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
Holmgren did physical therapy to adjust his movements and solve strength issues.
—Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 24 May 2025
Andrew Kunin, who holds a doctorate in physical therapy and has been working at the Johns Hopkins Outpatient Physical Therapy Clinic, agrees with Dr. Katz.
—Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 23 May 2025
At the time, the singer expected a full recovery after physical therapy.
—Christie D’zurilla, Los Angeles Times, 23 May 2025
This health condition has been made worse by recent concert performances, leading to problems with hearing, vision, and balance, per a statement obtained by PEOPLE that was then posted on his Instagram.
Joel, 76, is undergoing specific physical therapy under his doctor's instructions.
—Marina Watts, People.com, 23 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for physical therapy
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Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 24 May 2025
Andrew Kunin, who holds a doctorate in physical therapy and has been working at the Johns Hopkins Outpatient Physical Therapy Clinic, agrees with Dr. Katz.
—Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 23 May 2025
At the time, the singer expected a full recovery after physical therapy.
—Christie D’zurilla, Los Angeles Times, 23 May 2025
This health condition has been made worse by recent concert performances, leading to problems with hearing, vision, and balance, per a statement obtained by PEOPLE that was then posted on his Instagram.
Joel, 76, is undergoing specific physical therapy under his doctor's instructions.
—Marina Watts, People.com, 23 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for physical therapy
Cite this Entry
“Physical therapy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/physical%20therapy. Accessed 5 Jun. 2025.
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