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 company also provides intensive and critical care units; cardiovascular, digestive disease, neurosciences, musculoskeletal and obstetrics services; and outpatient services like physical therapy. —Charles Rotblut, Forbes, 12 Dec. 2024

The event will feature a range of wellness services, including: mental health screenings, physical therapy screenings, holistic chiropractic services, custom earmolds for hearing protection, massage therapy and yoga. —Thania Garcia, Variety, 18 Nov. 2024

Enriquez caught the bus to take Isaac to physical therapy. —Seth Freed Wessler, ProPublica, 29 Oct. 2024

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

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