as in activity
US, medical
the treatment of a disease or an injury of the muscles or joints with massage, strengthening movements, heat, etc.
Related Words
Relevance
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
There is no cure for ALS, but progress can be slowed with medication and physical therapy.
—
David Matthews, New York Daily News, 2 Mar. 2026
Many people who seek medical attention are also prescribed exercises and stretches as part of physical therapy.
—Allison Aubrey, NPR, 2 Mar. 2026
Too many people, particularly those in my age group, have been felled by a cold that morphed into pneumonia, or a UTI that landed them in the hospital, or a simple stumble on a floor mat that resulted in surgery and months of physical therapy.
—Donna Vickroy, Chicago Tribune, 27 Feb. 2026
When doctors in the United States refer patients to specialty or post-acute medical care such as physical therapy or long-term nursing care, nearly half never complete the process of finding help.
—IEEE Spectrum, 26 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for physical therapy
David Matthews, New York Daily News, 2 Mar. 2026
Many people who seek medical attention are also prescribed exercises and stretches as part of physical therapy.
—Allison Aubrey, NPR, 2 Mar. 2026
Too many people, particularly those in my age group, have been felled by a cold that morphed into pneumonia, or a UTI that landed them in the hospital, or a simple stumble on a floor mat that resulted in surgery and months of physical therapy.
—Donna Vickroy, Chicago Tribune, 27 Feb. 2026
When doctors in the United States refer patients to specialty or post-acute medical care such as physical therapy or long-term nursing care, nearly half never complete the process of finding help.
—IEEE Spectrum, 26 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for physical therapy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for physical therapy
Noun
-
The innovation enables an autonomous drone to record important operational and sensor data directly onto a blockchain during flight, creating a secure and tamper-resistant record of its activities.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
9 Mar. 2026
-
Fuel prices in Asia have surged in recent days as processors reduce activity rates due to a shortage of crude, while state-of-the-art refineries in the Middle East cut production as storage runs out.—
Nicholas Lua,
Bloomberg,
9 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Edward now receives physiotherapy up to five times a week after the family moved to London, per the outlet.—
Becca Longmire,
PEOPLE,
31 Dec. 2025
-
Others may find alternative treatments, like physiotherapy (physical therapy) to be helpful.—
Shiv Sudhakar,
FOXNews.com,
20 Dec. 2025
Noun
-
Then the air conditioning expert comes along and changes it a bit.—
Ed Meza,
Variety,
11 Mar. 2026
-
Choice Home Warranty Learn More Plans Choice's Basic Plan covers many appliances and systems, but the Total Plan adds air conditioning, washers, dryers and refrigerators.—
Kelsey Neubauer,Liz Knueven,
CNBC,
11 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
To refuel after your workout, grab some Magura Bros poke or a tropical smoothie bowl at the nearby Sunrise Shack.—
Kristine Thomason,
Outside,
9 Mar. 2026
-
Why Entrepreneurs Are Paying Attention The economics of Iron Bodyfit are designed to be as lean as the workouts themselves.—
William Jones,
USA Today,
9 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Tillman was the first selection in a schoolyard pick ’em of NFL players past and present being divided into teams, not for a scrimmage or football game, but for an exercise in which Tillman and other NFL stars would be tasked with making a short film.—
Brian Welk,
IndieWire,
10 Mar. 2026
-
These exercises can be performed using free weights, resistance bands, bodyweight movements or even household items, such as soup cans.—
Kelly McGreal,
FOXNews.com,
10 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Physical therapy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/physical%20therapy. Accessed 13 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
