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
In a controversial move, the Department of Education last year decided that certain healthcare studies – such as nursing, physician assistants and physical therapy – were not considered professional programs.
—
Tami Luhby,
CNN Money,
1 July 2026
Others newly added to the professional list include degrees for physical therapy, athletic training, speech-language pathology, physician associates and anesthesiologist assistants.
—
Collin Binkley,
Los Angeles Times,
30 June 2026
Students pursuing physical therapy, physician assistant, and nursing degrees were originally included in this group.
—
Lauren Sausser,
CBS News,
30 June 2026
Allows high-school coaches to use their own money, up to $15,000 a year per team, on food, physical therapy and transportation — but not recruiting — for their players (SB 178).
—
Jim Turner,
Miami Herald,
30 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for physical therapy
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Tami Luhby,
CNN Money,
1 July 2026
Others newly added to the professional list include degrees for physical therapy, athletic training, speech-language pathology, physician associates and anesthesiologist assistants.
—
Collin Binkley,
Los Angeles Times,
30 June 2026
Students pursuing physical therapy, physician assistant, and nursing degrees were originally included in this group.
—
Lauren Sausser,
CBS News,
30 June 2026
Allows high-school coaches to use their own money, up to $15,000 a year per team, on food, physical therapy and transportation — but not recruiting — for their players (SB 178).
—
Jim Turner,
Miami Herald,
30 June 2026
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 Jul. 2026.
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