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

His physical therapy program offered very few scholarships, and paid teaching assistantships were highly competitive. — Faith Wakefield, USA Today, 18 Aug. 2026

Research suggests stretching and other physical therapy approaches can help restore movement in patients experiencing it, but recovery time can vary from person to person; some patients undergo month of treatment before noticing any improvement. — Emily Cegielski, Flow Space, 17 Aug. 2026

Still in daily physical therapy and carefully rationing his energy, Steiner eyes the next test — working consecutive games. — Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 16 Aug. 2026

He was discharged from rehab earlier this month and is continuing physical therapy at home. — Kiara Moore, The Washington Examiner, 16 Aug. 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