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 Chartered Society of Physiotherapy described recruitment freezes, deleted posts and unfilled vacancies being widespread in services across the UK, with the situation continually worsening.

From BBC • Apr. 20, 2026

"However, the damage caused by HIF1 in tendon tissue can accumulate and become irreversible over time. Physiotherapy then no longer helps, and the only treatment at this moment is to surgically remove the diseased tendon."

From Science Daily • Feb. 12, 2026

"Physiotherapy and targeted muscle and coordination training are highly effective and are often prescribed in case of frequently diagnosed, non-specific back pain," says Dr. Burgkart, an orthopedic specialist.

From Science Daily • Nov. 14, 2023

Adam Morgan is the senior negotiator at the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy in Wales, which postponed strike action planned for Tuesday.

From BBC • Feb. 7, 2023

More wanted to leave and sought financial assistance from PARSA, which stands for Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Support for Afghanistan.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 1, 2022

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