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

• physiotherapist
  noun

Etymology

Origin of physiotherapy

First recorded in 1900–05; physio- + therapy

Example Sentences

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

Kildunne, who now plays at Harlequins, was having a physiotherapy session at previous club Wasps.

From BBC • Apr. 15, 2026

It persuaded him to study physiotherapy at a technical college in Leeds before heading to North America in search of a job.

From BBC • Apr. 14, 2026

I still go to the hospital for regular physiotherapy sessions to learn how to move my facial muscles.

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