitate blood flow.

37) With whom an occupational therapist can work with?

Occupational therapist can work with

Mental health services
Physical rehabilitation
Learning disability
Primary care
Research posts
Environmental adaptation
Care Management

38) What are all areas where occupational therapist can work?

An occupational therapist can work in

Community centers
Educational establishments
GP practices
Hospitals
Housing associations
Clients homes
Prisons
Residential and Nursing homes
Social services and council departments
Schools

39) In what all ways occupational therapist can be helpful to people?

Occupational therapist can be helpful in numerous ways

Help them to study new ways of doing things following illness or injury
Make them adapt appliances that can help them to perform their daily task easily like wheelchairs or toilet seats or provide special bath
Make changes in their living environment to undertake their usual occupation
Try to minimize the pain or discomfort due to illness or physical inability
Boost their confidence level in social situations

40) Explain what is the role of the occupational therapist in injury management?

The role of the occupational therapist in injury management is

Using specialized assessments to determine the functional requirements of various task, and clients capacity to return to work
Giving knowledge to clients for safe work practices
Modifying the work environment keeping employees health and safety in concern, and thus minimizing the injuries
Coordinating and designing graded return to work programs

41) What are the features that occupational therapist observes before treating Autism patient?

Attention span and stamina
Adapting towards new activities
Play skills
Need for personal space
Reactions to touch or other types of stimuli
Basic motor skill like balance, posture and manipulation of small objects
Aggression and other types of behaviors
Interaction between child and carers

42) What are the benefits of occupational therapy to the patient having Autism?

Learn how to self-regulate
Learn how to delay gratification
Express feeling in more appropriate ways
Engage play with peers
Learn how to concentrate on work
Learn to develop social interaction with adult and peer
Learn body awareness

43) What are the devices occupational therapist might require for helping people?

It may require

Assistive device for ambulation like walker
Dressing aids
Bathroom equipment’s
Mobility and transfer device
Electrical stimulation system
AFO
Wheelchairs
Cane and Crutches

44) What are the challenges does an occupational therapist has to face?

Dealing with unsatisfied patient
Difficulty in communicating with mentally challenged patient
Daily maintaining living facilities for patient
Developing living and work skills
Adapting to a new environment and people if travelling abroad
Language barrier with locals and patient

45) Explain the preventive occupational therapy intervention with stroke survivors?

The preventive occupational therapy intervention with stroke survivors are

Abnormal changes in postural alignment
Pain related with immobility or abnormal joint alignment
Injury due to falls
Depression following stroke
Aspiration during eating, feeding and swallowing

46) When nursing home requires an occupational therapist?

When nursing home are dealing with people suffering from strokes, diabetes, high blood pressure then they need OT. They will meet patient three to six times per week after an injury, assessing his needs, prescribing appropriate equipment’s and training them how to use it.

47) Explain the term Accessibility audit?

Accessibility audit is a review of the access and inclusion practices of the place of public accommodation from a physical and policy perspective.

48) Explain what is meant by Adaptive Occupation?

Adaptive Occupation is a use of technical aids and technology, in combination with consultation and education to teach client’s different ways for performing their task.

49) Explain what is Augmentative or Alternative communications?

The systems that supplement or replace communication by gesture or voice among people is referred as augmentative or alternative communications.

50) What are Auxiliary aids?

Auxiliary aids are devices used for the client who has communicating disabilities, and aids used are assistive listening devices, taped texts, closed caption decoders on televisions and qualified interpreters.

51) List out the common types of documentation done by occupational therapist?

Documentation done by occupational therapist includes

Screening: It includes details like client information, referral information, medical history, etc.
Evaluation: It includes evaluation and re-evaluation report
Intervention: It includes intervention plan, contact report note, transition plan and progress report
Outcomes: It includes discharge or discontinuation report

52) Explain what is sensory defensiveness?

Sensory defensiveness is used to define child’s behavior in response to sensory input, reflecting severe over-reaction to a particular sensory input.

53) When dynamic splint can be used?

Dynamic splint is made of plastic material to support and immobilize bone or to support stretched muscles. It can be used in various ways like

To correct or prevent deformity with tightening joints or muscles
Stop weakened muscles from over strengthening
Strengthening weak muscles
To gain better range of motion before surgery
Provide an even muscle balance when there is an imbalance

54) Explain the term dyspraxia and what are their types?

“Dyspraxia” is a disorder, where a person’s motor skill (locomotive movements) gets hampered. It can affect daily activities of a person like holding pencils to brushing teeth. Dyspraxia is classified into four categories.

Ideomotor Dyspraxia
Ideational Dyspraxia
Oromotor Dyspraxia
Constructional Dyspraxia