Final answer:
A week after PCL reconstruction, a physical therapist should focus on hamstring strengthening exercises to stabilize the knee and protect the healing graft while avoiding excessive stress on it.
Step-by-step explanation:
When planning for the patient's upcoming session one week following PCL (Posterior Cruciate Ligament) reconstruction, the therapist should consider implementing hamstring strengthening exercises. Early postoperative rehabilitation typically includes protecting the healing graft, reducing inflammation, and preventing muscle atrophy. Since the hamstring muscles serve as agonists to the PCL, strengthening them can help stabilize the knee joint. Conversely, quadriceps strengthening, especially in a closed kinematic chain, could potentially place additional stress on the PCL graft and is generally recommended at later stages of rehabilitation. Hamstring stretching and quadriceps stretching may be beneficial as well, but strengthening the hamstrings is often a priority at this point in recovery.