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

Patricia Krall, a physical therapist at Coastal Kids, explained the cars have grander applicability besides the obvious mobility piece. —Steven Aquino, Forbes, 2 Oct. 2024

Your physical therapist will then create a collaborative treatment plan, which may include physical and breathing exercises, stretches, posture and activity modifications and possibly internal muscle work. —Alyssa Goldberg, USA TODAY, 17 Sep. 2024

Start exercising under the guidance of a healthcare provider or physical therapist. —Laura Campedelli, Verywell Health, 30 July 2024

Healthcare providers, such as physical therapists, can recommend suitable adjustments for older adults or others with chronic pain or recent surgeries. —Aubrey Bailey, Pt, Dpt, Cht, Verywell Health, 26 Sep. 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