physical therapist
noun
plural physical therapists
: a person licensed to practice physical therapy : a health care professional who provides therapy to preserve, enhance, or restore movement and physical function that are impaired or threatened by disease, injury, or disability
… a physical therapist can show you exercises to maintain strength and movement in the affected area and may also use transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation …—
Self Healing
Self HealingWhile activity may worsen pain, activity directed by physical therapists, which may be done in therapy sessions and sometimes at home, provides some relief.—Schenectady (New York) Daily Gazette
—abbreviation PT
Schenectady (New York) Daily Gazettecalled also physiotherapist
Examples of physical therapist in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
As fall experts, physical therapists have specialized knowledge in assessing patients and tailoring treatment plans to prevent falls.
—Dp Opinion, Denver Post, 10 Feb. 2026
There, medical professionals, psychologists, and physical therapists can work together to create personalized treatment plans to help guide a patient’s recovery.
—Jillian Pretzel, Parents, 6 Feb. 2026
The National Center for Health Workforce Analysis has projected national shortages in 2038 of many types of health care workers, including nurses, physical therapists, dental hygienists and physicians, among others.
—Lisa Schencker, Chicago Tribune, 5 Feb. 2026
Students pursuing degrees in public health, nursing, social work, and those working to become physician assistants, physical therapists, and more were excluded from the professional category.
—Theresa Gaffney, STAT, 2 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for physical therapist
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Dp Opinion, Denver Post, 10 Feb. 2026
There, medical professionals, psychologists, and physical therapists can work together to create personalized treatment plans to help guide a patient’s recovery.
—Jillian Pretzel, Parents, 6 Feb. 2026
The National Center for Health Workforce Analysis has projected national shortages in 2038 of many types of health care workers, including nurses, physical therapists, dental hygienists and physicians, among others.
—Lisa Schencker, Chicago Tribune, 5 Feb. 2026
Students pursuing degrees in public health, nursing, social work, and those working to become physician assistants, physical therapists, and more were excluded from the professional category.
—Theresa Gaffney, STAT, 2 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for physical therapist
Cite this Entry
“Physical therapist.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/physical%20therapist. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
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