physical therapy
noun
the treatment or management of physical disability, malfunction, or pain by exercise, massage, hydrotherapy, etc., without the use of medicines, surgery, or radiation.
the health profession that provides such care.
Nearby words
physical mixture, physical optics, physical pendulum, physical science, physical sign, physical therapy, physicalism, physicalistic, physicality, physicalize, physically
Origin of physical therapy
First recorded in 1920–25
Related formsphysical therapist, noun
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British Dictionary definitions for physical therapy
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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Medicine definitions for physical therapy
physical therapy
n.
The treatment of physical dysfunction or injury by the use of therapeutic exercise and the application of modalities that are intended to restore or facilitate normal function or development.physiatrics physiotherapy
Related formsphysical therapist n.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.