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Physiotherapy vocabulary · Gait, Mobility and Walking Aids

Weight-bearing

Meaning in physiotherapy, with examples

nounCore term

In physiotherapy, weight-bearing means: Putting some or all of your body weight through a leg (or arm), especially when the amount allowed is limited after an injury or operation.

In Turkish: yük verme, ağırlık aktarma

How it is used

The surgeon usually sets the weight-bearing status, and the physiotherapist teaches the patient how to follow it. Common labels are non-weight-bearing (NWB), partial weight-bearing (PWB), weight-bearing as tolerated (WBAT) and full weight-bearing (FWB).

Example sentences

  1. She is partial weight-bearing on the left leg for six weeks.

  2. You're allowed full weight-bearing, so you can put your whole weight on that foot.

Common collocations

  • weight-bearing status
  • non-weight-bearing
  • partial weight-bearing
  • weight-bearing as tolerated
  • full weight-bearing
  • crutchesA pair of walking aids that take weight off one or both legs, held either under the armpits or with cuffs around the forearms.
  • fractureA break or crack in a bone, caused by an injury or, when bones are weak, by a smaller force than usual.
  • walking frameA light metal frame with four legs, sometimes with wheels, that a person holds with both hands for support while walking.
  • gaitThe way a person walks, including the pattern of their steps, their speed and balance, and how the legs and arms move.

More terms: Gait, Mobility and Walking Aids

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This page explains English vocabulary for learners. It is not medical advice.