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

Around 78 employees — occupational and physical therapists — would get an average pay raise of 8.18%. —Rebecca Noel, Charlotte Observer, 6 June 2025

Doctors and physical therapists say the exercise may increase strength and mobility in your back and neck. —Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 5 June 2025

Some professions received carve-outs, including doctors, accountants, real estate agents and hairdressers; while others such as truckers, commercial janitors and physical therapists must abide by the tighter classification rules. —Suhauna Hussain, Los Angeles Times, 2 June 2025

The center offers personalized screenings with licensed physical therapists, hands-free walking sessions using the Atalante X exoskeleton, and comprehensive neurorehabilitation services. —Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 24 May 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