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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Examples of physical therapy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Byrne suffered a brain injury in the attack, and still is going through physical therapy to address neurological issues, Assistant District Attorney Carolyn Livanos said. — Heather Nolan, NOLA.com, "4 plead guilty in French Quarter attack on Boston tourists, who asked for leniency in the case," 22 May 2018 There was a slight ‘maybe’ for like 10 seconds (before deciding on physical therapy). — Todd Rosiak, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Notes: Lefty Boone Logan feels healthy and ready to make his first outing for the Brewers," 1 Mar. 2018 Erin went through extensive physical therapy after the explosion. — Chris Sikich, Indianapolis Star, "Castleton Kmart bombing victim surprises Carmel firefighter who saved her in 1989," 16 Jan. 2018 Overall, the team found yoga to be just as effective as physical therapy; both options reduced pain and improved mobility. — Daisy Yuhas, Scientific American, "Forget Pills and Surgery for Back Pain," 1 Oct. 2017 Identifying problems early is critical so that the children can get physical therapy or other care to help them manage or lessen the symptoms. — Betsy Mckay, WSJ, "Zika’s Long-Term Toll Is Heavy for Children," 7 Aug. 2018 In March, Charlie started physical therapy in the hospital to learn to walk again. — Lindsey Vehlewald, SELF, "We Never Got Flu Shots. Then the Flu Almost Killed My Husband," 9 Nov. 2018 Or, the topic of tearing during child birth, says Ryan, who cites France as a country that offers great physical therapy for new moms who experience the all-too common rupture during child birth. — Kate Branch, Vogue, "Finally, a Video About Breast Self-Exams You’ll Actually Want to Watch," 2 Aug. 2018 From the Enquirer archives, Kevin Flynn talks about his daily life and undergoing physical therapy to one day walk again. — Jason Williams, Cincinnati.com, "PX column: As always, Kevin Flynn keeps his word, rises out of wheelchair at daughter's wedding," 9 July 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

16 Feb 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