NBCE Physiotherapy case studies
NBCE Physiotherapy · Put your knowledge to work in context.
The NBCE Physiotherapy Examination (commonly abbreviated PHT) is one of the computer-based pre-licensure examinations administered by the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners. It is grouped with Parts I, II and III in the NBCE's published list of "Pre-Licensure Computer-Based Exams (Parts I, II, III, PHT)", sitting alongside the separate practical Part IV, the SPEC exam, specialty exams and state board exams. Candidates are chiropractic students and graduates who must demonstrate physiotherapy competence as part of the licensure pathway expected by state licensing boards; applicants apply through the NBCE's online application portal. Content is best understood as covering physiotherapy assessment and evaluation, therapeutic modalities, rehabilitative exercise and therapeutic procedures, and case management with attention to indications, contraindications and safety. The NBCE Physiotherapy case studies are 5 cases and about 2,276 words.
1Differentiating L5 Radiculopathy from Peroneal Nerve Entrapment
A 42-year-old warehouse supervisor reports 3 weeks of intermittent low back pain with radiation to the lateral right calf and dorsum of the foot. Symptoms began after lifting a heavy box.
535 words, about 3 min2Selecting a Modality for Acute Ankle Sprain in a Patient with a Pacemaker
A 28-year-old recreational soccer player presents 36 hours after a grade II lateral ankle sprain. He has swelling, ecchymosis, pain 7/10 with weight bearing, and limited dorsiflexion to 0°.
447 words, about 2 min3Early ACL Rehabilitation: Progression Decisions
A 24-year-old basketball player is 2 weeks post ACL reconstruction with a hamstring autograft. He presents with knee ROM 0–95°, trace effusion, quadriceps lag of 10°, and pain 3/10.
447 words, about 2 min4Return-to-Work Planning for Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy
A 45-year-old warehouse worker with a 3-month history of right shoulder pain is diagnosed with rotator cuff tendinopathy. His job requires lifting 20–30 lb boxes overhead 50–60 times per shift.
439 words, about 2 min5Anticoagulation and Suspected DVT: Safety in Modality Use
A 60-year-old woman with a history of atrial fibrillation on warfarin (INR 3.5) presents with a 4-day history of left calf pain and swelling after a long flight. She has no prior DVT but reports warmth and redness.
408 words, about 2 min