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Physical Therapy Assistant Comprehensive Study Guide 2025/2026 – 250+ Questions & Clinical Answers | Special Tests, Orthopedic Pathologies, Manual Therapy, Gait & Rehab Protocols

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This extensive and clinically detailed study guide for the Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) program contains 250+ high-yield questions and answers covering core content needed for academic success and clinical readiness in 2025/2026. It includes in-depth musculoskeletal and neurological assessment techniques, pathology recognition, rehab interventions, pharmacology, and modality-based treatment strategies. Focused heavily on orthopedic special tests (e.g., Yergason, Neer’s, Lachman, McMurray), this guide also explores common injuries and syndromes, such as ACL tears, spondylolisthesis, plantar fasciitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and tendinopathies. Other core areas include goniometry, dermatome testing, wound care staging and dressing types, muscle strain/sprain grading, pediatric orthopedic conditions, gait deviations, and spinal stabilization strategies. It also integrates: Functional anatomy and capsular pattern restrictions Joint mobilization grades (I–V) and their clinical uses Pharmacologic agents (NSAIDs, corticosteroids, opioids, bisphosphonates) with side effects Neurological rehab techniques including McKenzie method and neurodynamics Cardiac rehab phases, pelvic floor dysfunction, and postural correction approaches Best suited for: PTA students preparing for clinical assessments, exit exams, or licensing exams Kinesiology, pre-PT, or rehab science majors requiring detailed orthopedic review Clinicians and instructors who need quick-reference material for lab or case-based review Students in board prep courses targeting NPTE-relevant skills and exam scenarios From injury mechanisms to clinical tests, treatment planning, and real-life patient precautions, this document delivers unmatched practical and exam-ready depth. A must-have for anyone in physical therapy training or involved in direct patient care across outpatient, orthopedic, and rehab settings. Keywords: physical therapy assistant, PTA exam, orthopedic tests, gait deviations, joint mobilizations, wound care types, McKenzie method, spondylolisthesis, carpal tunnel, muscle strain grading, spinal rehab, ACL test, manual therapy, proprioception, ultrasound therapy, ROM limitations, rehab protocols, pharmacology, special tests, neurodynamics

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Physical Therapy Assistant 2025/2026
Exam Questions and Answers | A+ Score
Assured



Yergason test - 🧠 ANSWER ✔✔Standing, elbow 90 degree in pronation at the

side. Pt must supinate and ex. Rotate. Pain= transverse ligament instability/bicep

tendonitis


Speed test - 🧠 ANSWER ✔✔Standing. Arm ext. in and supinate. Pt must resist

shoulder flex. Pain=bicepital tendonitis


Neer's impingement test - 🧠 ANSWER ✔✔Siting. PT hand on scapular. Internal

rotate arm and bring it into flex. Anterior pain= supraspinatus

Posterior = internal impingement

,Supraspinatus test * empty can - 🧠 ANSWER ✔✔Sit/ stand. Pt arm full ext with 90

degree abd. In supination. Have pt pronate arm (like emptying a can).

Pain=Tear/impinge supraspinatus tendon or Supra-scapular nerve neuropathy


Clunk test - 🧠 ANSWER ✔✔Pt in supine. PT place fist under scapular. Move arm

in full ext. positive test = snapping or clunk soup # glenoid labrum tear


Ant. Apprehension test - 🧠 ANSWER ✔✔Pt in supine, elbow flex and abd. PT

does ext. rotation. Pain= ant. Shoulder dislocation


Posterior apprehension test - 🧠 ANSWER ✔✔Pt in supine, elbow flex and abd. PT

does horizontal add. Along with medial rotation. Pain= post shoulder dislocation


Adson test - 🧠 ANSWER ✔✔Pt siting arm in ext. PT find radial pulse. Have pt ext.

neck and turn head away. Then look back. Positive test= decreased pulse when pt

looks back


Tinel sign - 🧠 ANSWER ✔✔Pt in siting. Hand in ext on table. PT tabs along the

transverse carpal ligament and distal wrist. Pt numb/ tingling in first 3 1/2 digits.

Means positive for carpal tunnel


Pronator teres syndrome test - 🧠 ANSWER ✔✔Pt elbow is flex. PT tries to

supinate pt hand. Tell pt don't let me move it (keeping arm probated) while doing

, 3


that ext. arm putting pronator teres on stretch. Pain in median area of hand=

median nerve entrapment not carpal tunnel


Finkelstein test - 🧠 ANSWER ✔✔Pt must put thumb in palm, wrap their 4 fingers

around it, put elbow in flex. And wrist in neutral. PT have pt slowly go into ulnar

deviation. Pain over abductor polis long us and extensor polis brevity tendon.

Positive for deQuervains tenosynovitis


Cozen test "lateral epicondylitis" - 🧠 ANSWER ✔✔Stabilize elbow palmate lateral

epicondyle with thumb. Pt make fist pronate and radial deviate and ext wrist. PT

gives resistance. Pain at last seal epicondyle = tennis elbow


Medial epicondylitis - 🧠 ANSWER ✔✔Pt stand with elbow flex then supinate

forearm ext pt wrist and move elbow into ext. pain along medial epicondyle .golf

elbow


Phalen test - 🧠 ANSWER ✔✔Pt does full wrist flex. Hold dorsal side together for 1

minute. Positive test = tingling in thumb index finger middle finger and lateral half

ring finger indicate carpal tunnel


Allen test - 🧠 ANSWER ✔✔Open and close hand quick as possible then squeeze

hand tightly. Then compress the radial & ulnar artery with thumb. Then ask pt to




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