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

For example, someone who needs Wednesday mornings off for physical therapy can request that as a disability accommodation.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 4, 2026

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

Between training her upgraded skills, she focuses on conditioning and religiously attends physical therapy sessions.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 10, 2026

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

From Salon ● May 27, 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