DHA Physiotherapist study guide
DHA Physiotherapist · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) Physiotherapist credential is a licensing assessment for physiotherapists who intend to practise in the Emirate of Dubai. It is aimed at internationally trained and UAE-based graduates who need to demonstrate that their clinical knowledge meets the standards expected by Dubai's health regulator, the Dubai Health Authority. The DHA Physiotherapist study guide has 7 sections and about 1,736 words.
01Physiotherapy Assessment and Examination
Assessment is a hypothesis-generating process, not a checklist. Know the sequence: subjective history (presenting complaint, irritability, 24-hour behaviour, past medical history, red flags), objective examination (observation, active and passive range of motion, resisted testing, special tests, neurological screening, functional tasks), and interpretation.
290 words, about 1 min02Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy
Frame musculoskeletal care around tissue healing phases (inflammatory, proliferative, remodelling), load management, and progressive exercise. Know the difference between nociceptive, neuropathic, and nociplastic pain presentations and how that changes your approach.
268 words, about 1 min03Neurological Physiotherapy
Know the levels of the nervous system and how lesions present: upper motor neuron signs (hyperreflexia, spasticity, Babinski sign, clasp-knife tone) versus lower motor neuron signs (flaccidity, fasciculation, atrophy, areflexia). Understand the International Classification of Functioning model, task-specific training, neuroplasticity principles (repetition, salience, intensity, specificity), and outcome tools such as the Berg Balance Scale, Trunk Impairment Scale, and Functional Independence Measure.
228 words, about 1 min04Cardiopulmonary Physiotherapy
Know normal and abnormal breath sounds, breathing patterns, and the mechanics of airway clearance. Understand indications, contraindications, and sequencing of techniques: postural drainage, percussion, vibration, active cycle of breathing technique, autogenic drainage, positive expiratory pressure devices, and incentive spirometry.
244 words, about 1 min05Pediatric and Geriatric Physiotherapy
For paediatrics, know developmental milestones (head control, rolling, sitting, crawling, walking), primitive reflex integration, and conditions such as cerebral palsy, developmental coordination disorder, and torticollis. Understand family-centred care and play-based intervention.
242 words, about 1 min06Electrotherapy and Physical Modalities
Know the physics and physiological effects of common modalities: ultrasound (thermal and non-thermal, cavitation, frequency and depth), transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (gate control and endogenous opioid mechanisms), interferential therapy, neuromuscular electrical stimulation, laser, shortwave diathermy, cryotherapy, and thermotherapy. Understand dosage parameters (frequency, intensity, duration, duty cycle) and contraindications such as malignancy over the area, pacemakers, pregnancy over the abdomen, impaired sensation, and metal implants for certain modalities.
246 words, about 1 min07Professional Practice, Ethics and Patient Safety
Know consent (informed, voluntary, capacity-based), confidentiality, documentation standards, scope of practice, and referral pathways. Understand the principles of biomedical ethics: autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice.
218 words, about 1 min