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
The university hopes to open other programs under the health sciences school soon, including occupational therapy, physical therapy and physician assistant training, as well as expanding its partnerships with local organizations, Fuentes said.
—Lily Kepner, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025
On the short-term side, services are designed to prevent unnecessary hospitalizations through skilled medical care like nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and medical social work.
—Malana Vantyler, USA Today, 30 July 2025
One video shows Ben, 41, laying down on a table as Erin's brother, Clark Rasberry — a doctor of physical therapy at Optimal Performance PT — works on Ben’s ankle using a StemWave machine.
—Natalia Senanayake, People.com, 29 July 2025
Currently, there is no cure for Parkinson's, but physical therapy can help slow progression of the disease and a healthy diet can promote overall well-being, according to Abu-Hadid.
—Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 23 July 2025
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Lily Kepner, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025
On the short-term side, services are designed to prevent unnecessary hospitalizations through skilled medical care like nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and medical social work.
—Malana Vantyler, USA Today, 30 July 2025
One video shows Ben, 41, laying down on a table as Erin's brother, Clark Rasberry — a doctor of physical therapy at Optimal Performance PT — works on Ben’s ankle using a StemWave machine.
—Natalia Senanayake, People.com, 29 July 2025
Currently, there is no cure for Parkinson's, but physical therapy can help slow progression of the disease and a healthy diet can promote overall well-being, according to Abu-Hadid.
—Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 23 July 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 Aug. 2025.
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