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

The retreat guests were also seeing healthcare professionals and taking medications, recovering from or scheduling surgeries, and visiting physical therapists. — Adrienne Krone, The Conversation, 3 Nov. 2026

Start slowly and work with a physical therapist (PT) to find a routine that fits your symptoms. — Health Editorial Team, HEALTH, 3 Nov. 2026

Beginners are advised to start gradually and seek guidance from a doctor or physical therapist as needed. — Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 1 Nov. 2026

Leeves played Daphne, a live-in housekeeper and physical therapist for Frasier’s father, Martin (John Mahoney). — Virginia Chamlee, PEOPLE, 30 Oct. 2026

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