About this video
Last updated: 9 October 2026
The video says there is no simple yes or no: the answer depends on the type of injury, how severe it is and the stage of recovery. It says strengthening the muscles around the knee should build up gradually under guidance, and that no two knees recover the same way.
Key points
- It says that early in an acute injury, such as a ligament strain, cartilage irritation or swelling, rest is important, but this does not mean complete bed rest.
- It lists activities to modify early on: high-impact exercise, twisting or pivoting movements, deep squats and kneeling.
- Once pain and swelling settle, it describes low-impact options such as stationary cycling on low resistance, swimming or water-based therapy, and gentle range-of-motion exercises.
- It lists signs the knee may not be ready for its current activity: increasing pain, swelling that returns, instability or giving way, or limited movement that is not improving.
Questions this video answers
Should I stop moving completely after a knee injury?
The video says you do not need to stop moving just because you have injured your knee, but you do need to move in line with what the knee can tolerate. Early on it describes rest and modified activity; later, controlled low-impact movement. It says to speak to a qualified healthcare professional if you are unsure how much to do.
How do I know my knee may not be ready for an activity?
The video lists increasing pain during or after exercise, swelling that returns after activity, a sense of instability or giving way, and limited movement that is not improving. It says that if any of these occur, it is a good time to pause and get a proper assessment.
