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

This might include a therapist, a general physician, a nutritionist or a physical therapist. —Cindy Chia, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024

All crew members — even those on the lighting team, sound team, production staff, band, choreographers, hair, makeup, wardrobe and physical therapists — were included in the bonus payments. —Chelsea Hirsch, SPIN, 9 Dec. 2024

But in recent years, as core strength has become a focus in the fitness world, many doctors and physical therapists have been recommending it to clients of all genders. —Max Berlinger, Robb Report, 5 Dec. 2024

See a physical therapist for individualized treatment. —Aubrey Bailey, Pt, Dpt, Cht, Verywell Health, 20 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