Top 20 Interview Questions & Answers for Senior Physiotherapist Roles – 2025

So, you’ve been invited for an interview for a senior physiotherapist role? Congratulations! To help you prepare, we have compiled a list of 20 important questions and simple answers that cover a range of areas for this leadership position. These questions will assess your clinical expertise, strong leadership skills, knowledge of medical ethics and regulations, and ability to work with a diverse patient population.

General Questions

• 1. Tell us about your experience as a physiotherapist.
  Answer: As a senior physiotherapist with 10+ years of experience, I have worked with a wide range of patients, including those with sports injuries, chronic pain, and neurological conditions. I have also mentored and trained junior staff and led successful projects in my current and previous roles.
• 2. How do you stay updated with the latest developments in physiotherapy?
  Answer: I regularly attend conferences, workshops, and webinars, and subscribe to reputable journals and newsletters. I am also an active member of professional organizations, where I network and exchange knowledge with other experts in the field.
• 3. How do you handle challenging patient cases or situations?
  Answer: I approach challenging cases by conducting a thorough assessment and collaborating with the patient to set realistic goals. I also seek advice from colleagues and conduct research to develop an evidence-based treatment plan. As for challenging situations, I try to remain calm, maintain professionalism, and communicate effectively with patients and their families.
• 4. How do you maintain patient confidentiality?
  Answer: I adhere to strict confidentiality policies and regulations in my practice. I only share patient information with the appropriate team members involved in their care and with their consent. I also ensure that all patient records are securely stored and only accessed by authorized personnel.
• 5. What do you think is the most important quality for a senior physiotherapist to have?
  Answer: I believe possessing strong leadership skills is crucial for a senior physiotherapist. This includes effective communication, decision-making, and problem-solving abilities, as well as the ability to inspire, motivate and guide a team to deliver high-quality care and achieve organizational goals.

Behavioral Questions

• 6. Give an example of a time when you successfully managed a challenging patient case.
  Answer: In my previous role, I worked with a patient who had a complex spinal injury and refused to participate in physical therapy. I took the time to build a rapport with the patient and gained their trust to motivate them. We set achievable goals and gradually worked towards them, leading to a significant improvement in their condition.
• 7. Can you tell us about a time when you had to handle conflict within your team?
  Answer: In our team, there was a disagreement regarding the best course of treatment for a patient. I facilitated an open and respectful discussion, where everyone could share their perspectives. We came to a consensus, and I was able to address each team member's concerns and implement a treatment plan that satisfied all parties and ultimately benefited the patient.
• 8. How have you dealt with a difficult patient or their family member?
  Answer: In my experience, difficult patients or their family members may be under a lot of stress and may not understand the treatment process. I have found that actively listening to their concerns, explaining things in simple terms, and showing empathy can help alleviate tensions and improve their overall experience.
• 9. Give an example of a time when you had to adapt your treatment approach for a patient.
  Answer: I once worked with a patient who had a rare condition affecting their mobility. Traditional physiotherapy techniques were not effective, so I researched and implemented alternative methods. By staying open-minded and tailoring the treatment to the patient's needs, we were able to improve their mobility and overall quality of life.
• 10. How do you handle a mistake made by yourself or a team member?
  Answer: When a mistake happens, I believe in taking ownership and being transparent. I analyze what went wrong, take immediate corrective action and involve the team in finding a solution. I also encourage a culture of learning from mistakes and implementing measures to prevent them from happening again in the future.

Situational Questions

• 11. How would you handle a situation where a patient is not responding to treatment?
  Answer: Firstly, I would reassess the patient to determine the cause of lack of progress. I would then involve the patient in the treatment planning process and explore other treatment options or refer them to a specialist if needed. I would be open and transparent with the patient about their progress and continuously communicate and make adjustments as needed to achieve their treatment goals.
• 12. Imagine a situation where a member of your team is not meeting their performance expectations. How would you handle it?
  Answer: In such cases, I would have an open and respectful conversation with the team member to understand the reasons behind their performance. If it's due to a lack of skills, I would provide them with additional training and mentorship. If it's a personal issue, I would involve HR and support the team member to the best of my ability. If there is an attitude problem, I would have a frank discussion about expectations and give clear feedback on areas for improvement.
• 13. A patient or their family member is questioning the effectiveness of a treatment plan. What would you do?
  Answer: I would first listen attentively and empathetically to their concerns. I would then explain the rationale behind the treatment plan and the expected outcomes. If the patient is still not convinced, I would involve the patient's primary care physician or seek a second opinion from a specialist. Ultimately, the patient's satisfaction and understanding of their treatment is crucial, and I would do my best to address their concerns.
• 14. How would you handle a situation where you suspect a patient may be faking their symptoms?
  Answer: I would approach the situation with sensitivity and openness. I may first consult with other members of the healthcare team to gather additional information, and if necessary, involve a specialist. I would also continue treating the patient with compassion and utilize appropriate tools and techniques to identify any inconsistencies in their symptoms. Overall, I would prioritize the patient's well-being and trust, while also following any ethical and legal guidelines.
• 15. If a patient refuses to follow their treatment plan, what would you do?
  Answer: I would first try to understand the reason for their refusal, whether it's due to inconvenience, misunderstanding, or fear. I would then explain the importance of following the treatment plan and the potential consequences of not doing so. If necessary, I would involve the patient's family members or primary care physician to support and motivate the patient. I would also continuously reassess and modify the treatment plan if needed to accommodate the patient's needs and concerns.

Technical Questions

• 16. What manual therapy techniques are you familiar with?
  Answer: I am trained in a variety of manual therapy techniques, such as soft tissue mobilization, joint mobilization, and myofascial release. I choose the most appropriate technique to address a patient's specific condition and needs.
• 17. How do you assess a patient's muscle strength and range of motion?
  Answer: I use a combination of tools and techniques, such as a handheld dynamometer, goniometer, and manual muscle testing, to assess muscle strength and range of motion in patients. I also use functional performance tests to evaluate their functional abilities and progress over time.
• 18. What modalities do you use to manage pain in patients?
  Answer: Depending on the patient's condition, I may use heat or cold therapy, electrical stimulation, ultrasound therapy, or acupuncture. I also provide education and teach self-management strategies to patients to help them cope with pain on their own.
• 19. Can you explain the differences between open and closed kinetic chain exercises?
  Answer: Open kinetic chain exercises involve performing an exercise with one joint moving freely, while the rest of the body is stationary. Closed kinetic chain exercises involve multiple joints and muscles working together in a coordinated manner. I assess each patient's needs and abilities to determine which type of exercise is most appropriate for them.
• 20. How do you ensure patient safety and infection control in your practice?
  Answer: I strictly follow all infection control protocols, such as hand hygiene, proper disinfection of equipment and surfaces, and waste management. I also ensure proper body mechanics and use protective equipment to avoid injuries to myself and my patients. Additionally, I empower my team to practice these measures by providing training and enforcing policies and procedures.