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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 Recovery involves four weeks of immobilization, followed by physical therapy for up to three months, with a full return to strenuous activity expected around six months post-surgery. — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026 Here, Varghese coordinates their physical therapy, builds their braces, fabricates their prostheses, and operates on their limbs, should things come to that. — Eli Cahan, Rolling Stone, 21 Aug. 2026 Research suggests stretching and other physical therapy approaches can help restore movement in patients experiencing it, but recovery time can vary from person to person; some patients undergo month of treatment before noticing any improvement. — Emily Cegielski, Flow Space, 17 Aug. 2026 He was discharged from rehab earlier this month and is continuing physical therapy at home. — Kiara Moore, The Washington Examiner, 16 Aug. 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
  • As agents become more autonomous, distinguishing legitimate AI activity from malicious activity will also become more difficult.
    — Shane Buckley, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2026
  • European leaders convene in Finland’s Arctic capital as melting ice opens new shipping lanes and resource frontiers, intensifying Russian military activity and exposing doubts about NATO’s long-term role in regional security.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 14 Sep. 2026
Definition of activity
Noun
  • There are also sessions of Cranio Sacral Balance, EmSella pelvic-floor activation, Exomind brain stimulation, lymphatic drainage, and physiotherapy.
    — Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 23 Aug. 2026
  • Heverin is undergoing daily physiotherapy to improve her ability to walk and receiving speech therapy at least twice a week.
    — Latoya Gayle, PEOPLE, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of physiotherapy
Noun
  • Kyle Shanahan even handed out one of the game balls to strength and conditioning coach Dustin Perry.
    — Matt Barrows, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
  • This week’s soaring temperatures alarmed students and parents of the Torrance Unified School District, where some campuses do not have air conditioning.
    — Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 10 Sep. 2026
Definition of conditioning
Noun
  • This was back in July, less than a week before the Longhorns would head into full preseason workouts, and Manning admitted that his golf days were numbered.
    — Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 11 Sep. 2026
  • And both are tracking their stress levels, workouts and sleep, with Oura rings or Whoop bands.
    — Rachael Akhidenor, Vogue, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of workout
Noun
  • They may also be put through an exercise test on a treadmill or stationary bike.
    — Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026
  • The team conducted dozens of complete exercises at sea, along with demonstrations at the pier.
    — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 5 Sep. 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 15 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on physical therapy

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about physical therapy

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