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

But rehab is only covered when the person is making progress from physical therapy, speech therapy or occupational therapy. —Carolyn Rosenblatt, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025

Back brace in place, Gabor began physical therapy after the surgery, still spending most of his time in a hospital bed. —Paul Sisson, Mercury News, 8 Sep. 2025

Dakota’s healing journey will consist of physical therapy twice a week, weekly occupational and speech therapies, neurology and liver appointments as well as psychiatric visits. —Brian Anthony Hernandez, PEOPLE, 7 Sep. 2025

Those who still experience pain should seek proper orthopedic care, as physical therapy and other treatments can help restore function and decrease discomfort. —Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 7 Sep. 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