physical therapist

noun

plural physical therapists

: a person licensed to practice physical therapy : a health care professional who provides therapy to preserve, enhance, or restore movement and physical function that are impaired or threatened by disease, injury, or disability

… a physical therapist can show you exercises to maintain strength and movement in the affected area and may also use transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation …

—Self Healing

While activity may worsen pain, activity directed by physical therapists, which may be done in therapy sessions and sometimes at home, provides some relief.

—Schenectady (New York) Daily Gazette

—abbreviation PT

called also physiotherapist

Examples of physical therapist in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This can include licensed massage therapists, physical therapists, chiropractors, or other professionals. —​wendy Wisner, Parents, 27 Feb. 2026

Single Leg Stand Standing on one leg may sound simple, but the exercise can help build strength and improve balance, according to Robyn Culbertson, PT, DPT, a physical therapist specializing in geriatrics and spokesperson for the American Physical Therapy Association. —Stephanie Anderson Witmer, Health, 26 Feb. 2026

The list included convenience stores, pet stores, pet groomers, day care centers with outdoor play areas, physical therapists, massage therapy and chiropractic offices, among others. —Jennifer Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 24 Feb. 2026

In Northern California, about 2,800 Kaiser nurse anesthetists, occupational, speech and physical therapists were among them. —Grant Stringer, Mercury News, 23 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1908, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for physical therapist

• physiotherapist
• psychotherapist

Kids Definition

physical therapist

noun

: a person who is a specialist in physical therapy

Medical Definition

physical therapist

noun

: a person licensed to practice physical therapy : a health care professional who provides therapy to preserve, enhance, or restore movement and physical function that are impaired or threatened by disease, injury, or disability

—abbreviation PT

called also physiotherapist