PWB Medical Term: Partial Weight Bearing Explained

Understanding What PWB Stands For

PWB stands for Partial Weight Bearing.

It means you can place some, but not all, of your body weight on the injured or operated leg.

Most providers define PWB as 25% to 50% of your weight, but the exact number depends on your surgeon’s instructions.

PWB helps you start walking earlier without risking damage to the healing bone, joint, or soft tissue.

You will still rely heavily on crutches, a walker, or a cane for the rest of your support.

Why PWB Matters in Recovery

PWB protects healing structures while promoting safe mobility.

Doctors use PWB to:

• Reduce stress on surgical repairs or fractures
• Allow controlled loading that stimulates bone and tissue healing
• Prevent stiffness from prolonged immobilization
• Maintain circulation and reduce blood-clot risk
• Keep muscles active and prevent deconditioning

Total rest can slow recovery, while too much weight too soon can cause complications.

PWB gives the middle ground your body needs.

A systematic review shows that restricted weight-bearing, including PWB, helps protect healing tissues after fractures and surgeries.

What PWB Looks Like in Daily Movement

When following PWB instructions, you focus on gentle loading, not full support.

This usually means:

• Touching the foot down softly
• Leaning into crutches or a walker
• Taking slow, controlled steps
• Avoiding pain or pressure

Therapists often use bathroom scales, visual cues, or hands-on guidance to teach correct weight amounts.

Your injured leg should feel like it’s carrying the weight of a feather, not your body.

PWB vs Other Weight-Bearing Levels

Different weight-bearing instructions guide recovery at each stage:

• NWB: No weight at all
• TTWB: Toes touch the floor for balance
• PWB: Limited weight allowed
• WBAT: Weight as tolerated
• FWB: Full weight

PWB sits in the middle, offering mobility with protection.