hydrotherapy

[hahy-druh-ther-uh-pee]

noun

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

Origin of hydrotherapy

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

Related formshy·dro·ther·a·pist, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for hydrotherapy

Historical Examples of hydrotherapy

Hydrotherapy in one or other of its forms may also be utilised.
Tics and Their Treatment
Henry Meigne
He spoke of hydrotherapy and gymnastic exercises, and called himself a quack.
Atlantis
Gerhart Hauptmann
Much benefit may be derived from the employment of electric currents, and hydrotherapy has also given excellent results.
A System of Practical Medicine By American Authors, Vol. II
Various
It is much to be regretted that hydrotherapy is not available and is not made use of more generally.
A System of Practical Medicine By American Authors, Vol. II
Various
The two principal agents at the disposal of the doctor are the bromides and hydrotherapy.
Mentally Defective Children
Alfred Binet

British Dictionary definitions for hydrotherapy

hydrotherapy

noun

med 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 musclesAlso called: water cure Compare hydropathy

Derived Formshydrotherapic (ˌhaɪdrəʊθɪˈræpɪk), adjectivehydrotherapist, noun

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

Word Origin and History for hydrotherapy

1876, from hydro- "water" + therapy.

hydrotherapy in Medicine

hydrotherapy

[hī′drə-thĕr′ə-pē]

External use of water in the medical treatment of certain diseases.