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

Concordia purchased the entire building for just under $10 million and has, over the last four years, put several million dollars toward converting it into a health center that will host the school’s physician assistant, doctorate in physical therapy and nursing programs, according to LaMott. —Imani Cruzen, Twin Cities, 1 Dec. 2024

At a physical therapy evaluation in October, the doctor said Nakari was at the developmental stage of a 6-month-old baby. —Lily Kepner, Austin American-Statesman, 24 Nov. 2024

Recover From an Injury Hyperice Hypervolt 2 Pro Massage Gun $259 at Hyperice (21% off) On sale now Percussive massage can help warm up muscles, break up knots, and be an invaluable part of a physical therapy or recovery routine. —Corey Buhay, Outside Online, 23 Nov. 2024

Kurtz came back for his sophomore season, and the only ill effect was sitting out a handful of games and going to physical therapy due to an inflamed muscle related to the injury. —Michael Osipoff, Chicago Tribune, 19 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1901, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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