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

From Salon • May 27, 2026

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

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

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

Each day had been filled with surgeries and follow-up surgeries, physical therapy, daily visits from his mother and from Garvey, and a constant flow of visitors from the Circle wishing him well.

From "Touching Spirit Bear" by Ben Mikaelsen