Physiotherapy Vs. Physical Therapy - How We Chose Our Name

Differences Between Physiotherapy & Physical Therapy

You may have noticed that we have chosen to use the term “physical therapy” in our name, while many other people and places use term “physiotherapy”.

This can be confusing, so let’s clear this up!

First, let’s briefly explain the differences between “physiotherapy” and “physical therapy”.

Here is the list of differences between the two terms:

1.     They are spelt differently

That’s it! The two terms are interchangeable.

Location Matters

Which term is primarily used tends to vary by region. For example, in Canada and Australia it is primarily called “physiotherapy”. In contrast, in the United States it is primarily called “physical therapy”.

Here in Saskatoon – as within most of Canada - you will generally see and hear the term physiotherapy rather than physical therapy. This is not to say that it is exclusively called physiotherapy in Saskatoon (or Canada) as there are exceptions.  

Examples of Exceptions in Canada

Here are some examples of exceptions. The following two national and provincial physiotherapy bodies have chosen to use the term “physiotherapy”:

Canadian Physiotherapy Association

Saskatchewan Physiotherapy Association

However, if you look at the University of Saskatchewan’s program for physiotherapists here in Saskatoon you will notice that it is called the “Master of Physical Therapy Program (MPT)”.

Beyond this, to offer physiotherapy services anywhere in Saskatchewan you must first have a license to practice. Licenses to practice here in Saskatchewan are provided by the Saskatchewan College of Physical Therapists (SCPT). When you look at your license you will notice that the license itself uses the term “physical therapy” rather than physiotherapy.

Because the two are interchangeable, even in Canada where we primarily use the term “physiotherapy”, you will still find places, people, and organizations like the above calling it “physical therapy”.

Why We Chose “Physical Therapy”

One term is not superior to the other.

When deciding between physiotherapy and physical therapy we simply opted for “physical therapy” because we it has the word “physical” in it which highly aligns with the approach that we take to physiotherapy (or physical therapy) our practice.

If you’re a client of Longevity Physical Therapy you can attest to the fact that our assessments, treatments, and programs are all very physical in nature. This means that the client plays an active role in the entire process – including treatment.

We still use some passive interventions including manual therapy (hands on treatment), however this only when we feel it is truly indicated or when the same outcome cannot be achieved by the client alone.

If there is a way for the client to achieve the same outcome that we would be seeking to get with manual therapy (or other passive interventions) on their own at home – we will teach them how to physically accomplish this.

On a more superficial note, we also just liked the sound of “Longevity Physical Therapy”. It just has a ring to it, doesn’t it?

The thought process and reasoning for choosing the term physical therapy rather than physiotherapy in our name is exclusive to Longevity Physical Therapy alone.

We cannot speak to the names of other physiotherapy/physical therapy clinics or facilities. Nor can we speak to whether the term chosen reflects their approach with clients.

It is highly likely that the majority have or will choose “physiotherapy” simply because it is the primary term used in Canada!

The above is simply our “why” for choosing to use the term “physical therapy” in our name despite the most commonly used term here in Canada being “physiotherapy”.

Regardless of whether you see the term “physiotherapy” and “physical therapy”, it is safe to assume that they are referring to the same thing.