What does the suffix "-therapy" refer to?

The suffix "-therapy" refers to treatment. In medical terminology, this suffix is used to denote various forms of treatment that aim to alleviate symptoms, support recovery, or manage diseases. For example, in terms like psychotherapy (mental health treatment) or physiotherapy (physical health treatment), "-therapy" indicates the action of providing care or rehabilitation.

Understanding this suffix is essential as it helps in comprehending the context of various medical terms and their functions in healthcare. Knowing that "-therapy" is related to treatment allows healthcare professionals and students to quickly identify the purpose of a specific intervention or technique being described.