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

According to Ingber, first-line therapy often includes dietary and behavioral modifications, along with pelvic floor physical therapy. —Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 1 May 2026

Home health care services can help people with medications, wound care, physical therapy and other needs, with providers staying for a few hours or all day long. —Alexiah Syrai Olsen, Sacbee.com, 1 May 2026

In physical therapy, she is mostly focused on her legs and is looking forward to getting full prosthetics. —Wendy Grossman Kantor, PEOPLE, 1 May 2026

Atomi noted that while supine movements are common in physical therapy and exercise programs such as Pilates, there’s been little scientific evidence of their efficacy. —Lindsey Leake, NBC news, 29 Apr. 2026

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