physical therapy

noun

1

: therapy that is used to preserve, enhance, or restore movement and physical function impaired or threatened by disease, injury, or disability and that utilizes therapeutic exercise, physical modalities (such as massage and electrotherapy), assistive devices, and patient education and training

—abbreviation PT

called also physiotherapy

2

plural physical therapies : a therapeutic treatment utilized in physical therapy

[Andrea] Behrman said the center's work consists of physical therapies aimed at "retraining" the spine in an effort to improve strength and mobility.

—Deborah Yetter

—abbreviation PT

called also physiotherapy

Examples of physical therapy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Analysts see multiple ways for the digital physical therapy company to keep growing, including new product adoption and higher member participation. — Jim Cramer, CNBC, 29 Sep. 2026

That’s the lane where red light is most likely to become routine, billed alongside physical therapy and pain management, rather than replacing anything. — Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 28 Sep. 2026

The 44-year-old South Loop resident owns a private pediatric physical therapy practice, but has also begun selling cookies. — Kayla Samoy, Chicago Tribune, 28 Sep. 2026

Reducing Burnout With An AI-Powered Therapy Scribe Therapists across behavioral health, physical therapy and occupational therapy sectors often spend hours after sessions writing notes. — Sameer Bhat, Forbes.com, 25 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1901, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for physical therapy

• immunotherapy
• pharmacotherapy
• physiotherapy
• radiotherapy
• brachytherapy
• chemotherapy
• cryotherapy
• hydrotherapy
• hypnotherapy
• monotherapy
• phototherapy
• psychotherapy

Kids Definition

physical therapy

noun

: the treatment of disease, injury, or disability especially by massage, exercise, water, or heat

Medical Definition

physical therapy

noun

1

: therapy that is used to preserve, enhance, or restore movement and physical function impaired or threatened by disease, injury, or disability and that utilizes therapeutic exercise, physical modalities (such as massage and electrotherapy), assistive devices, and patient education and training

—abbreviation PT

called also physiotherapy

2

plural physical therapies : a therapeutic treatment utilized in physical therapy

—abbreviation PT

called also physiotherapy