Top 30 Interview Questions & Answers for Physiotherapist Role – 2025

Physiotherapists play a crucial role in rehabilitation and improving mobility. To help you crack your next physiotherapy interview, here are the top 30 questions and sample answers tailored for both freshers and experienced professionals.

Behavioral Questions

• 1. Why did you choose to become a physiotherapist?
  I have always been passionate about helping people recover and regain mobility. Physiotherapy allows me to combine my interest in health and science with patient care.
• 2. Describe a challenging patient case and how you handled it.
  A stroke patient had severe mobility issues. I created a personalized rehab plan focusing on passive movement and gradually introduced active exercises, which improved their function over time.
• 3. How do you handle a patient who is not compliant with their exercise routine?
  I educate them on the importance of consistency, set achievable goals, and work to build a rapport so they feel supported and motivated.
• 4. How do you deal with stress in high-pressure situations?
  I remain calm, prioritize tasks, and focus on communication with both the patient and the care team to manage expectations and workload effectively.
• 5. Tell us about a time you worked as part of a multidisciplinary team.
  In a rehabilitation center, I collaborated with doctors, occupational therapists, and speech therapists to develop holistic recovery plans for post-operative patients.

Situational Questions

• 6. What would you do if a patient isn’t showing progress?
  I’d reassess the treatment plan, consult with the medical team if needed, and adjust the therapy approach while maintaining transparency with the patient and family.
• 7. How would you handle a patient in severe pain during a session?
  I’d stop the session, assess the source of pain, adjust the exercises accordingly, and ensure pain management is discussed with the physician.
• 8. How do you motivate patients during long recovery journeys?
  I set short-term goals, celebrate small achievements, use positive reinforcement, and involve them in the progress tracking process.
• 9. What if a patient refuses treatment?
  I’d respectfully discuss their concerns, provide evidence-based benefits of therapy, and allow them time while documenting the refusal and informing the physician.
• 10. How would you manage a busy schedule with back-to-back patients?
  I stay organized, stick to appointment times, and prepare treatment plans in advance to ensure quality care without delays.

Technical Questions

• 11. Explain the difference between active and passive range of motion.
  Active ROM is when the patient moves a joint independently. Passive ROM is when the therapist moves the joint without patient assistance.
• 12. What modalities are you experienced in?
  I have experience using TENS, ultrasound therapy, cryotherapy, heat therapy, and laser treatments depending on the condition.
• 13. How do you assess a patient with lower back pain?
  I conduct a detailed history, assess posture, palpate the spine, perform special tests like SLR, and check for neurological signs.
• 14. What are the key steps in rehabilitation after ACL surgery?
  Initial phase focuses on pain and swelling control, followed by ROM restoration, strength training, and eventually functional training for return to activity.
• 15. What is proprioception and why is it important?
  Proprioception is the body’s ability to sense joint position and movement. It is vital in rehabilitation to prevent re-injury and improve coordination.

Cultural Fit & Communication

• 16. How do you build rapport with patients?
  I actively listen, maintain empathy, clearly explain procedures, and involve patients in setting realistic therapy goals.
• 17. How do you handle feedback from patients or seniors?
  I welcome constructive feedback, reflect on it, and apply improvements to ensure I’m always evolving as a professional.
• 18. What would you do if a family member questions your treatment plan?
  I would explain the rationale behind the plan using simple language, answer their concerns, and assure them of continuous evaluation.
• 19. How do you ensure patient confidentiality?
  I follow HIPAA guidelines, only discuss patient information with authorized personnel, and securely manage all records.
• 20. Why do you want to work in our clinic/hospital?
  Your facility’s focus on innovation and patient-centered care aligns with my values. I’m excited to contribute to a high-quality therapeutic environment.

Experience & Expertise

• 21. What specialties do you have experience in?
  I’ve worked in orthopedic rehab, post-stroke recovery, geriatric physiotherapy, and sports injury rehab.
• 22. How do you stay current with physiotherapy practices?
  I attend workshops, read journals like JOSPT, take online courses, and follow leading physiotherapy researchers and associations.
• 23. What’s your approach to documentation?
  I document initial assessments, daily progress, treatment changes, and discharge summaries using EMR systems for accuracy and continuity.
• 24. Describe your experience with pediatric physiotherapy.
  I adapt playful, age-appropriate exercises for children, involve parents in care, and focus on developmental milestones and motor coordination.
• 25. What equipment or tools do you commonly use?
  Resistance bands, therapy balls, balance boards, goniometers, ultrasound machines, and posture correction tools depending on treatment goals.

Additional Questions

• 26. How do you prioritize cases when multiple patients need attention?
  I prioritize based on clinical urgency, treatment goals, and safety concerns, while ensuring everyone is acknowledged and rescheduled if needed.
• 27. What are your strengths as a physiotherapist?
  Empathy, communication, detailed assessments, and adaptive treatment strategies that help me connect with patients and deliver results.
• 28. What is your approach to goal setting with patients?
  I set SMART goals—specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound—with the patient's input to maintain motivation and accountability.
• 29. How do you manage documentation alongside patient care?
  I complete notes in real-time when possible and set aside time between sessions to ensure accuracy without compromising patient interaction.
• 30. Where do you see your physiotherapy career in 5 years?
  I aim to specialize further in neurorehabilitation and take on leadership or teaching roles to contribute more broadly to patient outcomes and training.