physiotherapy

American

[fiz-ee-oh-ther-uh-pee] / ˌfɪz i oʊˈθɛr ə pi /

noun

physical therapy.

physiotherapy British

/ ˌfɪzɪəʊˈθɛrəpɪ /

noun

Also called: physical therapy. physio. physiatrics. the therapeutic use of physical agents or means, such as massage, exercises, etc

"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

physiotherapist

noun

Etymology

Origin of physiotherapy

First recorded in 1900–05; physio- + therapy

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.

The story resonated with many people, and dozens studying midwifery, physiotherapy, nursing and other healthcare degrees got in touch, saying they too felt they had been left in limbo.

From BBC • Apr. 20, 2026

Chloe Hurst, 20, from Powys, is in her final year studying physiotherapy at Cardiff University and feels disillusioned.

From BBC • Apr. 20, 2026

A mum of three, Aimee believes that women in Northern Ireland are not supported properly after they give birth, as postpartum physiotherapy is not routinely offered.

From BBC • Apr. 8, 2026

They said the measures they have established on top of the regulations, including personalised plans for areas such as nutrition, psycho-social and wellbeing, physiotherapy and sleep help "break down barriers" for expectant mothers.

From BBC • Mar. 21, 2026

Every day, I had physiotherapy and had to do exercises, learning to get my arms and legs working properly again.

From "Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Changed the World" by Malala Yousafzai

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023