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

This three-year agreement saves the Equity-League Health Fund while also making strides in our other priorities, including scheduling and physical therapy access. —Caitlin Huston, HollywoodReporter, 18 Oct. 2025

While physical therapy focused on how to regain mobility and do things like getting into and out of bed, Handy also made sure to dedicate time to the wedding prep. —Michael Nied, PEOPLE, 17 Oct. 2025

The heavily scarred accident survivor is taking physical therapy for her leg wounds months after surviving the Season 1 finale crash. —Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 15 Oct. 2025

Over 400 students annually attend WesternU, which graduated its first physical therapy doctoral students in 2024. —Aman Kidwai, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Oct. 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