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

The research team envisions a future version that could be delivered through physical therapy, with retraining taking place during normal walks rather than only inside a lab.

From Science Daily • May 22, 2026

She said that eventually, with the help of an advocacy group, she received a new Medicare card and was able to resume physical therapy.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 21, 2026

Now, researchers are learning more about why these episodes happen, how to differentiate more-common causes from more-serious issues, and which treatments can prevent or reduce recurrence, including specialized physical therapy.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 15, 2026

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

From Salon • Mar. 17, 2026

I stretch out my leg and start on my morning physical therapy.

From "The Running Dream" by Wendelin Van Draanen