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

Treatment usually includes anti-inflammatory medication and physical therapy. —Harlan Selesnick, Miami Herald, 30 Sep. 2025

For example, only when patients becomes weak and in danger of losing the ability to live independently are they declared eligible for physical therapy and rehabilitation. —Bryant Stamford, Louisville Courier Journal, 25 Sep. 2025

The husband and father was discharged from hospital the following day and is set to have several months of physical therapy, per WPBF and CBS12. —Gabrielle Rockson, PEOPLE, 25 Sep. 2025

Looking for a way to speed up that process, the Cubs approved Tucker’s recent suggestion to travel to Florida to work with a physical therapy group near his home. —Patrick Mooney, New York Times, 24 Sep. 2025

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