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

Speech and physical therapists came in and out but most of the mothers volunteered one day a week. —Literary Hub, 7 Oct. 2025

Fulp is a movement science major on the pre-med track who hopes to become a plastic surgeon or physical therapist, following in the footsteps of her mother, a cardiothoracic nurse. —Lawrence Dow, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Oct. 2025

Andrea Avruskin, a physical therapist who also works as a showgirl at special events, remembers at one point performing in 12 shows a week and only getting paid $50 per show. —Olivia B. Waxman, Time, 3 Oct. 2025

Creatine is a popular and highly-researched supplement that people use to build muscle and maintain energy during intense workouts, according to Amanda Grimm, PT, a physical therapist, running coach, and sports and remedial massage therapist for Knead Massage. —Sherri Gordon, Health, 1 Oct. 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