Physiotherapist Interview Questions

The goal for a successful interview for a Physiotherapist is to demonstrate their expertise in assessing, diagnosing, and treating injuries and medical conditions to promote optimal physical function and mobility, showcase their ability to communicate with patients and other healthcare professionals, and highlight their commitment to continuing education and professional development in the field of physiotherapy.

Situational interview questions

• Imagine a patient comes in with persistent tingling and numbness in their arms. They’ve already had some tests done, but the results aren’t conclusive. What is your approach to diagnosing and treating this patient’s condition?
• Assume a patient is recovering from surgery and is experiencing significant post-operative pain. They are hesitant to take prescription painkillers due to potential side effects. How do you work with them to manage their pain effectively while minimizing the use of medication?
• You’re seeing a patient with a history of chronic lower back pain, who reports that traditional methods such as stretching and exercise are not providing lasting relief. What alternatives do you suggest to alleviate their pain and help them manage it more effectively?
• A patient comes in presenting with symptoms commonly associated with a pinched nerve. However, the patient is also exhibiting signs of anxiety and depression. How do you approach the diagnosis and treatment of this patient, keeping all of their symptoms in mind?
• Imagine a patient has experienced a serious injury that has prevented them from engaging in activities they previously enjoyed. They are feeling discouraged and it’s affecting their recovery. How do you work with them to develop an effective recovery plan while also addressing their emotional and mental health needs?

Soft skills interview questions

• How do you effectively communicate with patients to establish trust and ensure their comfort during their physical therapy sessions?
• Can you provide an example of a time when you had to use your problem-solving skills to address a patient’s unique needs during their treatment?
• Describe a situation where you had to adapt your communication style to effectively communicate with a patient who had difficulty understanding medical terminology.
• How do you prioritize and manage your workload, ensuring you can provide individualized attention and care to each patient under your treatment?
• Can you share a time when you had to work with a patient who was resistant to treatment, and how did you motivate them to stay committed and engaged in their recovery process?

Role-specific interview questions

• Can you explain the mechanisms and benefits of therapeutic exercises in the rehabilitation of musculoskeletal injuries?
• What are some common assessment tools and techniques you use to evaluate a patient’s functional abilities and limitations?
• How do you ensure safe manual therapy techniques and avoid potential adverse effects while treating patients with acute or chronic pain conditions?
• Can you describe the process and criteria for selecting appropriate assistive devices to aid patients in their daily activities and mobility?
• How do you stay current with the latest advancements and research in the field of physiotherapy, and apply them in your practice?

STAR interview questions

1. Describe a situation where you had to work with a patient who had a complex medical condition. What was your task in this situation? What actions did you take to address the patient’s needs? What was the result of your care?

2. Tell us about a time when you worked with a patient who had limited mobility. What steps did you take to ensure that the patient received adequate care? What was the outcome of your treatment?

3. Describe a situation in which you had to develop a treatment plan for a patient with a chronic condition. What was your task in this situation? What actions did you take to develop the plan? What was the result of your treatment?

4. Can you tell us about a time when you encountered an unexpected patient outcome? What was the situation? What were your responsibilities? What actions did you take to address the situation? What was the result of your intervention?

5. Describe a successful outcome that you achieved through your treatment plan with a patient. What was the situation? What were your responsibilities? What actions did you take to develop the plan? What was the result of your care?