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

Tipping, a one-term board member with experience in physical therapy and roofing sales, secured 41.98 percent of the 12,269 total votes to Thomas' 58.02 percent. —Billal Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 May 2025

Community colleges play a critical role in addressing California’s persistent demand for healthcare workers, preparing students to become the state’s next generation of nurses, medical assistants and physical therapy aides. —Rebecca Plevin, Los Angeles Times, 28 Apr. 2025

While Watching Football Home Alone Yona now attends physical therapy five times a week. —Ashley Vega, People.com, 28 Apr. 2025

Termination would have significant impact on practice and patients In his affidavit, Simmons said 65% of Southwest Sports and Spine Center’s physical therapy billings came from city of Fort Worth employees. —Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 Apr. 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