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
Weight loss is not one-size-fits-all, and your provider may recommend dietary changes, physical therapy, behavioral counseling, medication or even surgical interventions depending on your situation.
—Raul Rosenthal, Sun Sentinel, 7 Jan. 2025
But having a total knee replacement is also an invasive procedure, often involving a several days long stay in the hospital, followed by six months to a year of physical therapy.
—Dana Taylor, USA TODAY, 6 Jan. 2025
In addition to completing hours of physical therapy and rehab, Will slowly returned to puzzle making and editing throughout the year.
—Everdeen Mason, New York Times, 29 Dec. 2024
The Cleveland Clinic states that spondylolisthesis can typically be managed with rest, over-the-counter medications, corticosteroids, physical therapy or wearing a brace.
—Vanessa Etienne, People.com, 13 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for physical therapy 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Raul Rosenthal, Sun Sentinel, 7 Jan. 2025
But having a total knee replacement is also an invasive procedure, often involving a several days long stay in the hospital, followed by six months to a year of physical therapy.
—Dana Taylor, USA TODAY, 6 Jan. 2025
In addition to completing hours of physical therapy and rehab, Will slowly returned to puzzle making and editing throughout the year.
—Everdeen Mason, New York Times, 29 Dec. 2024
The Cleveland Clinic states that spondylolisthesis can typically be managed with rest, over-the-counter medications, corticosteroids, physical therapy or wearing a brace.
—Vanessa Etienne, People.com, 13 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for physical therapy
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 18 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share