Physiotherapy Information for Health Professionals
Weight Bearing Definitions:
- Non-Weight Bearing (NWB): No weight allowed.
- Feather Weight Bearing (FeWB or TTWB): Minimal weight allowed (i.e. not enough to crush an eggshell under their foot).
- 50% Weight Bearing (50%WB): Up to half of patient’s body weight is allowed. Two crutches or a standard walker are necessary at all times.
- Protected Weight Bearing (PTWB or PWB): Weight bearing as tolerated but gait aids are mandatory at all times until further follow-up with the surgeon.
- Weight Bearing as Tolerated (WBAT): Patient is allowed as much weight as they feel comfortable with. Gait aid use is at the discretion of the treating physiotherapist.
Hip Arthroplasty:
- Hip Precautions: Visit the Hip Precautions web page (if applicable)
- Hip Exercises: Please see pages 27 to 39 of the My Guide to Total Hip Joint Replacement PDF.
- View the Guidelines for Rehabilitation after Anterior Approach THA PDF.
Knee Arthroplasty:
- Knee Exercises: Please see pages 24 to 32 of the My Guide to Total Knee Joint Replacement PDF.
Outcome Measures:
- View the Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS) PDF.
- View the Interpreting Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS) Scores PDF.
