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

called also physiotherapy

Examples of physical therapy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Many cyclists were seriously injured and faced months of physical therapy. Alexandra Hardle, The Arizona Republic, 13 Mar. 2024 But in certain cases, the knife can sever or damage the nerves and tendons in your hand, which typically requires surgery and, in some cases, multiple weeks of physical therapy. Ali Francis, Bon Appétit, 4 Mar. 2024 Both girls will attend physical therapy to build up their strength and mobility and will remain in casts for several months, reports Fox 4. Charna Flam, Peoplemag, 17 Feb. 2024 The role of robotics in physical therapy extends to areas beyond exoskeletons. Kyle Russell, The Arizona Republic, 23 Feb. 2024 Fewer but consistent numbers had challenges accessing surgery (13% and 15%, respectively), physical therapy or rehab (13% for both), or cardiology services (13% and 10%, respectively). Deb Gordon, Forbes, 22 Feb. 2024 Review the sources used below for this article: International journal of sports physical therapy. Cody Cottier, Discover Magazine, 20 Feb. 2024 The late senator was grievously wounded in World War II and spent years undergoing painful physical therapy. Mark Z. Barabak, Los Angeles Times, 14 Feb. 2024 The lawsuit says Hall was diagnosed with a right leg fracture in July, has weekly physical therapy appointments and experiences persistent pain and weakness in her legs. Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 28 Feb. 2024

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.

Word History

First Known Use

1901, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of physical therapy was in 1901

Dictionary Entries Near physical therapy

Cite this Entry

“Physical therapy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/physical%20therapy. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

physical therapy

noun
: the treatment of disease, injury, or disability especially by massage, exercise, water, or heat

Medical Definition

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
abbreviation PT

called also physiotherapy

More from Merriam-Webster on physical therapy

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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