physical therapy

noun

1

: therapy that is used to preserve, enhance, or restore movement and physical function impaired or threatened by disease, injury, or disability and that utilizes therapeutic exercise, physical modalities (such as massage and electrotherapy), assistive devices, and patient education and training

—abbreviation PT

called also physiotherapy

2

plural physical therapies : a therapeutic treatment utilized in physical therapy

[Andrea] Behrman said the center's work consists of physical therapies aimed at "retraining" the spine in an effort to improve strength and mobility.

—Deborah Yetter

—abbreviation PT

called also physiotherapy

Examples of physical therapy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

These reductions are scheduled for June 10. — Hinge Health, a tech company that provides online physical therapy such as joint and muscle care, 77 staff cutbacks in San Francisco. —George Avalos, The Mercury News, 17 Apr. 2024

As such, treatment can range from pain management, physical therapy, and light exercise to antidepressants, steroids, and anti-anxiety medications, among many others. —Stephen C. George, Discover Magazine, 1 Apr. 2024

Depending on the type and severity of urinary incontinence, a healthcare provider may prescribe behavioral modification, weight loss, or physical therapy or recommend medication or surgical management. —Madeleine Burry, Health, 30 Mar. 2024

In both tests, patients who received stimulation and therapy improved their scores dramatically compared to those who just received physical therapy. —William A. Haseltine, Forbes, 16 Feb. 2024

The next 10 months were dedicated to at-home physical therapy. —Dave Quinn, Peoplemag, 5 Apr. 2024

After a few months of working on the problem—which included physical therapy—Sabedra-Buck says her symptoms on drives have vastly improved. —Ashley Abramson, SELF, 25 Mar. 2024

Barnaby is described as very social, and zoo officials say staff and volunteers visited him regularly after he was moved to an on-site hospital to receive physical therapy and heal. —Jennifer Rodriguez, Kansas City Star, 25 Mar. 2024

The facility will also offer podiatry, chiropractic services, physical therapy, imaging services, MRI, mammography and a pharmacy. —Binghui Huang, The Indianapolis Star, 22 Mar. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1901, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

physical therapy

noun

: the treatment of disease, injury, or disability especially by massage, exercise, water, or heat

Medical Definition

physical therapy

noun

1

: therapy that is used to preserve, enhance, or restore movement and physical function impaired or threatened by disease, injury, or disability and that utilizes therapeutic exercise, physical modalities (such as massage and electrotherapy), assistive devices, and patient education and training

—abbreviation PT

called also physiotherapy

2

plural physical therapies : a therapeutic treatment utilized in physical therapy

—abbreviation PT

called also physiotherapy