Top 20 Interview Questions & Answers for Physiotherapy Assistant Roles – 2025

Looking to join the healthcare field as a physiotherapy assistant? This guide provides a list of essential questions and answers that will help you showcase your knowledge, experience, and ability to work in a fast-paced and dynamic environment. These questions cover key areas of the role including technical expertise, interpersonal skills, and alignment with the company's values.

Behavioral Questions

• 1. Tell me about your previous experiences working as a physiotherapy assistant.
  Possible answer: In my previous role, I worked with a team of physiotherapists to provide rehabilitative care to patients. I assisted with exercises, monitored patient progress, and provided emotional support to individuals recovering from injuries or surgeries. I also maintained accurate patient records and communicated effectively with medical professionals and patients' families.
• 2. Can you walk me through a successful experience with a difficult patient?
  Possible answer: In one instance, I worked with a patient who had a lot of anxiety and resistance towards physical therapy. I took the time to listen to their concerns and built a strong rapport with them. I also modified their exercises to make them more enjoyable and engaging. By the end of their treatment, the patient had improved significantly in both their physical abilities and their attitude towards therapy.
• 3. How do you handle conflicts within a team?
  Possible answer: I believe open and honest communication is key to resolving conflicts. In the past, I have addressed conflicts directly with my colleagues, expressing my concerns and finding solutions together. I also make an effort to listen to others' perspectives and show empathy and understanding.
• 4. Share an example of a time when you had to prioritize tasks in a fast-paced environment.
  Possible answer: During a busy day in my previous role, we had a high number of patients coming in for their physiotherapy sessions. I prioritized the most urgent cases while also delegating some tasks to other team members. By staying organized and communicating effectively, we were able to provide efficient and effective care to all our patients.
• 5. Tell me about a mistake you made in your work and how you dealt with it.
  Possible answer: In my previous role, I accidentally misread a patient's treatment plan and administered the wrong exercises. As soon as I realized my mistake, I immediately informed my supervisor and took full responsibility for my actions. I worked with the patient's physiotherapist to make sure they received the correct treatment, and I implemented a system to double-check treatment plans in the future. This experience taught me the importance of attention to detail and accountability in the healthcare field.

Situational Questions

• 6. How would you handle a situation where a patient is not seeing progress in their treatment?
  Possible answer: First, I would assess the patient's physical abilities and consult with their physiotherapist to understand any underlying issues. Then, I would modify their exercises to target different muscle groups and provide additional resources or information to help the patient better understand their progress. I would also offer emotional support and reassurance to motivate them to continue with their treatment.
• 7. Imagine a patient is feeling discouraged and unmotivated during their treatment. How would you encourage them to keep going?
  Possible answer: I would try to understand the root cause of their discouragement and address any challenges they may be facing. I would also focus on the progress they have made so far and remind them of the benefits of continuing with their treatment. Additionally, I would involve their physiotherapist and other team members to provide extra support and motivation.
• 8. If a patient becomes agitated or refuses to comply with their treatment, how would you handle the situation?
  Possible answer: I would remain calm and respectful, while also assessing the situation for any underlying concerns or triggers. I would redirect the patient's focus to their treatment goals and the benefits of following their treatment plan. If necessary, I would involve their physiotherapist or other medical professionals to find a solution and ensure the patient receives the care they need.
• 9. How would you handle a situation where a patient's family member is overly involved in their treatment and constantly questions or disagrees with the treatment plan?
  Possible answer: I would listen to the family member's concerns and explain the rationale behind the treatment plan. I would also involve the patient's physiotherapist in the conversation to provide additional clarity and address any concerns. I would strive to maintain a positive and respectful relationship with the family member while prioritizing the patient's best interests.
• 10. How would you handle a situation where a patient experiences a sudden medical emergency during their treatment session?
  Possible answer: I would immediately assess the situation and call for medical assistance if necessary. I would follow any emergency procedures in place and provide first aid until help arrives. After the emergency has been handled, I would communicate with the patient's healthcare team to update them on the situation and ensure the patient receives ongoing care and support.

Technical Questions

• 11. Can you explain the difference between active range of motion and passive range of motion?
  Possible answer: Active range of motion is when the patient uses their own muscles to move a joint through its full range of motion. Passive range of motion is when the patient's muscles are relaxed, and the therapist moves their joints for them. Both are important in physical therapy to maintain or improve joint mobility.
• 12. What techniques do you use to reduce pain in patients?
  Possible answer: I use different techniques depending on the patient's needs, but some methods include soft tissue massage, heat or ice therapy, and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS). I also teach patients relaxation techniques and help them modify their daily activities to minimize pain.
• 13. How do you ensure patient safety during exercises?
  Possible answer: I always start by explaining and demonstrating the exercises to patients, following proper body mechanics and positioning myself correctly to support them. I also monitor their progress closely and make sure they have appropriate equipment and support to prevent any injuries. If a patient experiences any discomfort, I immediately adjust or modify their exercises.
• 14. Can you describe how you would conduct a gait analysis?
  Possible answer: A gait analysis involves observing a patient's walking patterns and identifying any abnormal movements or imbalances. I would assess their posture, joint movements, and muscle activation, possibly using equipment such as a treadmill or motion capture technology. I would also ask the patient about any pain or discomfort they may experience while walking.
• 15. How do you stay updated on new techniques and advancements in physiotherapy?
  Possible answer: I regularly attend workshops, conferences, and online courses to learn about new techniques and advancements in physiotherapy. I also collaborate with other physiotherapy professionals and stay up-to-date with relevant research and industry publications. I am always eager to expand my knowledge and skills to improve patient outcomes.

Cultural Fit Questions

• 16. What values and qualities are important to you in a healthcare team?
  Possible answer: I value teamwork and collaboration, as well as open and honest communication. I also believe in treating all patients with compassion, empathy, and respect, regardless of their background or condition.
• 17. How do you prioritize patient care in a fast-paced environment?
  Possible answer: While I understand the importance of efficiency, I always prioritize patient care above everything else. I make sure to communicate effectively with my team to delegate tasks and manage time effectively while ensuring that patients receive the care and attention they deserve.
• 18. How do you handle stress and burnout in a healthcare environment?
  Possible answer: I believe in self-care and work-life balance to prevent burnout. Outside of work, I make time for activities that bring me joy and relaxation. When faced with stress at work, I manage my time and workload effectively, and I am not afraid to ask for help when needed.
• 19. Describe a time when you went above and beyond to make a positive impact on a patient's experience.
  Possible answer: In my previous role, I worked with a patient who was feeling extremely anxious about their recovery. I took the time to listen to their concerns and understand their fears, and I also collaborated with my team to find ways to improve the patient's experience. I also made an effort to provide emotional support and reassurance to the patient throughout their treatment.
• 20. How do you ensure patient confidentiality and respect privacy laws in your work?
  Possible answer: I follow all privacy laws and regulations, such as HIPAA, and make sure to handle confidential information with the utmost care and respect. I am also mindful of my actions, such as minimizing conversations that may potentially contain personal information around other patients or staff.