I85PREP
⌘ K
HK Physio Registration study materials
HK Physio Registration study resources

HK Physio Registration: Assessment, Clinical Reasoning and Treatment Planning

HK Physio Registration · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.

All guide sections

Assessment, Clinical Reasoning and Treatment Planning

Domain focus

This domain tests hypothesis-driven assessment, differential diagnosis, outcome selection and treatment planning. The examiner looks for a clear link between subjective findings, physical examination, functional diagnosis, goals and reassessment. Reasoning must be explicit, not a list of techniques.

Core rules and concepts

  • Use the ICF framework to separate impairment, activity, participation and contextual factors.
  • Form early hypotheses and seek findings that confirm and refute them. Avoid collecting tests without a purpose.
  • Subjective examination includes onset, mechanism, irritability, aggravating and relieving factors, red flags, comorbidity and patient goals.
  • Physical examination should have good reliability and relevance. Compare sides, document baseline and interpret special tests with sensitivity, specificity and likelihood.
  • Treatment planning sets measurable, patient-relevant goals and a proposed dose, progression and review point.
  • Reassessment decides whether to continue, modify or refer. Record the reasoning, not only the intervention.

Worked example

A 55-year-old has lateral shoulder pain reaching the upper arm, worse with overhead reach and lying on that side. Reasoning: test painful arc, resisted abduction and external rotation, neck screening and red flags. If findings fit subacromial pain, begin load modification, scapular and rotator cuff exercise, and education. If there is marked weakness after trauma or a suspected acute cuff tear, refer. Set a four-week review with a functional measure such as a shoulder disability score, not just pain.

Traps that cost marks

Anchoring on the first diagnosis; ordering tests without hypotheses; using a special test as a diagnosis; setting vague goals; and failing to document reassessment. Another trap is choosing a treatment before establishing the functional problem and safety screen.

Key points

  • Use the ICF to organise findings.
  • Test hypotheses, not just regions.
  • Interpret special tests with accuracy in context.
  • Goals must be measurable and patient-relevant.
  • Reassessment guides continuation, modification or referral.