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

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

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

That in addition to fewer and shorter physical therapy visits, it’s possible I could return to ballet as soon as the summer.

From "The Sea in Winter" by Christine Day