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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
However, patients with ongoing symptoms, called persistent post-concussive symptoms, can benefit from a multidisciplinary care team that may include physicians, physical therapists, psychologists, and additional school support, Wilson said. Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 9 Nov. 2024 Good options include orthopedic physicians, physiatrists (who specialize in treating pain and physical impairments), or physical therapists. Cindy Kuzma, SELF, 29 Oct. 2024 The expert team—respiratory therapists, physical therapists, exercise physiologists, occupational nurses, and physicians—monitors your improvement and adjusts your fitness plan based on your progress. Matt Fuchs, TIME, 24 Oct. 2024 Doctors and physical therapists often recommend a medium-firm bed for those with back pain, but the soft hybrid build of the Puffy Lux works too. Ashley Zlatopolsky, Architectural Digest, 17 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for physical therapist 

Word History

First Known Use

1908, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of physical therapist was in 1908

Dictionary Entries Near physical therapist

Cite this Entry

“Physical therapist.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/physical%20therapist. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on physical therapist

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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