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

• physical therapist
  noun

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Etymology

Origin of physical therapy

First recorded in 1920–25

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

physical therapy

It is unclear whether Joel underwent the procedure, although the “Uptown Girl” singer initially postponed his concerts in March 2025 after undergoing unspecified surgery and physical therapy.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 16, 2026

All had continued to experience symptoms despite at least three months of conventional care, including physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and injections into the knee.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 14, 2026

Her journey back to the spotlight has entailed intense physical therapy, vocal rehabilitation and medication, she said.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 9, 2026

They may be more open to going to the gym or physical therapy or doing at-home stretches — all proven ways to address back and knee pain.

From MarketWatch ● Oct. 8, 2026

I told her what the doctors had told me: I would have to undergo several surgeries and months of physical therapy, but my face would eventually improve.

From "Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Changed the World" by Malala Yousafzai

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