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

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Recent Examples on the Web

Her family is also starting a scholarship fund to help other students pursuing a physical therapy doctorate, according to her obituary. — Fox News, "New Jersey student fatally hit by car 6 months before completing doctorate: report," 27 June 2019 Once Caleb was able to get out of bed, their time was occupied with physical therapy appointments, counseling sessions and guitar lessons. — Julie Jargon, WSJ, "For Two Men With Autism, 1,000 Miles Apart, Gaming Was a Portal to Friendship," 25 June 2019 Sharlene Johnson said the interaction occurred during a physical therapy session in 2016 with one of Mainwaring’s athletes, who competed in running events. — Giulia Mcdonnell Nieto Del Rio, latimes.com, "Track coach and former Olympian is charged with molesting a male athlete," 20 June 2019 Treatment options are limited to physical therapy to slow degeneration and surgery to correct orthopedic weaknesses. — Orla Mccaffrey, Dallas News, "Boston research company bets on UT Southwestern researcher's gene therapy," 18 June 2019 Another common reason people head to physical therapy is for rehabilitation after a surgery, usually with a prescription from a doctor. — SELF, "How to Know When You Should See a Physical Therapist," 1 June 2019 For instance, Legacy is working with the Texas Children’s Hospital where students go through training, paperwork and work on physical therapy. — Alvaro Montano, Houston Chronicle, "Legacy the School of Sport Sciences gearing up for ‘signature year’," 3 July 2019 Alexis Boledovic of Brook Park, a graduate of Berea-Midpark High School majoring in exercise science and pre-physical therapy. — Rich Heileman, cleveland.com, "Alumni golf fundraiser links with BHS All-Class Reunion: Around The Town," 28 June 2019 Her mother wanted to do something special for her and with the help of Make-A-Wish Foundation of Southern Florida, Ashtyn took part in a fun experience that also served as physical therapy — swimming with dolphins. — Austen Erblat, sun-sentinel.com, "Teen with cerebral palsy benefits from five days of dolphin-assisted therapy," 14 June 2019

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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20 Jul 2019

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The first known use of physical therapy was in 1919

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More Definitions for physical therapy

physical therapy

noun

English Language Learners Definition of physical therapy

US, medical : 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