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

Some examples of medical costs in Ecuador that I have paid: $20 for a physical, $40 to see a specialist, $200 for 10 sessions of physical therapy, $225 for an MRI, and $15 for X-rays.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 19, 2026

The TV doc is on blood thinners now and is still doing some physical therapy after spending two months post-stroke working through PT and occupational therapy.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 14, 2026

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

From Salon • Mar. 17, 2026

For example, in the civilian context, when construction workers fall off scaffolds and can’t walk until receiving surgery and physical therapy, their employers have to provide them workers’ compensation.

From Slate • Feb. 19, 2026

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

From "The Running Dream" by Wendelin Van Draanen