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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Kara spends three hours in physical therapy and occupational therapy each day. — Kelsey Mo, azcentral, "UA student recounts sudden paralysis during trip to Spain," 3 July 2018 Other pain interventions include physical therapy or exercise. — Sandy Bauers, Philly.com, "Can we relieve suffering, avoid drug misuse - and not become 'opioid phobic'?," 15 June 2018 Always wanting to help others in need, Cathy built a career in physical therapy which lasted more than 30 years. — Hartford Courant, courant.com, "Cathy M. Chobot," 12 May 2018 The longtime Republican senator has been undergoing physical therapy related to brain cancer treatment at his family home near Sedona, Arizona, since December. — Bloomberg.com, "McCain Recovering From Surgery in Phoenix, Office Says," 16 Apr. 2018 Edith was gaining weight, getting physical therapy, taking all her medications and was well adjusted, according to her court report. — Judith Graham, Washington Post, "A Tale of Love, Family Conflict And Battles Over Care For An Aging Mother," 1 Mar. 2018 There's new techniques of physical therapy out there. — Richard Obert, azcentral, "Former world record holder getting Arizona high school athletes to believe in dreams," 6 July 2018 Get your history fix in one place: sign up for the weekly TIME History newsletter After years of intense physical therapy FDR only had minimal use of the muscles in his legs. — Gabby Raymond, Time, "Why Newly Discovered Video Footage of Franklin D. Roosevelt Walking Is a Big Deal," 28 June 2018 Multiple studies show the benefits of inpatient physical therapy over in-home care. — Houston Chronicle, "5 tips for navigating rehab after a hospital stay," 15 June 2018

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

12 Oct 2018

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Time Traveler for physical therapy

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

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