Non-weight bearing means keeping all body weight off an injured or treated limb when standing or walking. It is a common orthopedic instruction after certain fractures, surgeries, and serious soft-tissue injuries. Non-weight bearing is usually supported with assistive devices such as crutches, a walker, or a wheelchair. Clinicians use it to protect healing tissues and to reduce pain and mechanical stress.

PWB most commonly means **partial weight bearing**. It describes a **restricted amount of body weight** allowed through an injured or healing leg. PWB is commonly used after **knee surgery, fractures, or soft-tissue repairs**. It is also used during **rehabilitation and gait training** in physical therapy.