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Showing results for hydrotherapy. Search instead for hydrotherapies.

hydrotherapy

American  
[hahy-druh-ther-uh-pee] / ˌhaɪ drəˈθɛr ə pi /

noun

  1. the branch of therapeutics that deals with the curative use of water.

  2. the treatment of physical disability, injury, or illness by immersion of all or part of the body in water to facilitate movement, promote wound healing, relieve pain, etc., usually under the supervision of a trained therapist.


hydrotherapy British  
/ ˌhaɪdrəʊˈθɛrəpɪ, ˌhaɪdrəʊθɪˈræpɪk /

noun

  1. Also called: water curemed the treatment of certain diseases by the external use of water, esp by exercising in water in order to mobilize stiff joints or strengthen weakened muscles Compare hydropathy

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of hydrotherapy

First recorded in 1875–80; hydro- 1 + therapy

Vocabulary lists containing hydrotherapy

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

In 1863, a physician who advocated vegetarianism and hydrotherapy produced the first breakfast cereal to counter the meat-focused breakfasts of the day.

From MarketWatch Jun. 21, 2026

Arrive early to enjoy the spa facilities, particularly the hydrotherapy pool and lounge spaces, which are worth lingering in before your appointment begins.

From Salon Jun. 11, 2026

Vet-affiliated treatments include acupuncture, hydrotherapy and chiropractic care.

From Los Angeles Times Jul. 21, 2025

He has undergone intense physiotherapy where he built up his upper body strength and spent time on standing frame to align his body, as well as undergoing hydrotherapy.

From BBC Jan. 30, 2025

Receiving treatments like massage and hydrotherapy, Kate sobered, and remained sober for many months.

From "American Spirits" by Barb Rosenstock

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