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 The office said his physical therapy is aimed at reducing the risk of falling again. — Mary Clare Jalonick, Los Angeles Times, 12 July 2026 Television, lunch, physical therapy and more doctors’ appointments will follow. — Spencer Nusbaum, New York Times, 10 July 2026 Healthcare providers may recommend a combination of over-the-counter medications like Advil (ibuprofen) or Aleve (naproxen), physical therapy, corticosteroid injections, and medical-grade braces or orthotics to treat the pain. — Sukhman Rekhi, Verywell Health, 10 July 2026 Her integrated pediatric therapy practice offers speech, occupational, and physical therapy under one roof, drastically cutting intake from months to weeks. — Geri Stengel, Forbes.com, 7 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
  • Before Monday’s maneuver, the Russian ship informed HMS Tyne – a British patrol vessel – of its intention to conduct live-fire activity, CNN understands.
    — Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 21 July 2026
  • Geomagnetic activity is expected to increase late on Tuesday, July 21 and continue into Wednesday, July 22.
    — Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
Definition of activity
Noun
  • Hassan said Salah underwent physiotherapy this week and an evaluation from the medical team before rejoining the team for a partial practice on Wednesday.
    — Patrick Iversen, New York Times, 2 July 2026
  • Based on six modalities, spa, holistic health, fitness, physiotherapy, aesthetic beauty and nutrition – and offering almost 200 different sessions and treatments – the 15 retreat themes include a new one, Ageing Well.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026
Definition of physiotherapy
Noun
  • Without the air conditioning, security and electricity of the motel rooms, the plaintiffs are in danger, the suit alleges.
    — Theresa Clift, Sacbee.com, 16 July 2026
  • The appeal is using waste heat – the kind that leaks out of a data center or a bakery oven – to cool spaces without adding to the electrical load of conventional air conditioning.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 16 July 2026
Definition of conditioning
Noun
  • Once you’re finished, apply a fragrance-free moisturizer and avoid hot showers, tight clothing, and intense workouts for several hours if your skin feels irritated.
    — Iman Balagam, Vogue, 17 July 2026
  • Winning is his priority, with Antetokounmpo getting in a workout with Heat coaches on Thursday before his press conference.
    — Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 17 July 2026
Definition of workout
Noun
  • In 2021, Brouillette pursued a certification to become a professional firefighter through a program at Southern Maine Community College, which required both academic classes and field exercises, according to court documents.
    — Curt Devine, CNN Money, 18 July 2026
  • During the exercise, crews loaded 500-pound BDU-50 and 2,000-pound BDU-56 practice bombs onto the aircraft before releasing them over the Mountain Home bombing range.
    — Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 18 July 2026
Definition of exercise

Browse Nearby Words

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 24 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on physical therapy

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about physical therapy

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