Physical therapy is typically performed after an injury or surgical procedure. As part of your rehabilitation program, trained physical therapists help your body heal and recover movement, function and range of motion, reduce pain and prevent further damage or disability to your body. Exercises and therapies designed by a physical therapist will depend on whether you can perform weight-bearing or non-weight-bearing exercises and activities.
Definition
Non-weight-bearing exercise is a term used by physical therapists and doctors to define exercise or movement that doesn't put body weight on a certain area of the body. Also known as nil-weight-bearing or NWB, non-weight-bearing exercise is categorized in several ways. Using a post-surgical knee-replacement patient as an example, strict non-weight-bearing means no contact between the foot and the floor. Partial weight-bearing means you can place the ball of the foot on the floor but not take a step or bear the weight of your body. Full weight-bearing means you can put your foot on the floor and walk. Your physical therapist works closely with your doctor to determine your weight-bearing capabilities.
Spine Rotation
Your physical therapist may suggest non-weight-bearing spinal rotations or twists to help maintain range of motion and reduce pain caused by pinched nerves. Your physical therapist will ask you to lie on your back on a low table, arms at your sides. With your knees bent, slowly drop your knees toward the right. Return to your starting position and then drop your knees to the left. Your therapist may suggest doing this once daily, repeating each side-to-side motion 10 times.
Knee Extension
After surgery on your hip, leg or knee, your physical therapist may direct you to engage in isometric and isotonic-type exercises to help strengthen muscles, tendons and ligaments while still keeping you off your feet. For example, your therapist may have you lie on your back on a low table, a rolled towel or other support under the affected knee. Keeping your upper leg relaxed, lift your toes toward the ceiling, heel on the floor. Slowly lift the foot from the floor until the knee is fully extended or as high as you can lift your foot without pain.
Aquatic Therapy
Swimming and therapy pools offer gentle resistance exercise and therapy. Also known as hydrotherapy, aquatic therapy is often encouraged for non-weight-bearing post-surgical or physically challenged individuals. For example, if you've been diagnosed with a condition such as osteoporosis or arthritis that makes weight-bearing exercise difficult, you may benefit from hydrotherapy. Range of motion, flexion and extension exercise and joint rotations performed in a water environment strengthen joint ligaments and cartilage, and increase mobility, function and strength while avoiding weight placed on or against joints.
