physical therapist

noun

plural physical therapists

: a person licensed to practice physical therapy : a health care professional who provides therapy to preserve, enhance, or restore movement and physical function that are impaired or threatened by disease, injury, or disability

… a physical therapist can show you exercises to maintain strength and movement in the affected area and may also use transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation …

—Self Healing

While activity may worsen pain, activity directed by physical therapists, which may be done in therapy sessions and sometimes at home, provides some relief.

—Schenectady (New York) Daily Gazette

—abbreviation PT

called also physiotherapist

Examples of physical therapist in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

That kind of consistency is the foundation of any rehabilitation, said Aaron Borgmann, a former Chiefs physical therapist and athletic trainer who now runs his own company in KC, Borgmann Rehab Solutions. — Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 4 Sep. 2026

An Ohio woman has been accused of posing as a registered nurse and a physical therapist despite, officials say, not being licensed to practice either profession. — Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 31 Aug. 2026

Pritchard works with physical therapist Alex Mendez, who pushes him every day. — Chris Hays, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Aug. 2026

Top esports teams now have physical therapists, performance psychologists, athletic trainers and even massage therapists on staff to optimize the performance and recovery of their players. — Erica D. Henn, The Conversation, 28 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1908, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for physical therapist

• physiotherapist
• psychotherapist

Kids Definition

physical therapist

noun

: a person who is a specialist in physical therapy

Medical Definition

physical therapist

noun

: a person licensed to practice physical therapy : a health care professional who provides therapy to preserve, enhance, or restore movement and physical function that are impaired or threatened by disease, injury, or disability

—abbreviation PT

called also physiotherapist