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
Deborah Yettercalled also physiotherapy
Examples of physical therapy in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Beyond social enjoyment, they are used for physical therapy and exercise.
—Kathy Barnes, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 May 2024
However, the researchers say that interventions such as physical therapy and emotional and social support can help reduce the negative effects of the treatment.
—Fran Kritz, Verywell Health, 21 May 2024
Being able to walk was something the 17-year-old had been working toward in physical therapy in the months following the crash.
—Madeleine Parrish, The Arizona Republic, 20 May 2024
While in the program, kids with chronic pain receive daily doses of physical therapy, occupational therapy, psychotherapy, and recreational and music therapy by a team of providers who work together to coordinate care for each patient.
—Antje M. Barreveld, STAT, 16 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for physical therapy 
Kathy Barnes, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 May 2024
However, the researchers say that interventions such as physical therapy and emotional and social support can help reduce the negative effects of the treatment.
—Fran Kritz, Verywell Health, 21 May 2024
Being able to walk was something the 17-year-old had been working toward in physical therapy in the months following the crash.
—Madeleine Parrish, The Arizona Republic, 20 May 2024
While in the program, kids with chronic pain receive daily doses of physical therapy, occupational therapy, psychotherapy, and recreational and music therapy by a team of providers who work together to coordinate care for each patient.
—Antje M. Barreveld, STAT, 16 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for physical therapy
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'physical therapy.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Physical therapy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/physical%20therapy. Accessed 5 Jun. 2024.
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