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
She's been getting daily physical therapy and taking a few steps with a walker.
—Karen Weintraub, USA TODAY, 24 Apr. 2024
He would later be fitted with a prosthetic leg and undergo months of physical therapy at a base in Southern California.
—Judith Prieve, The Mercury News, 23 Apr. 2024
For instance: After pulling a muscle onstage, the actress had to go straight into physical therapy following a recent video interview from her London dressing room, depriving her of a chance to relay a treasured theatrical anecdote.
—Thomas Floyd, Washington Post, 9 Apr. 2024
Despite years of rigorous physical therapy, Brogdon struggles to lift his right leg higher than half of a soda can.
—The Arizona Republic, 7 Apr. 2024
These reductions are scheduled for June 10. — Hinge Health, a tech company that provides online physical therapy such as joint and muscle care, 77 staff cutbacks in San Francisco.
—George Avalos, The Mercury News, 17 Apr. 2024
As such, treatment can range from pain management, physical therapy, and light exercise to antidepressants, steroids, and anti-anxiety medications, among many others.
—Stephen C. George, Discover Magazine, 1 Apr. 2024
Depending on the type and severity of urinary incontinence, a healthcare provider may prescribe behavioral modification, weight loss, or physical therapy or recommend medication or surgical management.
—Madeleine Burry, Health, 30 Mar. 2024
In both tests, patients who received stimulation and therapy improved their scores dramatically compared to those who just received physical therapy.
—William A. Haseltine, Forbes, 16 Feb. 2024
Karen Weintraub, USA TODAY, 24 Apr. 2024
He would later be fitted with a prosthetic leg and undergo months of physical therapy at a base in Southern California.
—Judith Prieve, The Mercury News, 23 Apr. 2024
For instance: After pulling a muscle onstage, the actress had to go straight into physical therapy following a recent video interview from her London dressing room, depriving her of a chance to relay a treasured theatrical anecdote.
—Thomas Floyd, Washington Post, 9 Apr. 2024
Despite years of rigorous physical therapy, Brogdon struggles to lift his right leg higher than half of a soda can.
—The Arizona Republic, 7 Apr. 2024
These reductions are scheduled for June 10. — Hinge Health, a tech company that provides online physical therapy such as joint and muscle care, 77 staff cutbacks in San Francisco.
—George Avalos, The Mercury News, 17 Apr. 2024
As such, treatment can range from pain management, physical therapy, and light exercise to antidepressants, steroids, and anti-anxiety medications, among many others.
—Stephen C. George, Discover Magazine, 1 Apr. 2024
Depending on the type and severity of urinary incontinence, a healthcare provider may prescribe behavioral modification, weight loss, or physical therapy or recommend medication or surgical management.
—Madeleine Burry, Health, 30 Mar. 2024
In both tests, patients who received stimulation and therapy improved their scores dramatically compared to those who just received physical therapy.
—William A. Haseltine, Forbes, 16 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.
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 3 May. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share