physiotherapy
fiz-ee-oh-THER-uh-pee
/ˌfɪziəʊˈθɛrəpi/
The treatment of disease, injury, or deformity by physical methods such as massage, heat treatment, and exercise rather than by drugs or surgery.
Often used interchangeably with 'physical therapy,' though in some regions, physiotherapy implies a more hands-on, manual approach.
The story behind the word. The term combines the Greek 'physis' (nature) and 'therapeia' (service or healing). It literally means 'healing through the forces of nature,' referring to movement and heat.
Word relationships
- physical therapy: This is the primary synonym used in the United States, whereas physiotherapy is more common in the UK and Commonwealth.
Commonly confused with
- psychotherapy: Psychotherapy treats the mind; physiotherapy treats the body.
Word family
- physiotherapist (noun): A person qualified to treat people with physiotherapy.
Collocations
- intensive physiotherapy
- physiotherapy session
- outpatient physiotherapy
Example sentences
- "She is having physiotherapy on her shoulder to regain her range of motion." Discussing the treatment plan for a back injury.
Memory hook
Physio = Physical. It's therapy for your physical movement. Nature's healing through movement.
When not to use
Do not use when referring to psychological therapy or purely medicinal treatments.
Fun facts
- Modern physiotherapy was established during World War I to treat injured soldiers who needed to return to the front.
Related words
Explore more words
naturopathy, modality, rehabilitate, physiology, hands-on, chiropractic
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