physiotherapy vs physical therapy

Both 'physiotherapy' and 'physical therapy' are correct terms used to describe the treatment of physical conditions through exercises, massage, and other techniques. The choice between the two terms depends on regional preferences. 'Physiotherapy' is more commonly used in British English and in many other countries, while 'physical therapy' is more common in American English.

Last updated: March 31, 2024

physiotherapy

This term is correct and commonly used in British English and many other countries to refer to the treatment of physical conditions through exercises, massage, etc.

Use 'physiotherapy' when referring to the treatment of physical conditions through exercises, massage, and other techniques, especially in British English and in many other countries.

Examples:

I'm going to physiotherapy to help with my back pain.
She specializes in pediatric physiotherapy.
Physiotherapy can be an effective way to recover from injuries.

Show examples from the web [+]

It was part of your physiotherapy plan.
Two hours in the hyperbaric chamber, then an hour of physiotherapy.
Is any funding available for the acquisition or conversion of the building and the acquisition of new cutting-edge physiotherapy machines or the creation of facilities for the rehabilitation of patients (swimming pool)?
The machine acts as a stimulator to muscle contraction and is for use, for example, in medicine, physiotherapy and well-being.
Theyseeeachothereveryday in the gym to do physiotherapy.
My country, Hungary, for example, could offer competitive services in balneology, physiotherapy or dentistry.
Immunomodulating treatment is expensive, as is physiotherapy.
My physiotherapy too has started now.
And we are starting on the physiotherapy.
To help patients to get through the treatment phase as painlessly as possible, they must be given access to psychological support, physiotherapy and social services.
The area currently being focused on is training trainers and developing a supervised service for people with MS who cannot access regular physiotherapy services.
Access to physiotherapy for people with MS and people with progressive neurological conditions is described by some as 'homeopathic at best'.
Subject: Availability of funding for the 'Giorgia Buda' intensive physiotherapy centre for brain-damaged patients
In Ostia (province of Rome), the 'Giorgia Buda' intensive physiotherapy centre has been set up for children affected by infantile cerebral paralysis and similar neurological diseases.
The centre comprises a reception area, consulting rooms, physiotherapy studios, two gymnasiums for rehabilitation, a waiting room and disabled toilets.
We started physiotherapy, we started the rehabilitation, and one of the paths that we were following in terms of rehabilitation is the mirror neurons pilot.
Nº 930/2005 by Marc Sthal (German), concerning the recognition in Germany of diplomas in physiotherapy obtained in the Netherlands
With the assistance of the physiotherapy department of the University of Limerick, MS Ireland has collected a very robust data set, which it hopes will inform evidence-based best practice in Ireland.
Nº 1463/2009 by Yuliyan Dotsev (Bulgarian), on the implementation of Directive 2005/36/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on the recognition of professional qualifications and his Bulgarian physiotherapy qualification
in the table on 'Endocrinology' and 'Physiotherapy':

Alternatives:

physical therapy
rehabilitation therapy
physical rehabilitation
exercise therapy
manual therapy

physical therapy

This term is correct and commonly used in American English to refer to the treatment of physical conditions through exercises, massage, etc.

Use 'physical therapy' when referring to the treatment of physical conditions through exercises, massage, and other techniques, especially in American English.