physical therapy

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.

physical therapy

noun

1. another term for physiotherapy

Other Word Forms

• physical therapist noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of physical therapy¹

First recorded in 1920–25

Example Sentences

"It was a lot of physical therapy. It was a lot of being in a state of perpetual discomfort," she said.

From BBC

A few years ago, she couldn't fix her gaze on an object either - but thanks to physical therapy she can now even recognise herself in the mirror.

From BBC

He announced a postponement of his tour shortly afterwards, citing a medical condition that required him to undergo physical therapy as part of his recovery from a recent surgery.

From BBC

Deathracer413 is both a brotherhood and a sisterhood, says Tuli Lam, 31, a physical therapy student and one of the only women skaters in attendance today.

From Los Angeles Times

“Under his doctor’s instructions, Billy is undergoing specific physical therapy and has been advised to refrain from performing during this recovery period.”

From Los Angeles Times