About the Physical Therapy Board Exam
Exam Coverage
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Therapeutic Exercise and Rehabilitation
- Physical Agents and Modalities
- Clinical Practice and Assessment
- Professional Ethics and Laws
Key References
- RA 5680 (Physical Therapy Act)
- PRC Code of Ethics for Physical Therapists
- Major PT Textbooks and References
- Clinical Practice Guidelines
- International PT Standards
Anatomy & Physiology
Musculoskeletal anatomy, kinesiology, and physiological systems
Topics Covered (6)
- Musculoskeletal Anatomy
- Kinesiology and Biomechanics
- Neuroanatomy and Neurophysiology
- Cardiovascular and Respiratory Systems
- Joint Structure and Function
- Muscle Actions and Innervations
Therapeutic Exercise
Exercise prescription, rehabilitation techniques, and functional training
Topics Covered (6)
- Range of Motion Exercises
- Strengthening and Resistance Training
- Stretching and Flexibility
- Functional Training
- Gait Training and Ambulation
- Exercise Prescription Principles
Physical Agents & Modalities
Electrotherapy, thermotherapy, cryotherapy, and manual therapy
Topics Covered (6)
- Electrotherapy (TENS, ES, Ultrasound)
- Thermotherapy (Hot Packs, Paraffin)
- Cryotherapy (Ice, Cold Packs)
- Manual Therapy Techniques
- Traction and Mobilization
- Contraindications and Precautions
Clinical Practice
Patient assessment, treatment planning, and clinical decision-making
Topics Covered (6)
- Patient Evaluation and History Taking
- Special Tests and Assessments
- Treatment Planning and Goal Setting
- Orthopedic Conditions and Management
- Neurological Conditions and Management
- Clinical Documentation
Professional Ethics & Laws
RA 5680, PRC regulations, ethical standards, and professional practice
Topics Covered (6)
- RA 5680 (Physical Therapy Act)
- PRC Code of Ethics for Physical Therapists
- Scope of Practice and Limitations
- Patient Rights and Confidentiality
- Professional Standards and Conduct
- Legal and Ethical Decision-Making
Physical Therapy Board Exam Preparation Tips
🦴 Clinical Preparation
- • Master musculoskeletal anatomy and kinesiology
- • Practice special tests and assessment techniques
- • Understand therapeutic exercise principles
- • Study physical agents and modalities
- • Review orthopedic and neurological conditions
⚖️ Professional Knowledge
- • Memorize RA 5680 provisions and requirements
- • Understand PRC Code of Ethics for PTs
- • Know scope of practice and limitations
- • Study ethical decision-making frameworks
- • Practice with Filipino clinical context scenarios
3-Month Study Timeline
Month 1: Foundation Building
Focus on anatomy & physiology, kinesiology, and musculoskeletal systems. Master muscle actions, innervations, and joint biomechanics. Review skeletal landmarks and surface anatomy.
Month 2: Clinical Skills & Modalities
Study therapeutic exercises (ROM, strengthening, stretching), physical agents (electrotherapy, thermotherapy, cryotherapy), special tests (orthopedic & neurological), and manual therapy techniques.
Month 3: Integration & Ethics
Practice patient assessment, treatment planning, clinical decision-making. Memorize RA 5680, PRC Code of Ethics, scope of practice. Review orthopedic/neurological conditions and practice exam questions.
Major Muscle Groups & Actions (Upper Extremity)
| Muscle | Primary Action | Innervation |
|---|---|---|
| Deltoid (Anterior) | Shoulder flexion, medial rotation | Axillary nerve (C5-C6) |
| Deltoid (Middle) | Shoulder abduction | Axillary nerve (C5-C6) |
| Deltoid (Posterior) | Shoulder extension, lateral rotation | Axillary nerve (C5-C6) |
| Rotator Cuff (SITS) | Shoulder stabilization, rotation | Various (Suprascapular, Axillary, Subscapular) |
| Biceps Brachii | Elbow flexion, forearm supination | Musculocutaneous nerve (C5-C6) |
| Triceps Brachii | Elbow extension | Radial nerve (C6-C8) |
Essential Special Tests
Orthopedic Tests
- Neer's Test: Shoulder impingement (anterior structures)
- Hawkins-Kennedy Test: Shoulder impingement (supraspinatus)
- Empty Can Test: Supraspinatus tear/weakness
- Drop Arm Test: Rotator cuff tear (supraspinatus)
- Lachman Test: ACL tear (anterior cruciate ligament)
- Anterior Drawer Test: ACL instability (knee)
- McMurray Test: Meniscus tear (medial/lateral)
- Apley's Compression Test: Meniscal pathology
- Valgus/Varus Stress Test: MCL/LCL integrity
- Thomas Test: Hip flexor tightness (iliopsoas)
Neurological Tests
- Spurling's Test: Cervical radiculopathy/nerve root compression
- Upper Limb Tension Test (ULTT): Nerve tension (median, radial, ulnar)
- Tinel's Sign: Nerve compression/injury (carpal tunnel, etc.)
- Phalen's Test: Carpal tunnel syndrome (median nerve)
- Straight Leg Raise (SLR): Lumbar radiculopathy/sciatic nerve
- Slump Test: Neural tissue tension (sciatic nerve)
- Babinski Sign: Upper motor neuron lesion
- Hoffmann's Sign: Cervical myelopathy/UMN lesion
- Romberg Test: Proprioception/balance deficits
- Finger-to-Nose Test: Cerebellar function/coordination
Physical Agents & Modalities
Electrotherapy
- TENS: Pain relief (gate control theory)
- ES (Electrical Stim): Muscle re-education, strengthen
- Ultrasound: Deep tissue heating, tissue repair
- IFC (Interferential): Deep pain relief, muscle stim
- NMES: Neuromuscular electrical stimulation
Thermotherapy
- Hot Packs: Superficial heat (15-20 min)
- Paraffin Bath: Heat for hands/feet
- Infrared: Superficial heating
- Fluidotherapy: Dry heat + massage
- Effects: ↑ blood flow, ↑ flexibility, ↓ pain
Cryotherapy
- Ice Packs: Acute injuries (10-15 min)
- Ice Massage: Localized inflammation
- Cold Compression: Post-surgical swelling
- Vapocoolant Spray: Trigger points
- Effects: ↓ inflammation, ↓ pain, ↓ swelling
Range of Motion (ROM) Exercise Types
Passive ROM (PROM)
Indications: Acute inflammation, pain, paralysis, coma
Goal: Maintain joint mobility, prevent contractures, no muscle strengthening
Active-Assistive ROM (AAROM)
Indications: Muscle weakness (grades 2-3/5), early rehab
Goal: Facilitate movement, build strength, patient participates
Active ROM (AROM)
Indications: Muscle strength ≥3/5, independent movement
Goal: Maintain/increase ROM, improve muscle function, proprioception
Common Orthopedic Conditions
Upper Extremity
- Rotator Cuff Tear: Pain with overhead activities, weakness in abduction/external rotation. Test: Drop arm, Empty can.
- Shoulder Impingement: Pain in anterolateral shoulder, positive Neer's/Hawkins. Treatment: Scapular stabilization, rotator cuff strengthening.
- Adhesive Capsulitis (Frozen Shoulder): Progressive loss of ROM (all planes), pain. Treatment: Capsular stretching, joint mobilization.
- Lateral Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow): Pain at lateral elbow, weak grip. Treatment: Eccentric wrist extensor exercises, bracing.
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Numbness in median nerve distribution, positive Phalen's/Tinel's. Treatment: Splinting, nerve gliding exercises.
Lower Extremity
- ACL Tear: Knee instability, positive Lachman/Anterior drawer. Treatment: Quadriceps strengthening, proprioception training.
- Meniscus Tear: Knee pain, clicking/locking, positive McMurray. Treatment: Quadriceps/hamstring strengthening, ROM exercises.
- Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome: Anterior knee pain, worse with stairs. Treatment: VMO strengthening, hip abductor strengthening.
- Ankle Sprain (Lateral): Inversion injury, lateral ankle pain/swelling. Treatment: RICE, proprioception training, peroneal strengthening.
- Plantar Fasciitis: Heel pain (worse in morning), tight calf. Treatment: Calf stretching, orthotics, night splints.
Common Neurological Conditions
Stroke (CVA) - Cerebrovascular Accident
Presentation: Hemiplegia/hemiparesis, aphasia (if left hemisphere), neglect (if right hemisphere), sensory deficits, spasticity (UMN signs)
PT Management: Neurodevelopmental treatment (NDT/Bobath), task-specific training, gait training, constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT), functional electrical stimulation
Spinal Cord Injury (SCI)
Presentation: Motor/sensory loss below injury level. Complete (ASIA A) vs Incomplete (ASIA B-D). Paraplegia (thoracic/lumbar) vs Tetraplegia (cervical)
PT Management: Respiratory training (high cervical), strengthening unaffected muscles, wheelchair mobility training, transfer training, functional independence
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
Presentation: Cognitive deficits, balance/coordination issues, behavioral changes, motor impairments, spasticity. Rancho Los Amigos Scale for cognitive recovery
PT Management: Balance training, cognitive-motor training, vestibular rehab, gait training, family education, environmental modifications
RA 5680 - Physical Therapy Act of the Philippines
Definition of Physical Therapy Practice
The science of physical therapeutics concerned with the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disabilities through the use of physical agents including heat, cold, light, water, electricity, therapeutic exercise, mechanical apparatus, and manual therapy.
Requirements for Licensure
Must be a Filipino citizen, of good moral character, holder of a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy degree from a recognized institution, and must pass the Physical Therapy Licensure Examination administered by the PRC.
Scope of Practice
Licensed PTs can perform patient evaluation and assessment, develop treatment plans, apply physical agents and modalities, prescribe therapeutic exercises, perform manual therapy, provide patient education, and collaborate with other healthcare professionals.
Professional Conduct & Ethics
PTs must maintain patient confidentiality, practice within scope of competence, continue professional development, avoid conflicts of interest, uphold dignity of profession, and adhere to PRC Code of Ethics for Physical Therapists.
Gait Training & Assistive Devices
Gait Deviations
- Trendelenburg Gait: Hip abductor weakness (gluteus medius). Pelvis drops on swing side.
- Steppage Gait: Foot drop (dorsiflexor weakness). High knee flexion to clear foot.
- Antalgic Gait: Pain avoidance. Shortened stance on painful side.
- Circumduction Gait: Leg swings outward in arc. Causes: spasticity, leg length discrepancy.
- Ataxic Gait: Wide base, unsteady. Cerebellar dysfunction.
Assistive Device Progression
- Parallel Bars: Most stable. Initial gait training, balance training.
- Walker (Standard): 4-point support. Partial weight bearing, poor balance.
- Walker (Rolling/2-wheel): Easier forward progression. Better for continuous gait.
- Crutches (Axillary): Non-weight bearing or partial. Risk: axillary nerve compression.
- Crutches (Forearm/Lofstrand): Better for long-term use. Less stable than walker.
- Cane (Quad): 4-point base. Moderate support. Used on stronger side.
- Cane (Single-point): Least support. Minimal balance deficit. Used on stronger side.
Manual Therapy Techniques
Joint Mobilization (Maitland Grades)
- Grade I: Small amplitude, beginning of range. Pain relief.
- Grade II: Large amplitude, within range. Pain relief, reduce muscle guarding.
- Grade III: Large amplitude, into resistance. Increase mobility.
- Grade IV: Small amplitude, at end range. Increase mobility, stretch adhesions.
- Grade V: High-velocity, low-amplitude thrust. Manipulation (requires certification).
Soft Tissue Techniques
- Myofascial Release: Sustained pressure on myofascial tissue to release restrictions.
- Trigger Point Therapy: Ischemic compression on trigger points to reduce pain/tightness.
- Muscle Energy Technique (MET): Patient contracts muscle against resistance, then stretch. Post-isometric relaxation.
- Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF): Diagonal movement patterns, contract-relax technique.
- Massage: Effleurage (stroking), petrissage (kneading), tapotement (percussion), friction.
Exam Day Strategies
Before the Exam
- • Review RA 5680 and PRC Code of Ethics one last time
- • Get 7-8 hours of sleep the night before
- • Prepare all required documents and IDs
- • Arrive at testing center 30-60 minutes early
- • Eat a balanced breakfast for sustained energy
- • Avoid last-minute cramming (trust your preparation)
During the Exam
- • Read each question carefully, identify key terms
- • Watch for absolutes ("always," "never") - often incorrect
- • Eliminate obviously wrong answers first
- • For clinical scenarios, visualize the patient assessment
- • Manage time: don't spend too long on one question
- • Trust your first instinct unless clearly wrong
- • Review flagged questions if time permits
Complete Physical Therapy Board Exam Coverage
5 comprehensive categories with 250+ practice questions covering all major subjects in the PRC Physical Therapist Licensure Examination. Questions based on RA 5680, PRC standards, and professional practice.