Physical Therapy

physical therapy

physiotherapy,

treatment of disorders of the muscles, bones, or joints by means of physical agents—heat, light, water, manual and electronic massage, and exercise. Stroke, arthritis, fractures, and nerve damage are common conditions treated. The type of treatment needed is prescribed by a physician and carried out by trained physiotherapists. The therapist attempts to prevent pain or further damage and may also train different muscles to compensate for ones that have been damaged. Whirlpool baths are valuable in treating injuries and chronic inflammatory conditions. Ultrasoundultrasound
or sonography,
in medicine, technique that uses sound waves to study and treat hard-to-reach body areas. In scanning with ultrasound, high-frequency sound waves are transmitted to the area of interest and the returning echoes recorded (for more detail, see
..... Click the link for more information. and short-wave diathermydiathermy
, therapeutic measure used in medicine to generate heat in the body tissues. Electrodes and other instruments are used to transmit electric current to surface structures, thereby increasing the local blood circulation and facilitating and accelerating the process of
..... Click the link for more information. may be employed for some disorders. Massage (a passive form of exercise) provides stimulation of nerves and prevents muscular atrophy in body areas disabled by paralysis or rheumatic disorders. Active exercises are also prescribed as treatment for various conditions. Physiotherapy is important in sports, not only as part of the conditioning program but also in treating injuries.

Physical Therapy

therapeutic exercise, the method of treating and preventing illness that involves the use of physical exercises and natural factors and includes mechanotherapy, occupational therapy, and massage.

A variety of therapeutic exercises is used in physical therapy, including calisthenics (the simplest and most convenient for sick persons), sports (walking, skiing, terrain cure, swimming, hiking), and games (rowing, skittles, badminton, volleyball). Therapeutic exercise is a method of general, nonspecific, active, functional therapy. Every exercise is a nonspecific stimulant. Graduated physical training is the characteristic feature of the therapy. In hospitals and polyclinics, the exercises are performed individually and in groups.

The indications for physical therapy usually coincide with the beginning of convalescence (mostly in patients suffering from chronic diseases). The therapy is advised for patients who have had to remain bedridden and for persons in a weakened condition, with poor physical tone. The use of exercise for children’s diseases is warranted because of the growing body’s need of movement. In the elderly, exercise maintains and builds the functional capacities of the main systems and prevents premature aging. It plays an important part in the treatment of internal diseases, especially of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. It is also used with neurological diseases, traumas, and diseases of the locomotor apparatus, as well as after surgery (thoracic, abdominal, restorative, neurosurgery).

The theoretical principles of physical therapy are based on modern physiological and clinical concepts. Physical exercises have been systematized and the methods of their use have been defined. Various specific methods of exercise therapy have been developed for many diseases and traumas and are now in use.

REFERENCES

Moshkov, V. N. Obshchie osnovy lechebnoi fizkul’tury. Moscow, 1963.
Lechebnaia fizicheskaia kul’tura. Edited by V. E. Vasil’eva. Moscow, 1970.V. N. MOSHKOV

Physical Therapy

(Russian, fizioterapiia), a branch of medicine that studies the therapeutic properties of physical factors and develops methods of using these factors for therapeutic and prophylactic purposes.

In a number of foreign countries the term “physical therapy” is applied only to exercise therapy. On the other hand, the terms “physiatrics” (fiziatria) and “physical medicine” (fizicheskaia meditsina), which are sometimes used in the modern literature as synonyms for physical therapy, embrace all physical therapeutic agents and methods, including exercise and massage.

According to the terminology adopted in the USSR, health resort science, that is, the study of natural health resort factors, is a distinct branch of medicine. This field includes such areas as balneotherapy, climatotherapy, and pelotherapy. Health resort science and physical therapy together constitute a single scientific discipline. Exercise, massage, and mechanotherapy (excluding vibrotherapeutics) are part of kinesitherapy (lechebnaia fizkul’tura). Thus, physical therapy in the USSR embraces (1) fizikoterapiia, which includes phototherapy, electrotherapy, aeroionotherapy, and aerosol therapy and consists in the study and therapeutic use of physical factors produced by the transformation of certain kinds of energy into the energy of biological processes and (2) the use of natural factors—such as fresh water, peat, clay, and ozokerite—outside of health resorts, that is, in physical therapy hospitals, polyclinics, and centers.

Natural factors, especially water and sun, were used for therapeutic purposes in Greece, Rome, and the ancient East. The discovery of electricity and advances in physics were responsible for the development of fizikoterapiia, chiefly electrotherapy, beginning in the 18th century. Subsequently, as new physical factors were discovered, they were introduced into medical practice. These factors included static electricity (franklinization), direct current (galvanization and drug electrophoresis), asymmetric alternating current (faradism), and high-frequency currents (d’arsonvalization and diathermy). Modern physical therapy also includes the use of low-, high-, ultrahigh-, and superhigh-frequency magnetic, electric, and electromagnetic fields in such procedures as inductothermy and ultrahigh- and superhigh-frequency therapy. In addition, present-day physical therapy uses artificially produced light ranging from the infrared to ultraviolet (including monochromatic coherent radiation) and mechanical vibrations ranging from the infrasonic to the ultrasonic. Physical therapy became a separate branch of medicine at the beginning of the 20th century; the first international congress on physical therapy was held in Liège in 1905.

In Russia physical therapy techniques, chiefly hydrotherapy and certain types of electrotherapy, were used from the beginning of the 19th century. Electrotherapy was pioneered by A. Bolotov (1803), hydrotherapy by A. Nikitin (1825), and phototherapy by A. Maklakov (1889). G. A. Zakhar’in, S. P. Botkin, A. A. Ostroumov, among others, used physical therapy in combined treatment of many diseases. Three research institutes in physical therapy were founded, in Sevastopol’ and Petrograd and near Moscow, early in the 20th century. Physical therapy developed as a separate theoretical and practical medical specialty after the Great October Socialist Revolution. The physiological work of I. M. Sechenov, N. E. Vvedenskii, and I. P. Pavlov form its theoretical basis. Such Soviet scientists as A. E. Shcherbak, P. G. Mezernitskii, S. A. Brushtein, and A. V. Rakhmanov made major contributions to the scientific development of physical therapy. The Institute of Physiatrics and Orthopedics, now the Central Institute of Health Resort Science and Physical Therapy, was founded in Moscow in 1921.

Physical factors have affected man through his entire evolution. For this reason, physical therapy procedures have a greater physiological effect than many drugs. Such procedures may produce nonspecific and specific responses. The latter are dependent on the nature of the therapeutic factor and on the pathological process and are responsible for the main therapeutic effect. The aim of physical therapy is to achieve maximum therapeutic effect with minimum stress on the body by intensifying the specific components of the action of the physical factors and by reducing the nonspecific components. The factors are consequently often used intermittently and in small doses. The choice of factor, dosage, and method of application is determined by the form and stage of the disease and by the condition of the patient. If the situation so warrants, a combination of factors may be used. The procedures are most effective in the initial period of the disease, when functional impairment is present. In the course of treatment, physical therapy procedures are also used in other stages of therapy and rehabilitation in order to affect certain processes at different levels, including the cellular and molecular levels. The great variety of available factors and techniques makes possible an individualized course of treatment and the use of techniques that are specifically directed against the pathological process and do not cause adverse side effects.

Research in physical therapy in the USSR is conducted in 14 research institutes of health resort science and physical therapy and in departments of medical institutes and of institutes for advanced training of physicians. The basic principles of physical therapy are taught in the clinical departments of medical institutes, and specialized and advanced training are provided in institutes for advanced training. The All-Union Scientific Medical Society of Health Resort Scientists and Physical Therapists was founded in 1951 for specialists in physical therapy and health resort science.

The International Society of Medical Hydrology and Climatology was organized in Rome in 1922, and the International Federation of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation in London in 1952. International congresses of these societies are held every four years.

In the USSR papers dealing with problems in physical therapy appear in the journal Voprosy kurortologii, fizioterapii i lechebnoi fizicheskoi kul’tury (Problems of Health Resort Science, Physical Therapy, and Kinesitherapy; since 1923). Foreign journals include the Czechoslovak Fysiatrický věstnik (Prague, since 1953) and the Bulgarian Kurortologiia i fizioterapiia (Sofia, since 1964). In addition, Zeitschrift für Physiotherapie is published in the German Democratic Republic (Leipzig, since 1949), the American Journal of Physical Medicine in the USA (Baltimore, since 1952), and the Annals of Physical Medicine in Great Britain (London, since 1952).

The use of physiotherapeutic procedures is also called physical therapy.

REFERENCES

Anikin, M. M., and G. S. Varshaver. Osnovy fizioterapii, 2nd ed. Moscow, 1950.
Spravochnik prakticheskogo vracha po fizioterapii, 2nd ed. [Moscow] 1964.
Prakticheskoe rukovodstvo po provedeniiu fizioterapevticheskikh protsedur, 3rd ed. Moscow, 1970.
Uchebnoe posobie po fizioterapii. Moscow, 1975.
Spravochnik po fizioterapii. Moscow, 1976.
Physical Medicine in General Practice. New York, 1946.
Therapeutic Electricity and Ultraviolet Radiation. New Haven, Conn., 1959.A. N. OBROSOV and V. M. STRUGATSKIIPhysical therapy in veterinary science. Physiotherapeutic procedures are used primarily in the treatment of pareses, paralyses, metabolic disorders, and diseases of the joints, ligaments, skin, and respiratory organs. Electrotherapy, phototherapy, heat and mud therapy, hydrotherapy, and massage are among the procedures employed. Galvanization, d’arsonvalization, diathermy, ultrahigh-frequency therapy, and apparatus for muscle stimulation are used in electrotherapy; ultraviolet and infrared radiation are employed in phototherapy; sapropel, ozokerite, paraffin, clay, sand, and hot air may be used in heat and mud therapy. Hydrotherapy includes swimming, showers, and various kinds of baths.
Physical therapy for the treatment and prevention of animal diseases came into wide use in the 1930’s. I. D. Medvedev, I. Ia. Demidenko, M. N. Kirillov, and N. A. Barsukov were among those who made an important contribution to the development of physical therapy in Soviet veterinary medicine. Physical therapy, as a branch of therapy, is included in the curriculum of veterinary educational institutions.

REFERENCE

Medvedev, I. D. Fizicheskie metody lecheniia zhivotnykh, 3rd ed. Moscow, 1964.

V. A. LIPIN

physical therapy

[′fiz·ə·kəl ′ther·ə·pē] (medicine) The treatment of disease and injury by physical means.

physical therapy

physical

[fiz´ĭ-kal] pertaining to the body, to material things, or to physics.physical fitness a state of physiologic well being that is achieved through a combination of good diet, regular physical exercise, and other practices that promote good health.physical therapist a rehabilitation professional who promotes optimal health and functional independence through the application of scientific principles to prevent, identify, assess, correct, or alleviate acute or chronic movement dysfunction, physical disability, or pain. A physical therapist is a graduate of a physical therapy program approved by a nationally recognized accrediting body or has achieved the documented equivalent in education, training, or experience; in addition, the therapist must meet any current legal requirements of licensure or registration and be currently competent in the field.
Persons wishing to practice as qualified physical therapists must be licensed. All 50 states of the United States, the District of Columbia, and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico require such licensure. All applicants for licensure must have a degree or certificate from an accredited physical therapy educational program. To qualify for licensure they must pass a state licensure examination.
Physical therapy assistants and aides work under the supervision of professional physical therapists. Training requirements for physical therapy assistants are not uniform throughout the United States. In 39 of the states licensure is available to graduates of an accredited two-year associate degree program; some require the passing of a written examination. Physical therapy aides can qualify for that position by training on the job in hospitals and other health care facilities.
Further information about the curriculum for physical therapists and physical therapist assistants, available programs of study, requirements for practice, and other relevant information can be obtained by contacting the American Physical Therapy Association, 1111 N. Fairfax St., Alexandria, VA 22314, telephone (703) 684–2782.physical therapy the profession practiced by licensed physical therapists. According to guidelines published by the American Physical Therapy Association, physical therapy should be defined as the examination, treatment, and instruction of persons in order to detect, assess, prevent, correct, alleviate, and limit physical disability and bodily malfunction. The practice of physical therapy includes the administration, interpretation, and evaluation of tests and measurements of bodily functions and structures and the planning, administration, evaluation, and modification of treatment and instruction, including the use of physical measures, activities, and devices, for preventive and therapeutic purposes. Additionally, it provides consultative, educational, and other advisory services for the purpose of reducing the incidence and severity of physical disability, bodily malfunction, movement dysfunction, and pain.chest physical therapy a form of respiratory therapy in which the patient is positioned to facilitate removal of secretions (postural drainage) and the chest wall is clapped to help loosen the secretions (percussion).

therapy

[ther´ah-pe] treatment.activity therapy in the nursing interventions classification, a intervention" >nursing intervention defined as the prescription of and assistance with specific physical, cognitive, social, and spiritual activities to increase the range, frequency, or duration of an individual's (or group's) activity.aerosol therapy see aerosol therapy.animal-assisted therapy in the nursing interventions classification, a intervention" >nursing intervention defined as the purposeful use of animals to provide affection, attention, diversion, and relaxation.anticoagulant therapy see anticoagulant therapy" >anticoagulant therapy.antineoplastic therapy see antineoplastic therapy.antiplatelet therapy the use of inhibitors" >platelet inhibitors such as aspirin, dipyridamole, or sulfinpyrazone, to inhibit platelet adhesion or aggregation and so prevent thrombosis, alter the course of atherosclerosis, or prolong vascular graft patency.art therapy in the nursing interventions classification, a intervention" >nursing intervention defined as facilitation of communication through drawings or other art forms.aversion therapy (aversive therapy) a form of behavior therapy" >behavior therapy that uses aversive conditioning, pairing undesirable behavior or symptoms with unpleasant stimulation in order to reduce or eliminate the behavior of symptoms. The term is sometimes used synonymously with conditioning" >aversive conditioning.behavior therapy see behavior therapy.carbon dioxide–oxygen therapy see carbon dioxide–oxygen therapy.chest physical therapy see under physical therapy.client-centered therapy a form of psychotherapy in which the emphasis is on the patient's self-discovery, interpretation, conflict resolution, and reorganization of values and life approach, which are enabled by the warm, nondirective, unconditionally accepting support of the therapist, who reflects and clarifies the patient's discoveries.cognitive therapy (cognitive-behavioral therapy) a directive form of psychotherapy based on the theory that emotional problems result from distorted attitudes and ways of thinking that can be corrected. Using techniques drawn in part from behavior therapy, the therapist actively seeks to guide the patient in altering or revising negative or erroneous perceptions and attitudes.collapse therapy a formerly common treatment for pulmonary tuberculosis in which the diseased lung was collapsed in order to immobilize it and allow it to rest. pneumonolysis and thoracoplasty are methods still sometimes used to collapse a lung and allow access during thoracic surgery.combined modality therapy treatment of cancer using two or more types of therapy, such as with chemoradiotherapy. Called also multimodality therapy.compression therapy treatment of insufficiency" >venous insufficiency, varicose veins" >varicose veins, or venous ulceration of the lower limbs by having the patient wear compressing garments such as support hose.continuous renal replacement therapy hemodialysis or hemofiltration done 24 hours a day for an extended period, usually in a critically ill patient.convulsive therapy treatment of mental disorders, primarily depression, by induction of convulsions" >convulsions. The type almost universally used now is electroconvulsive therapy" >electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), in which the convulsions are induced by electric current. In the past, drugs were sometimes used.couples therapy marital t.diet therapy treatment of disease by regulation of the diet" >diet.electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) (electroshock therapy) see electroconvulsive therapy.endocrine therapy treatment of disease by means of hormones; called also hormonal or hormone therapy.estrogen replacement therapy administration of an estrogen to treat estrogen deficiency, such as that occurring after menopause; there are a number of indications, including the prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis and coronary artery disease, and the prevention and treatment of vasomotor symptoms such as hot flashes and of thinning of the skin and vaginal epithelium, atrophic vaginitis, and vulvar atrophy. In women with a uterus, a progestational agent is usually included to prevent endometrial hyperplasia. Called also hormone replacement therapy.exercise therapy: ambulation in the nursing interventions classification, a intervention" >nursing intervention defined as promotion of and assistance with walking to maintain or restore autonomic and voluntary body functions during treatment and recovery from illness or injury.exercise therapy: balance in the nursing interventions classification, a intervention" >nursing intervention defined as use of specific activities, postures, and movements to maintain, enhance, or restore balance.exercise therapy: joint mobility in the nursing interventions classification, a intervention" >nursing intervention defined as the use of active or passive body movement to maintain or restore joint flexibility.exercise therapy: muscle control in the nursing interventions classification, a intervention" >nursing intervention defined as the use of specific activity or exercise protocols to enhance or restore controlled body movement.family therapy 1. group therapy of the members of a family, exploring and improving family relationships and processes, understanding and modifying home influences that contribute to mental disorder in one or more family members, and improving communication and collective, constructive methods of problem-solving.2. in the nursing interventions classification, a intervention" >nursing intervention defined as assisting family members to move their family toward a more productive way of living.gold therapy chrysotherapy.group therapy see group therapy.helium-oxygen therapy see helium-oxygen therapy" >helium-oxygen therapy.hemodialysis therapy in the nursing interventions classification, a intervention" >nursing intervention defined as management of extracorporeal passage of the patient's blood through a hemodialyzer. See also hemodialysis.hemofiltration therapy in the nursing interventions classification, a intervention" >nursing intervention defined as cleansing of acutely ill patient's blood via a hemofilter controlled by the patient's hydrostatic pressure. See also hemofiltration.highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) the aggressive use of extremely potent antiretroviral agents in the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus infection.hormonal therapy (hormone therapy) endocrine therapy.hormone replacement therapy the administration of hormones to correct a deficiency; usually used to denote therapy" >estrogen replacement therapy occurring after menopause.host modulating therapy efforts to control periodontal disease by directly targeting the host response; an example is the use of drugs that do this, such as sub-antimicrobial doses of doxycycline, nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs, or bisphosphonates.humidification therapy (humidity therapy) the therapeutic use of air supersaturated with water to prevent or correct a moisture deficit in the respiratory tract; see also humidity therapy.immunosuppressive therapy therapeutic immunosuppression. inhalation therapy the term formerly used for respiratory care (def. 3).intravenous therapy (IV therapy) in the nursing interventions classification, a intervention" >nursing intervention defined as administration and monitoring of intravenous infusions" >intravenous infusions of fluids and medications.leech therapy in the nursing interventions classification, a intervention" >nursing intervention defined as the application of medicinal leeches" >leeches to help drain replanted or transplanted tissue engorged with venous blood.marital therapy a type of family therapy aimed at understanding and treating one or both members of a couple in the context of a distressed relationship, but not necessarily addressing the discordant relationship itself. In the past, the term has also been used in a narrower sense to mean what is defined as marriage therapy, but that is increasingly considered a subset of marital therapy. Called also couples therapy.marriage therapy a subset of marital therapy that focuses specifically on the bond of marriage between two people, enhancing and preserving it.milieu therapy 1. treatment, usually in a psychiatric treatment center, that emphasizes the provision of an environment and activities appropriate to the patient's emotional and interpersonal needs.2. in the nursing interventions classification, a intervention" >nursing intervention defined as the use of people, resources, and events in the patient's immediate environment to promote optimal psychosocial functioning.multimodality therapy combined modality therapy.music therapy 1. the use of music to effect positive changes in the psychological, physical, cognitive, or social functioning of individuals with health or educational problems. Music therapy is used for a wide variety of conditions, including mental disorders, developmental and learning disabilities, Alzheimer's disease and other conditions related to aging, brain injury, substance abuse, and physical disability. It is also used for the management of acute and chronic pain and for the reduction of stress.2. in the nursing interventions classification, a intervention" >nursing intervention defined as using music to help achieve a specific change in behavior or feeling.neoadjuvant therapy in single-agent therapy or combined modality therapy for cancer, initial use of one modality, such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy, to decrease tumor burden prior to use of another modality, usually surgery.nutrition therapy in the nursing interventions classification, a intervention" >nursing intervention defined as administration of food and fluids to support metabolic processes of a patient who is malnourished or at high risk for becoming malnourished. See also nutrition.occupational therapy see occupational therapy.optometric vision therapy a treatment plan prescribed to correct or improve specific dysfunctions of the vision system; it includes, but is not limited to, the treatment of strabismus (turned eye), other dysfunctions of binocularity (eye teaming), amblyopia (lazy eye), accommodation (eye focusing), ocular motor function (general eye movement ability), and visual-motor and visual-perceptual abilities.oral rehydration therapy (ORT) oral administration of a solution of electrolytes and carbohydrates in the treatment of dehydration.oxygen therapy see oxygen therapy.peritoneal dialysis therapy in the nursing interventions classification, a intervention" >nursing intervention defined as administration and monitoring of dialysis solution into and out of the peritoneal cavity. See also peritoneal dialysis.physical therapy see physical therapy.play therapy see play therapy.pulp canal therapy root canal therapy.PUVA therapy [psoralen + ultraviolet A], a form of photochemotherapy for skin disorders such as psoriasis and vitiligo; oral psoralen administration is followed two hours later by exposure to ultraviolet a radiation.radiation therapy see radiation therapy.recreation therapy in the nursing interventions classification, a intervention" >nursing intervention defined as the purposeful use of recreation to promote relaxation and enhancement of social skills.reminiscence therapy in the nursing interventions classification, a intervention" >nursing intervention defined as using the recall of past events, feelings, and thoughts to facilitate pleasure, quality of life, or adaptation to present circumstances.renal replacement therapy therapy such as hemodialysis or transplantation that takes the place of nonfunctioning kidneys. See also therapy" >continuous renal replacement therapy.replacement therapy treatment to replace deficient formation or loss of body products by administration of the natural body products or synthetic substitutes. See also replacement" >replacement. Called also substitution therapy.respiratory therapy respiratory care.root canal therapy that aspect of endodontics dealing with the treatment of diseases of the dental pulp, consisting of partial (pulpotomy) or complete (pulpectomy) extirpation of the diseased pulp, cleaning and sterilization of the empty root canal, enlarging and shaping the canal to receive sealing material, and obturation of the canal with a nonirritating hermetic sealing agent. Called also pulp canal therapy.shock therapy obsolete term for convulsive therapy.simple relaxation therapy in the nursing interventions classification, a intervention" >nursing intervention defined as the use of techniques to encourage and elicit relaxation for the purpose of decreasing undesirable signs and symptoms such as pain, muscle tension, or anxiety.speech therapy the use of special techniques for correction of speech disorders" >speech disorders.substitution therapy replacement therapy.swallowing therapy in the nursing interventions classification, a intervention" >nursing intervention defined as facilitating swallowing" >swallowing and preventing complications of impaired swallowing.thrombolytic therapy the administration of drugs for thrombolysis (dissolution of a thrombus in an artery), to reduce the size of occlusion and thereby reduce damage to muscular tissue; the coronary artery is a commonly used site. Agents commonly used are streptokinase" >streptokinase and tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA).thyroid replacement therapy treatment of hypothyroidism" >hypothyroidism by administration of thyroxine" >thyroxine, usually in the form of levothyroxine" >levothyroxine sodium. Called also thyrotherapy.ultraviolet therapy see ultraviolet therapy.

phys·i·cal ther·a·py (PT),

1. treatment of pain, disease, or injury by physical means; Synonym(s): physiotherapy2. the profession concerned with promotion of health, with prevention of physical disabilities, with evaluation and rehabilitation of persons disabled by pain, disease, or injury, and with treatment by physical therapeutic measures as opposed to medical, surgical, or radiologic measures.

physical therapy

n. Abbr. PT The treatment of physical dysfunction or injury by the use of therapeutic exercise and the application of modalities, intended to restore or facilitate normal function or development. Also called physiotherapy.

physical therapist n.

physical therapy

(1) A medical specialty (physical medicine) and rehabilitation devoted to evaluating and treating patients with functional impairment due to injury or disease.
(2) The use of mechanical (e.g., massage, manipulation, exercise, movement, hydrotherapy, traction) and electromagnetic (e.g., heat/cold, light, ultrasound) therapy to manage patients recuperating from sports injuries, MVAs, or who have musculoskeletal disease and reduced joint mobility.

physical therapy

Physiatry, physical rehabilitation Rehab medicine Physiatry, physiotherapy The use of mechanical–eg, massage, manipulation, exercise, movement, hydrotherapy, traction and electromagnetic–eg, heat/cold, light, ultrasound, to manage Pts recuperating from sports injuries, MVAs, or who have musculoskeletal disease, ↓ joint mobility. See Massage therapy, Rehabilitation medicine.

phys·i·cal ther·a·py

(PT) (fiz'i-kăl thār'ă-pē) 1. Treatment of pain, disease, or injury by physical means.
Synonym(s): physiotherapy. 2. The health profession concerned with promotion of health, with prevention of physical disabilities, with evaluation and rehabilitation of people disabled by pain, disease, or injury, and with treatment by physical therapeutic measures as opposed to medical, surgical, or radiologic measures.

phys·i·cal ther·a·py

(PT) (fiz'i-kăl thār'ă-pē) 1. Treatment of pain, disease, or injury by physical means. 2. Profession concerned with promotion of health, with prevention of physical disabilities, with evaluation and rehabilitation of patients disabled by pain, disease, or injury, and with treatment by physical therapeutic measures.

physical therapy

physical therapy

physical therapy

phys′ical ther′apy

Physical Therapy

physical therapy

physiotherapy,

Physical Therapy

REFERENCES

Physical Therapy

REFERENCES

REFERENCE

physical therapy

physical therapy

physical

therapy

phys·i·cal ther·a·py (PT),

physical therapy

physical therapy

physical therapy

phys·i·cal ther·a·py

phys·i·cal ther·a·py

physical therapy

Synonyms for physical therapy

noun therapy that uses physical agents: exercise and massage and other modalities

Synonyms

Related Words