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.

---

physical therapy British  

noun

1. another term for physiotherapy

---

Other Word 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

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

“He’s doing physical therapy regularly and he’s doing great. He’s lost weight as he’s on his diet,” the singer-songwriter told the Hollywood Reporter in an interview published Thursday.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 13, 2026

I barely hear the doctor give my parents my at-home care instructions—a sling, a prescription, and physical therapy starting next week.

From "Love, Hate & Other Filters" by Samira Ahmed