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

Pope Leo had respiratory physical therapy and was eating regularly as well as walking around his room. — ABC News, 15 Oct. 2026

The gym also houses physical therapy, massage and chiropractic services as jerseys, awards and pictures of clients line the walls, beginning at the entrance. — Pj Green october 14, Kansas City Star, 14 Oct. 2026

A day after lung cancer surgery, Pope Leo XIV is reported to be walking around his room, eating a regular diet and having respiratory physical therapy. — Stephanie Stahl, CBS News, 14 Oct. 2026

Treatments — including medication, physical therapy and surgery — can help manage many of these symptoms, but none has been shown to change the underlying course of the disease. — Jennifer Fields, Washington Post, 8 Oct. 2026

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