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

Hinge Health — Shares of the company offering virtual physical therapy services dropped 5% even after posting third-quarter revenue of $154 million, which topped the $142 million consensus estimate from LSEG. —Sarah Min, CNBC, 4 Nov. 2025

In between vertgio episodes, consider going to physical therapy. —Jakob Roze, Health, 2 Nov. 2025

Since the accident, Eugene has been on a journey of recovery with intensive physical therapy, and the community has stepped in to help in many different ways. —Liz Rothaus Bertrand, Charlotte Observer, 31 Oct. 2025

In fact, the brand collaborated with over 20 physicians and doctors in biomechanics, vision, physical therapy, and ergonomics to perfect this chair. —Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 30 Oct. 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