physiotherapy

noun

phys·​io·​ther·​a·​py ˌfi-zē-ō-ˈther-ə-pē 

1

: therapy that is used to preserve, enhance, or restore movement and physical function impaired or threatened by disease, injury, or disability and that utilizes therapeutic exercise, physical modalities (such as massage and electrotherapy), assistive devices, and patient education and training : physical therapy sense 1

Physiotherapy to strengthen specific muscles and treat injuries to ligaments and the meniscus.

—John C. Medlen

2

plural physiotherapies : a therapeutic treatment utilized in physiotherapy : physical therapy sense 2

Medicare currently will not pay for a chiropractor's consultation, physical examination, needed X-rays, physiotherapies, or exercise therapy.

—Statesman Journal (Salem, Oregon)

Examples of physiotherapy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Since Monday’s incident, the pope has remained in stable condition and received respiratory and motor physiotherapy. —Sharon Braithwaite and Christopher Lamb, CNN, 8 Mar. 2025

The institute also offers psychological and physiotherapy assistance. —Greta Cross, USA TODAY, 4 Mar. 2025

Francis, who is not physically active, uses a wheelchair and is overweight, had been undergoing respiratory physiotherapy to try to improve his lung function. —Nicole Winfield, Chicago Tribune, 4 Mar. 2025

On Thursday, the pope dedicated the morning to respiratory physiotherapy and rest. —Jon Haworth, ABC News, 28 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

probably borrowed from French physiothérapie, from physio- physio- + thérapie therapy

Note: Earlier the term was used for treatment by outdoor exercise and natural agents, as air, light, and water.

First Known Use

1894, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for physiotherapy

• brachytherapy
• chemotherapy
• cryotherapy
• hydrotherapy
• hypnotherapy
• monotherapy
• phototherapy
• psychotherapy
• sclerotherapy
• immunotherapy
• pharmacotherapy
• radiotherapy

Kids Definition

physiotherapy

noun

phys·​io·​ther·​a·​py ˌfiz-ē-ō-ˈther-ə-pē 

: physical therapy

Medical Definition

physiotherapy

noun

phys·​io·​ther·​a·​py ˌfiz-ē-ō-ˈther-ə-pē 

1

: therapy that is used to preserve, enhance, or restore movement and physical function impaired or threatened by disease, injury, or disability and that utilizes therapeutic exercise, physical modalities (such as massage and electrotherapy), assistive devices, and patient education and training : physical therapy sense 1

2

plural physiotherapies : a therapeutic treatment utilized in physiotherapy : physical therapy sense 2