physical therapy

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 Jacob Blake is working hard in physical therapy, Justin Blake said. — Sophie Carson, USA TODAY, "Kenosha prepares for unrest, sets curfew ahead of expected charging decision in Jacob Blake shooting," 5 Jan. 2021 Aiello, after learning to walk again and being discharged back to his home, is still in physical therapy five times a week. — Emily Brindley, courant.com, "Damaged nerves, scarred lungs, exhausted bodies: Some COVID-19 patients face a long haul that can last for months," 27 Dec. 2020 Rosett, a Bloomfield Hills resident who owned physical therapy clinics and a police report collection business, also took a plea deal last year along with the two police officers but has yet to be sentenced. — Jc Reindl, Detroit Free Press, "Metro Detroit law firms tied to schemes to solicit crash victims," 25 Dec. 2020 Ideally, when clients have a limited range of motion or experience pain, their trainer should refer them to physical therapy, and the two providers should then collaborate. — Washington Post, "Personal trainer certification: What to look for when hiring an instructor," 2 Dec. 2020 Lucy is in physical therapy, and may be for the rest of her life, Maggie said. — Hannah Kirby, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "A Brookfield 10-year-old started limping during a soccer game. It was caused by a rare cancer -- and now she's beat it.," 6 Oct. 2020 Tara Martin, a graduate of Brunswick High School majoring in pre-physical therapy, earned a $15,000 Fellow’s Scholarship. — Sam Boyer, cleveland, "Tri-C Brunswick University Center hosts Triceratops Tuesday enrollment event," 2 Oct. 2020 The Orthopaedic Group plans to open a physical therapy office there. — Kathy Jumper, al, "Fairhope commercial center sells," 20 Dec. 2020 Morasco, who has served on the council since 2010, owns and operates a physical therapy practice. — Joe Tash, San Diego Union-Tribune, "Escondido council swears in two new members, one incumbent," 11 Dec. 2020

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 2021

Cite this Entry

“Physical therapy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/physical%20therapy. Accessed 18 Jan. 2021.

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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

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