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 movement is similar to stepping onto a curb or sidewalk, said Joe Hribick, DPT, PT, COMT, FAAOMPT, a clinical assistant professor of physical therapy at Lebanon Valley College. —Julia Ries Wexler, Health, 15 Apr. 2026

The 55-year-old returned to filming in January, is now on blood thinners and physical therapy, and has new episodes hitting Lifetime next week. —Assistant Editor, Los Angeles Times, 14 Apr. 2026

Lee is continuing physical therapy and is managing her health with blood thinners while monitoring her blood pressure, cholesterol and stress. —Lexi Carson, HollywoodReporter, 14 Apr. 2026

Lee is currently on blood thinners and continuing physical therapy at home. —Janine Rubenstein, PEOPLE, 14 Apr. 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