Clinical and technical questions

"Walk me through your clinical reasoning when assessing a patient with lower back pain." Subjective: history, onset, duration, symptom behaviour, aggravating and easing factors, red flag screening (cauda equina, cancer, fracture, infection, inflammatory pathology). Objective: observation, range of movement, neurological screen (dermatomal sensory testing, myotome strength, reflexes), special tests (SLR, slump). Working hypothesis, treatment plan (manual therapy, exercise, education), outcome measures, review criteria. "What red flags do you screen for in a musculoskeletal assessment?" Cauda equina (bilateral symptoms, saddle anaesthesia, bladder/bowel dysfunction — emergency referral). Malignancy (age over 50, weight loss, night pain, history of cancer). Fracture (trauma, osteoporosis). Infection (fever, immunosuppression). Inflammatory pathology (prolonged morning stiffness, systemic symptoms).

Patient care and communication questions

"Tell me about a time you adapted your communication for a patient with specific needs." Show a specific encounter (elderly patient, child, patient with anxiety), how you adapted (demonstrations, written materials, slower pace, family involvement), and the outcome. "How do you maintain patient motivation over a course of physiotherapy?" Patient-centred goal-setting, education (patients who understand their condition engage better), monitoring progress, varying the programme, involving patients in their plan design.

NHS-specific questions

"How do you manage a high caseload and prioritise?" Clinical prioritisation: acuity (impact on function), risk (delayed treatment worsening outcomes), red flags (immediate assessment). Tools: outcome measure scores, referrer liaison, clear documentation for continuity. "What do you know about the NHS Long Term Plan and physiotherapy?" Show awareness of ARRS (physiotherapists in primary care as first-contact practitioners), self-referral for MSK services, community rehabilitation, and waiting time reduction as part of NHS elective recovery.

CPD and professional development

For senior physio roles, show: a structured CPD portfolio, relevant post-graduate training (MSK, neuro, respiratory, paediatric, sports), CSP membership, reflective practice, and awareness of NICE guidelines on back pain and sciatica, osteoarthritis, and musculoskeletal conditions. Show you read physiotherapy journals (Physiotherapy journal, JOSPT, BJSM) and can connect evidence to clinical practice.

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Frequently asked questions

What qualifications do you need to be a physiotherapist in the UK?
An HCPC-approved physiotherapy degree (BSc or MSci, three to four years) or a pre-registration Masters. HCPC registration is required to practice. The CSP (Chartered Society of Physiotherapy) is the professional body. Specialist roles require additional post-graduate qualifications and experience.
What is the difference between Band 5 and Band 6 in NHS physiotherapy?
Band 5 is the entry grade — rotational posts covering multiple specialisms. Band 6 is specialist grade requiring at least two years experience and demonstrable specialism. Band 6 roles often involve some supervision of junior staff and students. Band 7 and 8 are senior specialist and consultant roles requiring significant additional qualifications and clinical leadership experience.