physical therapy

noun

Definition of physical therapynext
as in activity
US, medical the treatment of a disease or an injury of the muscles or joints with massage, strengthening movements, heat, etc.

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of physical therapy According to her professional website, Waddell is the founder of Art of Movement Physical Therapy and earned a doctorate in physical therapy from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. — Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 27 July 2026 Mild to moderate carpal tunnel is increasingly managed with splinting, corticosteroids, physical therapy, therapeutic ultrasound and yoga, per the American Academy of Family Physicians. — Samantha Agate, Sacbee.com, 25 July 2026 Conservative options such as splinting, corticosteroids, physical therapy and yoga may help mild to moderate cases. — Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 25 July 2026 Formal guidance on adult prone positioning from a major physical therapy body such as the American Physical Therapy Association. — Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 23 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for physical therapy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for physical therapy
  1. activity
  2. physiotherapy
  3. conditioning
  4. workout
  5. exercise
Noun
  • Tourism accounts for roughly 7% of local GDP, and traffic restrictions and evacuations caused by the wildfires continue to affect tourism activity.
    — , CNBC, 4 Aug. 2026
  • As part of the week’s activities, Oreatha’s at the Point will host Dining in the District featuring city council member Wayne Martin.
    — Olivia Wakim, AJC.com, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of activity
Noun
  • In his memoir, Spare, Prince Harry described his father doing headstands and physiotherapy for neck and back pain.
    — Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Suzanne Snodgrass, head of physiotherapy at the University of Newcastle, told The Guardian the move mostly benefits the lower back.
    — Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 23 July 2026
Definition of physiotherapy
Noun
  • More than 40 weekly fitness experiences invite guests to move with intention, from sunrise yoga and Pilates sessions to high-energy strength and conditioning classes led by expert instructors.
    — Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 31 July 2026
  • The lower level also includes a separate heating, ventilation and air conditioning system, three guest suites, and a bunk suite sleeping four.
    — Joe Marusak July 31, Charlotte Observer, 31 July 2026
Definition of conditioning
Noun
  • Combined with the spacious 24/7 gym, all your workout needs should be covered.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Aug. 2026
  • In recent days, Witt has undergone full workouts with the Royals’ medical staff.
    — Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of workout
Noun
  • Mental exercise can be just as enriching as physical activity.
    — Cathy M. Rosenthal, Chicago Tribune, 1 Aug. 2026
  • That would be news to Big Pharma, which has invested billions developing wildly popular obesity drugs, not to mention the decades of public-health campaigns devoted to diet, exercise and weight loss.
    — Letters to the Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of exercise

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physical therapists
physical therapy
physician
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Cite this Entry

“Physical therapy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/physical%20therapy. Accessed 6 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on physical therapy

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about physical therapy

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