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

There are massive trailers with private sleeping quarters, portable shower facilities, a laundry, a medical facility, a physical therapy trailer and two kitchens serving thousands of meals a day. —Kevin Baxter, Los Angeles Times, 18 Jan. 2025

But that’s going to take plenty of physical therapy. —Denise Crosby, Chicago Tribune, 17 Jan. 2025

Other medical expenses included $2,271 for a pediatric hip plate and about $1,600 for physical therapy sessions. —Glenn E. Rice, Kansas City Star, 7 Jan. 2025

Weight loss is not one-size-fits-all, and your provider may recommend dietary changes, physical therapy, behavioral counseling, medication or even surgical interventions depending on your situation. —Raul Rosenthal, Sun Sentinel, 7 Jan. 2025

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