fisio

Fisio is a colloquial term used in several Romance-language contexts to refer to physiotherapy or to a physiotherapist. In everyday language, it often denotes both the profession and the form of treatment aimed at restoring function and reducing pain.

Physiotherapists are health professionals who assess, diagnose, and treat a range of conditions affecting the musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiorespiratory systems. Their work focuses on restoring movement, relieving pain, and improving function through a combination of techniques. Treatments commonly used include manual therapy, therapeutic exercises, and patient education, as well as modalities such as heat, cold, electrotherapy, and hydrotherapy. They also emphasize prevention, rehabilitation after injury or surgery, and guidance on posture, ergonomics, and overall fitness.

Education and regulation for fisios vary by country and region. Typically, becoming a physiotherapist requires a university degree in physiotherapy and professional licensure or registration with a regulatory body. Ongoing continuing education is often mandated to maintain credentials. The scope of practice is defined by national or regional laws and professional guidelines, and may limit independent practice to certain settings or require physician referral for specific interventions.

In sports and rehabilitation, fisios frequently work as part of multidisciplinary teams, helping athletes recover from injuries, optimize performance, and design prevention programs. They lack the authority to diagnose diseases; instead, they provide treatment within their scope and coordinate care with other health professionals.