PCE Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy and Manual Therapy 3

Question 1

A patient is in the freezing phase of adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder). Which intervention is MOST appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Pain management and gentle range of motion exercises

Answer

During the freezing phase, acute pain is the dominant symptom; treatment should prioritize pain management and gentle motion to avoid exacerbation, not aggressive mobilization.

Question 2

What is the capsular pattern of the glenohumeral joint as described by Cyriax?

Accepted Answer

Greatest restriction in external rotation, then abduction, then internal rotation

Answer

Cyriax's capsular pattern for the glenohumeral joint is: greatest loss of external rotation, followed by abduction, with the least restriction in internal rotation.

Question 3

In the Thomas test, the contralateral hip is flexed to flatten the lumbar lordosis. A positive finding for hip flexor tightness on the tested side is:

Accepted Answer

The tested thigh rises into hip flexion off the table

Answer

A positive Thomas test occurs when the tested hip rises into flexion, indicating iliopsoas tightness that was previously masked by compensatory lumbar lordosis.

Question 4

A positive Clarke's test (patellar grind test) is most indicative of:

Accepted Answer

Patellofemoral joint pathology

Answer

Clarke's test compresses the patella into the femoral trochlea while the quadriceps contracts; pain or crepitus indicates patellofemoral joint pathology such as chondromalacia patellae.

Question 5

What is the correct patient position for performing a central posterior-anterior (PA) glide mobilization of the lumbar spine?

Accepted Answer

Prone with a pillow under the abdomen

Answer

Central PA glides of the lumbar spine are performed with the patient prone, with an optional pillow under the abdomen to reduce lordosis and improve comfort.

(PCE) Physiotherapy Competency Exam Practice Test

(PCE) Physiotherapy Competency Exam Practice Test

PCE Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy and Manual Therapy 3