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

Artmaking as physical therapy to heal her double vision and restore fine motor skills. —Chadd Scott, Forbes.com, 28 Jan. 2026

For the vast majority of patients, such physical therapy is something that is necessary after sustaining a severe injury. —William Jones, jsonline.com, 28 Jan. 2026

But through years of determination, physical therapy, and sheer grit, Justin defied expectations by taking his first unassisted steps and eventually discovering a love for distance running. —Lizz Schumer, PEOPLE, 27 Jan. 2026

The 42,000-square-foot facility offers primary care (family and internal medicine), pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, dermatology, lab, pharmacy, physical therapy, radiology and mammography. —Samantha Gowen, Oc Register, 26 Jan. 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