Weight Bearing
What is weight bearing?
Putting weight on your affected (weaker) leg is called “weight bearing.” Your physical therapist will check one of the categories below. Read what is beneath the category. This is your “weight-bearing status.” It tells if you may or may not put any body weight on your affected leg. It also tells you how much weight you may place on the affected leg.
Non-weight bearing (NWB)
Place no weight on your affected leg. Do not touch the floor with your affected leg. While you stand or walk, you must hold your affected leg off the floor (see Figure 1 at right).
Touch-down weight bearing (TDWB), or toe-touch weight bearing (TTWB)
When you stand or walk, you may touch the floor only for balance. Do not place actual weight on your affected leg (see Figure 2 at left).
Partial weight bearing (PWB)
When you stand or walk, you may place ____ percent of your body weight ( _____ pounds) on your affected leg (see Figure 2 at left).
Weight bearing as tolerated (WBAT), or weight bearing to tolerance (WBTT)
When you stand or walk, place only as much weight as feels comfortable on your affected leg. Let pain be your guide. If you feel pain, place less weight on the affected leg (see Figure 2 at left).
Full weight bearing (FWB)
You may place your full body weight on your affected leg when you stand or walk.
Note: Your therapist may give you other instructions about weight bearing.