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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Examples of physical therapy in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web Home care workers don’t provide medical care or physical therapy.
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Katy Read, Star Tribune, "Home care providers and clients rally for support from Minnesota legislators," 10 Oct. 2020 Treatment includes a combination of medicine and physical therapy, if needed, along with psychological counseling and lifestyle changes, particularly with diet and sleep habits.
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David Tarrant, Dallas News, "As pandemic wears on, parents should watch for symptoms of anxiety among children, doctors say," 18 Aug. 2020 Humanity & Inclusion provides rehabilitation services and post-surgical physical therapy.
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Sarah Midkiff, refinery29.com, "Beirut Needs Your Help: How To Support The City & Where To Donate Right Now," 6 Aug. 2020 There is no specific treatment, other than supportive care and physical therapy to help patients regain strength.
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NBC News, "Cases of polio-like illness may increase among children, CDC warns," 4 Aug. 2020 That might include things like having a visiting nurse come to the home, oxygen in the home, and physical therapy.
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Elizabeth Cooney, STAT, "What goes into the decision to discharge a president with Covid-19?," 5 Oct. 2020 Despite the discomfort of physical therapy, Michael looked forward to it every day.
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Anna Kuchment, Dallas News, "Sick with COVID-19, Michael Hoffman spent 30 days on a ventilator last spring. He’s still recovering," 3 Oct. 2020 Anna Iversen said months of physical therapy followed and her husband suffered lead poisoning from the bullets that lodged in his body.
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Washington Post, "Over jury’s regrets, judge sentences Army veteran to lengthy term in prison," 30 Sep. 2020 The Logitech MX is almost $100, which is pricey to be sure, but cheaper than physical therapy.
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Malia Griggs, SELF, "This Ergonomic Mouse Is Perfect for Your Achy Wrists," 29 Sep. 2020
See MoreThese 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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Time Traveler for physical therapy
The first known use of physical therapy was in 1919
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