physical therapy
physical therapy — noun
1. The use of exercise, massage, stretching, and other hands-on methods to help peo
The use of exercise, massage, stretching, and other hands-on methods to help people recover from injuries or health problems — instead of relying on drugs or surgery.
After breaking her leg, Ayesha went to physical therapy three times each week.
undergo physical therapy for a specific injury
The doctor recommended physical therapy to help Michael regain strength in his shoulder.
recommend physical therapy by a doctor
Many older adults attend physical therapy to improve their balance and avoid falls.
Camila found that physical therapy helped her walk again after the car accident.
- physiotherapy
the exact same concept; much more common in British English than American English
- rehab
informal shortening of rehabilitation; broader in meaning and can include drug therapy or counseling
- drug therapy
treatment that relies on medication rather than physical methods
用法筆記
Often shortened to PT in spoken and written medical contexts. In British English, the synonym physiotherapy is more common.
常見錯誤
2. The job or career of helping people recover from injuries and health problems th
The job or career of helping people recover from injuries and health problems through exercise, massage, and other hands-on treatments, especially as a qualified professional.
Reuben decided to study physical therapy after watching his aunt recover from a stroke.
study physical therapy as an academic degree
After earning her physical therapy license, Heather began treating stroke patients at a downtown rehabilitation center.
license in physical therapy + begin treating patients
Ziad has worked in physical therapy for over fifteen years at the city hospital.
Brooke counsels patients at a rehabilitation clinic and finds her work in physical therapy deeply rewarding.
- physiotherapy
used as the name of the profession in British English and many Commonwealth countries
用法筆記
A person who works in this profession is called a physical therapist (US) or a physiotherapist (UK). The field is also sometimes referred to as physiotherapy.
常見錯誤
3. A particular set of exercises and treatments designed for one person as they rec
A particular set of exercises and treatments designed for one person as they recover from a specific injury, operation, or health condition.
The physical therapy for Tamás's knee injury includes balance exercises and gentle stretching.
physical therapy for + body part / condition
My physical therapy helped me walk without pain for the first time in two years.
Reema's physical therapy was adjusted when her shoulder pain did not improve after four weeks.
Théo's physical therapy after the skiing accident included balancing on a foam cushion while reaching for objects.
- rehabilitation program
broader term that may include other therapies alongside physical methods
- PT program
informal abbreviation used by medical professionals and patients
用法筆記
Frequently used with a possessive (my, his, the patient's) or a determiner (this, that) to refer to a specific course of treatment rather than the general concept.