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

Etymology

Origin of physical therapy

First recorded in 1920–25

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

physical therapy

Lillard was in physical therapy, occupational therapy and water therapy, trying to retain as much strength as she could, ultimately regaining partial use of her left arm and use of her legs.

From BBC ● Jul. 14, 2026

“They oversaw a combination of a gruesome surgery, intense physical therapy and appropriately prescribed medicines,” Attar said.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 12, 2026

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

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 7, 2026

She started her own physical therapy practice that spring, naming it Hive Therapy in honor of Bee.

From Salon ● May 27, 2026

Each day had been filled with surgeries and follow-up surgeries, physical therapy, daily visits from his mother and from Garvey, and a constant flow of visitors from the Circle wishing him well.

From "Touching Spirit Bear" by Ben Mikaelsen