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

The key to a good agility program is exercises that quickly change direction, said Milica McDowell, a physical therapist in Montana. —Amanda Loudin, New York Times, 5 Apr. 2025

If any exercises increase your lower back pain, stop and consult with a physical therapist. —Aubrey Bailey, Pt, Dpt, Cht, Verywell Health, 4 Apr. 2025

Vision care, nurses, physical therapists, physician’s assistants and even MDs could also be part of the package. —Jenn Vande Zande, Forbes, 11 Mar. 2025

Sciatica exercises are meant to help relieve pain associated with the condition and should be done under the supervision of a physical therapist. —Aubrey Bailey, Pt, Dpt, Cht, Verywell Health, 14 Mar. 2025

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