What are ways to help an injured knee heel?

Two months ago I was in a car accident where my left knee was impacted by the steering wheel column of my car. There were no breaks or ligament damage, but the ortho I went to said there might be cartilage or tendon damage.

He said if it still hurt after six weeks I should come back for an MRI, which would then mean either physical therapy or surgery. Neither of which I can afford, so here I am.

After nine weeks, it's still swollen, slightly discolored, it pops and tingles a lot, hurts frequently but more often than not it just feels like it doesn't want to work at all.

Are there any exercises I might be able to do to help it heel? Any websites of physical therapy? Any personal tips anyone could lend me?