physiotherapy

American  

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

noun

1. physical therapy.

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physiotherapy British  

/ ˌfɪzɪəʊˈθɛrəpɪ /

noun

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

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• physiotherapist
  noun

Etymology

Origin of physiotherapy

First recorded in 1900–05; physio- + therapy

Example Sentences

Ryan said Emily received "structured routine, communication time, sensory-based play, interactive story time, whole-school assemblies, physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, speech and language therapy".

From BBC • Jun. 3, 2026

"After repair we refer them to physiotherapy colleagues, who help them from the beginning - to do the exercises, teach them to avoid certain things like constipation and how to use their pelvic muscles."

From BBC • May 13, 2026

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

From BBC • Apr. 20, 2026

She said there are currently no Band 5 physiotherapy jobs available in Wales, despite these roles usually being open at this stage.

From BBC • Apr. 20, 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