physical medicine

physical medicine definition - medical

physical medicine

noun
The branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease and disability by physical means such as manipulation, massage, and exercise, often with the aid of mechanical devices and with the application of heat, cold, electricity, radiation, or water. Also called physiatrics, physiatry.

The American Heritage® Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

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