i was in PT for what seemed like forever about 8 yrs ago. popped patella, immobilzed, probably for too long, leg wouldn't bend, couldn't walk right, did steps like you say, only leading with the other leg. yr later surgery. yadda yadda yadda. i had to laugh at your comment about screaming obscenities as i was quite well known in my rehab clinic for screaming bloody murder when they would force my leg to bend when it wouldn't bend on its own. the women working on me said scream away, as that way they at least knew i was still breathing. and frankly, it helped. but the other PTs would laugh and ask for warning as i was "scaring the other patients". i loved my physical therapists!

hang in there, you'll be back to normal eventually and you too can then look back on the torture and laugh. my knee is pretty good, not 100% or as i tell the dr, i don't have the knee i had when i was 20. but who does in their 40s. i'm still biking and running and working out and i know none of that would have been possible without the PTs and all their hard work.

of course i'm having some post-traumatic flashbacks with all the news coverage of the washington redskin QB and his popped patella. OWIEEEEEEE. all too familiar, that writing in pain he's doing in all the news clips!

anyway......

good luck, my knee sends it's encouragement to your knee!