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

called also physiotherapy

Examples of physical therapy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The funds will be used for medical bills, physical therapy, accommodative equipment, family lodging and basic needs like wipes and diapers. Chevall Pryce, Baltimore Sun, 17 July 2025 The proposal calls for an 18,000-square-foot building with offices, classrooms, physical therapy rooms and concessions. Karen Sorensen, Chicago Tribune, 10 July 2025 And then after that went, to go to my physical therapy appointments to practice my kegel exercises. Vanessa Etienne, People.com, 8 July 2025 Sword, which was founded in Portugal and is now based in New York, offers tools for digital physical therapy, pelvic health and movement health to help patients manage pain from home and avoid other treatments such as opioids and surgery. Ashley Capoot, CNBC, 17 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for physical therapy

Word History

First Known Use

1901, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of physical therapy was in 1901

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Cite this Entry

“Physical therapy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/physical%20therapy. Accessed 23 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

physical therapy

noun
: the treatment of disease, injury, or disability especially by massage, exercise, water, or heat

Medical Definition

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
abbreviation PT

called also physiotherapy

More from Merriam-Webster on physical therapy

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