physical therapy

American  

noun

1. the treatment or management of physical disability, malfunction, or pain by exercise, massage, hydrotherapy, etc., without the use of medicines, surgery, or radiation.

2. the health profession that provides such care.

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physical therapy British  

noun

1. another term for physiotherapy

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• physical therapist
  noun

Etymology

Origin of physical therapy

First recorded in 1920–25

Example Sentences

For Grutman, that includes regular blood work, peptide shots, IV drips and physical therapy.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 7, 2026

Co-founder Daniel Kelly likens the approach to physical therapy for the brain.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 18, 2026

Even so, the overall findings suggest that physical therapy approaches offer meaningful benefits without the risks linked to anti-inflammatory medications.

From Science Daily • Mar. 30, 2026

She’s also stopped physical therapy because she can’t cover the co-pays.

From Salon • Mar. 17, 2026

The physical therapy doesn't seem to be helping.

From "Doing Time Online" by Jan Siebold