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

“If you like, I can refer you to physical therapy as well.”

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 14, 2026

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

From Salon ● May 27, 2026

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

I went to physical therapy twice a week for a few months, and did some basic stretching and core exercises, which was a total drag.

From "I Will Always Write Back" by Caitlin Alifirenka and Martin Ganda