noun

physiotherapy

/ˌfɪzɪəʊˈθɛrəpi/ · say it: fiz·ee·oh·THER·uh·pee

treating injury with exercise and physical methods

In more detail

1. (noun) medical treatment using physical exercises and movements to help people recover from injury or illness, or to improve their physical condition

Examples

After her knee surgery, she attended physiotherapy sessions twice a week to regain strength.

How to use physiotherapy

Physiotherapy is a healthcare profession focused on restoring function and mobility through movement-based interventions. It is the standard term in British English, while 'physical therapy' is preferred in American English. The term encompasses treatment for injuries, post-surgical recovery, chronic conditions, and performance optimization.

Common phrases

undergo physiotherapy
physiotherapy treatment
physiotherapy session
physiotherapy clinic
need physiotherapy
physiotherapy exercises

Synonyms

physical therapy · rehabilitation · therapeutic exercise · physical medicine

Word family

physiotherapist (noun) · physiotherapeutic (adjective)

A common mistake

Learners sometimes confuse physiotherapy with psychotherapy (mental health treatment), or assume it only treats sports injuries when it actually covers a broad range of conditions.

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