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
Sorensen had interest from college coaches but will enter the physical therapy program at Saint Louis.
—Matt Le Cren, Chicago Tribune, 24 May 2026
The high school graduate plans to focus on his rehabilitation and physical therapy and hopes to be able to walk with the aid of a cane one day.
—Gabrielle Rockson, PEOPLE, 22 May 2026
Come July 1, students seeking advanced degrees in nursing, physician assistant studies and physical therapy among other professions will not be able to borrow more than $20,500 per year or $100,000 total in federal student loans.
—Tarini Mehta, Sacbee.com, 20 May 2026
Now in a Dallas County jail, Rice will be unable to get the type of physical therapy that a professional athlete needs to help recover from surgery.
—Jeff Fedotin, Forbes.com, 20 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for physical therapy
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Matt Le Cren, Chicago Tribune, 24 May 2026
The high school graduate plans to focus on his rehabilitation and physical therapy and hopes to be able to walk with the aid of a cane one day.
—Gabrielle Rockson, PEOPLE, 22 May 2026
Come July 1, students seeking advanced degrees in nursing, physician assistant studies and physical therapy among other professions will not be able to borrow more than $20,500 per year or $100,000 total in federal student loans.
—Tarini Mehta, Sacbee.com, 20 May 2026
Now in a Dallas County jail, Rice will be unable to get the type of physical therapy that a professional athlete needs to help recover from surgery.
—Jeff Fedotin, Forbes.com, 20 May 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 24 May. 2026.
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