I have worked in a physical therapy clinic, 2 orthopedic offices, and within a collegiate athletic department. - A tibial plateau fx takes time to heal. If you break your arm, you expect it to be casted for 4 -6 weeks. Range of motion (ROM) exercises - basic movement - are OK as long as they are done while you are not compressing the joint surfaces by placing any weight on the leg. The reason a tib plateau fx is problematic is that it disrupts the integrity of the articular (rubbing together) surface. Normally, when you walk, the femur and tibia have nice smooth surfaces that rub against each other. The fracture makes the surface less smooth. Until it heals and smooths over, this disruption is going to be painful. I fear I am not doing well at explaining this...I wish you the best. Please contact me directly if you need more info.