PHYSICAL THERAPY

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does physical therapy mean? 

• PHYSICAL THERAPY (noun)
  The noun PHYSICAL THERAPY has 1 sense:

1. therapy that uses physical agents: exercise and massage and other modalities

  Familiarity information: PHYSICAL THERAPY used as a noun is very rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• PHYSICAL THERAPY (noun)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Therapy that uses physical agents: exercise and massage and other modalities

Classified under:

Nouns denoting acts or actions

Synonyms:

physiatrics; physical therapy; physiotherapy

Hypernyms ("physical therapy" is a kind of...):

therapy ((medicine) the act of caring for someone (as by medication or remedial training etc.))

Meronyms (parts of "physical therapy"):

modality (a method of therapy that involves physical or electrical therapeutic treatment)

Hyponyms (each of the following is a kind of "physical therapy"):

rehabilitation (the treatment of physical disabilities by massage and electrotherapy and exercises)

Derivation:

physical therapist (therapist who treats injury or dysfunction with exercises and other physical treatments of the disorder)

 Context examples 

If other treatments such as physical therapy, pain medicines, and exercise haven't helped, hip replacement surgery might be an option for you.

(Hip Replacement, NIH: National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases)

Treatment for hip disorders may include rest, medicines, physical therapy, or surgery, including hip replacement.

(Hip Injuries and Disorders, NIH)

Treatments include rest, pain and anti-inflammatory medicines, physical therapy, and sometimes surgery.

(Herniated Disk, NIH: National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases)

Medicines and physical therapy can help maintain movement and reduce swelling and pain.

(Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis, NIH: National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases)

Medicines, speech therapy and physical therapy might help with symptoms.

(Leukodystrophies, NIH: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke)

For example, physical therapy can be used to restore arm and shoulder movement and build back strength after breast cancer surgery.

(Physical therapy, NCI Dictionary)

Treatment depends on the cause, but may include applying ice, taking pain relievers, getting physical therapy or wearing a cervical collar.

(Neck Injuries and Disorders, NIH)

Physical therapy can help you adapt.

(Limb Loss, NIH)

Treatment focuses on relieving the pain, and can include medicines, physical therapy, and nerve blocks.

(Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, NIH: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke)

Treatment involves managing symptoms, often with medicines and physical therapy.

(Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, NIH)