Health Professionals

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.