physical therapy

noun

Definition of physical therapy

: therapy for the preservation, enhancement, or restoration of movement and physical function impaired or threatened by disease, injury, or disability that utilizes therapeutic exercise, physical modalities (such as massage and electrotherapy), assistive devices, and patient education and training

— called also physiotherapy

Other Words from physical therapy Example Sentences Learn More About physical therapy

Examples of physical therapy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Yonts said Messiah’s treatment plan, including physical therapy, resembles concussion treatment. — BostonGlobe.com, 8 Aug. 2021 Kalfas said alternative methods – from prescribed ibuprofen to physical therapy – should be the first line of treatment for pain. — Terry Demio, The Enquirer, 2 Dec. 2021 Sells is still going to physical therapy to build back his strength and stamina. — Nadia Kounang, CNN, 5 Nov. 2021 But Horford was able to intensify his weight-room sessions while also experimenting with new approaches to physical therapy. — BostonGlobe.com, 28 Sep. 2021 After several surgeries and a serious infection, Brittney was finally discharged from the hospital and started going to physical therapy multiple times per week. — Joelle Goldstein, PEOPLE.com, 19 July 2021 He’s undergone weeks of physical therapy and counseling, and his 11-year-old daughter continues in therapy. — Guillermo Contreras, San Antonio Express-News, 7 Oct. 2021 Aya Biran added the boy has been undergoing both physical therapy and psychotherapy since his hospital release and was due to have follow-up medical visits this week, including one in Turin. — Greg Norman, Fox News, 13 Sep. 2021 Hou was planning to do surgery this summer but decided to focus more on physical therapy and exercise. — Golfweek, The Arizona Republic, 7 Aug. 2021

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'physical therapy.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Last Updated

11 Jan 2022

Cite this Entry

“Physical therapy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/physical%20therapy. Accessed 17 Jan. 2022.

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More Definitions for physical therapy

physical therapy

noun

English Language Learners Definition of physical therapy

: the treatment of a disease or an injury of the muscles or joints with massage, exercises, heat, etc.

See the full definition for physical therapy in the English Language Learners Dictionary

physical therapy

noun

Medical Definition of physical therapy

: therapy for the preservation, enhancement, or restoration of movement and physical function impaired or threatened by disability, injury, or disease that utilizes therapeutic exercise, physical modalities (as massage and electrotherapy), assistive devices, and patient education and training

— called also physiotherapy