physiotherapist

Everyday

A physiotherapist is a health worker who helps people move better and get stronger after an injury, illness or operation, using exercises, massage and stretches. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life and sport, a physiotherapist (often «physio») helps a footballer back from injury or a grandparent walk after a hip operation. In stories it shows someone is recovering. Phrases: see a physiotherapist, the team physio.

Examples

• The physiotherapist gave me exercises for my knee. tree →
• After the accident, Dad saw a physiotherapist every week. tree →
• The football team's physio ran onto the pitch. tree →
• Our physiotherapist showed Nan how to use a walking frame. tree →
• A physiotherapist helps you get stronger. tree →
• I do my stretches every night, like the physiotherapist said. tree →

Note

Countable; «a physiotherapist». Often shortened to «physio» in the UK, Ireland, Australia and NZ; in the USA and Canada it is usually «physical therapist». Spelling: physio + therapist.