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

The National Honor Society member also played soccer and has a full scholarship to Mercy College for physical therapy. —Brian Roach, Boston Herald, 13 Apr. 2025

How to keep the pelvic floor healthy For those who are experiencing any sort of discomfort, frequent urination urgency, or other pelvic floor issue, McBride recommends pelvic floor physical therapy as a first-line treatment. —Violeta Valdés, Vogue, 9 Apr. 2025

While medications are often the first-line treatment for LBP, non-pharmaceutical treatments, such as physical therapy, can help. —New Atlas, 6 Apr. 2025

Surgery is rarely necessary, and conservative treatments like physical therapy are highly effective. —Mark Gurarie, Health, 5 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