noun

physiotherapist

fiz-ee-oh-THER-uh-pist

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Physiotherapist (noun) means a therapist, mainly in the UK, Ireland and the Commonwealth, who treats physical injury or dysfunction, usually with exercise. Example: “The physiotherapist gave her a set of exercises to strengthen her knee after the operation.”

noun

A therapist, mainly in the UK, Ireland and the Commonwealth, who treats physical injury or dysfunction, usually with exercise.

"The physiotherapist gave her a set of exercises to strengthen her knee after the operation."

"He saw a physiotherapist twice a week while his shoulder recovered."

"Their local clinic has a physiotherapist on hand for sports injuries."

How to use physiotherapist

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA physiotherapist helps you recover physically, usually through exercise, after an injury or condition.

When to use it

It's a standard, everyday professional title rather than a technical or formal term.

Memory tip

In the US the same role is usually called a 'physical therapist', so expect that term instead when reading American sources.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

physiologist

Common pairings

see a physiotherapist a physiotherapist's exercises refer to a physiotherapist

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “physiotherapist” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The _____ gave her a set of exercises to strengthen her knee after the operation.

Etymology

Physiotherapist is built either from physio- and therapist, or from physiotherapy with the suffix -ist added to name the person who practises it.

Origin: English

Synonyms

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physio physical therapist

Rhymes for physiotherapist

rapist therapist psychotherapist

See all rhymes for physiotherapist →

Frequently asked questions

What does a physiotherapist do?

A physiotherapist treats physical injury or dysfunction, usually through exercise, in the UK, Ireland and other Commonwealth countries.

Is a physiotherapist the same as a physical therapist?

Yes, physical therapist is simply the term used for the same role in the US.

Do physiotherapists only treat sports injuries?

No, they treat physical injury or dysfunction generally, not only injuries related to sport.

What is the meaning of physiotherapist?

"physiotherapist" (noun) means a therapist, mainly in the UK, Ireland and the Commonwealth, who treats physical injury or dysfunction, usually with exercise.