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

Meanwhile, Tiffany, a physical therapist at Children’s Mercy, also has found a certain solace in advocacy. —Kansas City Star, 29 Aug. 2025

Today, Bryan, a physical therapist, and Allison, an interior designer, are raising their two sons, Jackson, 10 and 6-year-old Reid, in Kenner, La. —David Chiu, People.com, 28 Aug. 2025

The Messenger newspaper reported this week that Escobar has worked with athletes for at least 15 years, and currently works as a physical therapist. —Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Aug. 2025

Before founding Soft Rows, Burnett built community behind the scenes—first as a physical therapist, then as a marketing leader in beauty. —Essence, 28 Aug. 2025

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