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 best thing is physical therapy, but no one will pay for that. So doctors get very ready to pull out the prescription pad.”

From Salon • 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

The firm offered to pay for all of his medical bills and one year of physical therapy “as a form of restitution,” according to the complaint.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 10, 2026

Fewer than half of people diagnosed with osteoarthritis are referred to exercise programs or physical therapy by their primary care provider.

From Science Daily • Mar. 4, 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