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
John C. Medlen2
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)
Statesman Journal (Salem, Oregon)Examples of physiotherapy in a Sentence
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Despite efforts to improve lung function through respiratory physiotherapy, Francis' condition suggests an ongoing struggle with secretion clearance, potentially due to muscle weakness and limited physical activity.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 4 Mar. 2025
United are making changes to Carrington (Getty Images) There have been discussions about making ‘best-in-class’ appointments in every department at Carrington: recruitment, data analysis, medical, physiotherapy, strength and conditioning, player care and so on.
—Adam Crafton, The Athletic, 20 Feb. 2025
The pope will be recovering for two months at his Vatican residence and continuing physiotherapy, according to a spokesperson for the Vatican.
—Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 21 Apr. 2025
Before the episode, Pope Francis spent his morning alternating between praying and respiratory physiotherapy.
—Rachel Wolf, Fox News, 28 Feb. 2025
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Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 4 Mar. 2025
United are making changes to Carrington (Getty Images) There have been discussions about making ‘best-in-class’ appointments in every department at Carrington: recruitment, data analysis, medical, physiotherapy, strength and conditioning, player care and so on.
—Adam Crafton, The Athletic, 20 Feb. 2025
The pope will be recovering for two months at his Vatican residence and continuing physiotherapy, according to a spokesperson for the Vatican.
—Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 21 Apr. 2025
Before the episode, Pope Francis spent his morning alternating between praying and respiratory physiotherapy.
—Rachel Wolf, Fox News, 28 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for physiotherapy
Cite this Entry
“Physiotherapy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/physiotherapy. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
physiotherapy
noun
phys·io·ther·a·py
ˌfiz-ē-ō-ˈther-ə-pē
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
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