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

The virtual physical therapy company filed its initial prospectus in March. —Ashley Capoot, CNBC, 16 May 2025

He’s been at Yankee Stadium for physical therapy six days a week, going through sessions that typically last 1.5-2 hours. —Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 5 May 2025

In addition to pain-relieving medications like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), non-surgical treatments include exercise, weight management, physical therapy, and steroid injections into the joint. —New Atlas, 28 Apr. 2025

Medicare may cover short-term skilled services (like nursing or physical therapy) and hospice for late-stage dementia if ordered by a medical professional.27 Private health insurance usually doesn't cover custodial care. —Christopher Bergland, Verywell Health, 25 Apr. 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