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

Paulette Thompson works as a physical therapist in Maple Grove. —Jason Fields, Newsweek, 4 Dec. 2024

While working as a physical therapist at the University of Maryland Rehabilitation and Orthopedic Institute, Snedeker sought mentorship from female leaders within the University of Maryland Medical System. —Baltimore Sun Staff, Baltimore Sun, 10 Oct. 2024

The union represents radiological professionals, physical therapists, medical assistants, social workers and other classifications who work for the clinical operation of Michigan Medicine. —Kristen Jordan Shamus, Detroit Free Press, 21 Nov. 2024

Bailey left her job at a dental office and basically became JJ’s Chief Operating Officer, running his social accounts, managing their sponsor contracts, and being his physical therapist on top of everything else. —Outside Online, 21 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1908, in the meaning defined above

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