Published by Commons Clinic. [Web version](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/nonsurgical-treatment-trial-orthopedic-care/) Reviewer names are abbreviated. Patient reviews describe individual experiences. Review counts describe source records, not unique patients or clinical outcomes; the acquired snapshot may not include complete platform histories. Clinical education and patient accounts do not replace a consultation. Choosing your care # Making a nonsurgical orthopedic treatment trial useful Trying nonsurgical care should come with a purpose, a practical plan, and a review point. Ask what you are testing, which improvement matters, and what would make the next decision clearer. Published by Commons Clinic · Updated October 20, 2026 · 4 min read [Questions to ask ↓](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/nonsurgical-treatment-trial-orthopedic-care/#consultation-questions) [Patient experiences ↓](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/nonsurgical-treatment-trial-orthopedic-care/#patient-experiences) In this guide 1. [Ask what this trial is intended to answer](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/nonsurgical-treatment-trial-orthopedic-care/#guide-section-1) 2. [Compare the reasonable options together](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/nonsurgical-treatment-trial-orthopedic-care/#guide-section-2) 3. [Turn the recommendation into doable actions](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/nonsurgical-treatment-trial-orthopedic-care/#guide-section-3) 4. [Agree on what a useful response would look like](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/nonsurgical-treatment-trial-orthopedic-care/#guide-section-4) 5. [Know the review point and the earlier-call plan](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/nonsurgical-treatment-trial-orthopedic-care/#guide-section-5) 6. [Make the next decision with our team](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/nonsurgical-treatment-trial-orthopedic-care/#guide-section-6) 7. [Ask what would make the trial worth continuing](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/nonsurgical-treatment-trial-orthopedic-care/#guide-section-7) 8. [Set a review point and a meaningful measure](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/nonsurgical-treatment-trial-orthopedic-care/#guide-section-8) [Go to your consultation questions ↓](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/nonsurgical-treatment-trial-orthopedic-care/#consultation-questions) ## Ask what this trial is intended to answer A trial of therapy, a brace, activity changes, a medicine, or another approach can serve different purposes. Ask whether the aim is to improve a particular symptom, build function, learn about the source of a problem, or prepare for a later decision. You should know what the team hopes to learn even if the exact response is uncertain. 'We will try this first' becomes more useful when it includes why that first step is appropriate for you. ## Compare the reasonable options together AHRQ’s SHARE framework emphasizes comparing benefits and harms and discussing what matters to the patient. Ask which choices apply to your diagnosis and whether there is a reason to favor one now. Include the possibility of continuing the current approach or waiting only if the clinician considers it reasonable. If symptoms or findings make delay a concern, ask what changes the timeline. Nonsurgical care is an individual choice within a clinical plan, not a universal requirement before every operation. Sources: [AHRQ: Essential Steps of Shared Decision Making](https://www.ahrq.gov/health-literacy/professional-training/shared-decision/tools/share-poster.html) ## Turn the recommendation into doable actions AHRQ’s action-planning guidance recommends specific, manageable steps linked to a goal the patient values. Ask exactly what you should do, how often, with what equipment or support, and who demonstrates it. Name a barrier before it becomes a missed plan: work hours, travel, cost, uncertainty about a movement, or trouble using a brace. If the plan has several parts, ask which are essential first and how to introduce them in a way you can follow. Sources: [AHRQ: Make Action Plans, Tool 15](https://www.ahrq.gov/health-literacy/improve/precautions/tool15.html) ## Agree on what a useful response would look like Choose a task or symptom to discuss at review, such as a longer walk, easier use of a hand, or fewer interruptions to sleep. Record the starting point without turning the trial into constant self-monitoring. Ask what counts as enough improvement to continue and what a limited response might mean. A treatment may help one goal without helping another; bring both observations to the follow-up. That makes the decision more specific than labeling the entire trial a success or a failure. ## Know the review point and the earlier-call plan Ask when you will reassess, who makes that appointment, and which changes should bring you back sooner. If a medicine or injection is included, confirm personal risks and the route for questions about an unexpected response. Do not extend, repeat, or stop a prescribed treatment without discussing the relevant instructions. If the first trial helps only briefly or cannot be carried out, ask what that teaches the team and whether the diagnosis, amount, or approach needs another look. ## Make the next decision with our team Our physicians, pain-management clinicians, and physical therapists at Commons Clinic bring different expertise to orthopedic care. The profiles below can help you find the relevant starting point. Bring your goal and the treatments already attempted, including what you could realistically follow. Ask the clinician to explain how the trial fits the larger plan and what choices may follow it. A useful trial should leave you with a better understanding of your response and a clear next conversation. ## Ask what would make the trial worth continuing AMA informed-consent guidance includes alternatives and the burdens of treatment. A nonsurgical trial deserves that same discussion: what are we hoping to learn, what would count as worthwhile benefit, and what commitment does it require? Ask our clinician how the trial fits your diagnosis and whether delaying a different option carries a concern in your situation. Discuss time, cost, travel, and your ability to follow the plan. The decision is easier to review when the intended purpose is written down before you begin, rather than reconstructed after several visits. Sources: [Informed Consent — AMA Code of Medical Ethics, Opinion 2.1.1](https://code-medical-ethics.ama-assn.org/ethics-opinions/informed-consent) ## Set a review point and a meaningful measure APTA guidance uses an initial functional baseline and ongoing reassessment to guide a therapy plan. If your treatment trial includes physical therapy, ask which task or measure will be compared at review. Explain the activities you need for work or home and any limits on attending sessions. Agree on what information to bring back and whom to contact if a new concern appears. If the first approach is not helping, ask whether the next decision concerns the diagnosis, the way treatment is delivered, or the choice of another option. Sources: [Documentation: Initial Examination and Evaluation](https://www.apta.org/your-practice/documentation/defensible-documentation/elements-within-the-patientclient-management-model/initial-examination) Make the most of your visit ## Questions to bring to your consultation Choose the questions that matter most to you. Bring them along, and ask us to explain anything that is unclear. - What question is this treatment trial intended to answer? - Why is it a reasonable first step for my diagnosis? - Which other options should I compare? - What exactly should I do, and what support will I need? - Which activity or symptom will we use to judge the response? - When will we reassess, and who schedules that review? - Which changes should make me contact the team earlier? - What will we consider if the benefit is limited or short-lived? - What question should this treatment trial answer before we decide to continue it? - What personal downside or risk would make this trial inappropriate to prolong? - If the review shows little change, which part of the plan will we reconsider first? ## Sources & further reading - [AHRQ: Essential Steps of Shared Decision Making](https://www.ahrq.gov/health-literacy/professional-training/shared-decision/tools/share-poster.html) - [AHRQ: Make Action Plans, Tool 15](https://www.ahrq.gov/health-literacy/improve/precautions/tool15.html) - [Informed Consent — AMA Code of Medical Ethics, Opinion 2.1.1](https://code-medical-ethics.ama-assn.org/ethics-opinions/informed-consent) American Medical Association - [Documentation: Initial Examination and Evaluation](https://www.apta.org/your-practice/documentation/defensible-documentation/elements-within-the-patientclient-management-model/initial-examination) American Physical Therapy Association We use these medical sources to help explain your options and prepare you for a conversation with our team. Our guides feature our own clinicians; patient reviews describe individual experiences. [Read as Markdown](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/nonsurgical-treatment-trial-orthopedic-care/index.md) Meet our team ## People behind your care. [**Evish Kamrava, MD** Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Pain Management](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/evish-kamrava-md/) [More about Evish Kamrava ↗](https://commonsclinic.com/physicians/evish-kamrava-m-d/) [**Allyson Estess, MD** Orthopedic Surgeon, Sports Medicine](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/allyson-estess-md/) [More about Allyson Estess ↗](https://commonsclinic.com/physicians/allyson-estess-m-d/) [**Brett Pugh, PT, DPT** Licensed Physical Therapist](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/brett-pugh-pt-dpt/) [More about Brett Pugh ↗](https://commonsclinic.com/physicians/brett-pugh-pt-dpt/) Explore our clinicians, then talk with us about your symptoms, goals, and the care you need. Patient experiences ## Experiences, *in their words.* Hear from patients about our clinicians, the conversations they had, and the support they received. Excerpt > She’s helped me twice for two different injuries and has always left treatment options open to me. D. Cooper Rating: 5/5 · Source: Google · Date: November 18, 2025 [Reviewer’s Google activity](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/106127148593694693664/place/ChIJnyoB9x5L3YAREV8eH7Wj8ZA) Source link type: reviewer place Attributed clinician: Allyson Estess, MD On the care experience: the consultation Excerpt > She was quick to diagnose my condition and gave me very clear options for treatment. D. Benezer Rating: 5/5 · Source: Google · Date: August 5, 2025 [Reviewer’s Google activity](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/112940814774199111490/place/ChIJnyoB9x5L3YAREV8eH7Wj8ZA) Source link type: reviewer place Attributed clinician: Allyson Estess, MD On the care experience: the consultation Excerpt > Dr. Estess was excellent advising on and tending to my shoulder injury (X-rays, cortisone injection). J. Duff Rating: 5/5 · Source: Google · Date: August 1, 2025 [Reviewer’s Google activity](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/112105085677287138503/place/ChIJnyoB9x5L3YAREV8eH7Wj8ZA) Source link type: reviewer place Attributed clinician: Allyson Estess, MD On the care experience: the consultation Excerpt > Dr. Estess was awesome; she explained my underlying condition, provided me with the best options for treatment. L. Scuderi Rating: 5/5 · Source: Google · Date: July 26, 2025 [Reviewer’s Google activity](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/111076849509038856936/place/ChIJnyoB9x5L3YAREV8eH7Wj8ZA) Source link type: reviewer place Attributed clinician: Allyson Estess, MD On the care experience: explanations Excerpt > Kamrava is very good about explaining treatment options. L. WEST Rating: 5/5 · Source: Google · Date: July 25, 2025 [Reviewer’s Google activity](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/112319842885547609475/place/ChIJi_9WeE-7woARVE5YYjWvq60) Source link type: reviewer place Attributed clinician: Evish Kamrava, MD On the care experience: explanations Excerpt > She took time to explain the diagnosis and cause, and offered options without going straight to surgery. A. S. Rating: 5/5 · Source: Zocdoc · Date: January 31, 2025 [Zocdoc profile](https://www.zocdoc.com/doctor/allyson-estess-md-526861) Source link type: listing Attributed clinician: Allyson Estess, MD On the care experience: explanations Keep exploring ## Your next *good question.* More guidance to help you understand your options and plan your next step. Choosing your care ### [How to compare treatment options around your own goals](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/shared-decisions-treatment-options-patient-goals/) A good treatment decision connects the evidence with your life: what you hope to do, which risks concern you, and what recovery would ask of you. Your priorities belong in that discussion. [Read the guide](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/shared-decisions-treatment-options-patient-goals/) Choosing your care ### [What good care coordination looks like before and after treatment](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/care-coordination-before-after-orthopedic-treatment/) Good coordination turns a treatment recommendation into a plan you can follow: the right records, clear responsibilities, and someone to contact when the next step is unclear. [Read the guide](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/care-coordination-before-after-orthopedic-treatment/) Choosing your care ### [Before you consent to orthopedic surgery: the conversation to have](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/understanding-orthopedic-surgery-consent/) Consent should follow a conversation you understand. Before an orthopedic operation, make sure the reason, alternatives, personal risks, and recovery demands are clear enough to discuss in your own words. [Read the guide](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/understanding-orthopedic-surgery-consent/) Meet the clinicians ## Explore your *next conversation.* [![Evish Kamrava, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/assets/evish-kamrava-m-d.jpg)](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/evish-kamrava-md/) Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Pain Management ### [Evish Kamrava, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/evish-kamrava-md/) Santa Monica · Long Beach – Douglas Park · Westlake Village [Meet Evish Kamrava](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/evish-kamrava-md/) [![Allyson Estess, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/assets/allyson-estess-m-d.jpg)](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/allyson-estess-md/) Orthopedic Surgeon, Sports Medicine ### [Allyson Estess, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/allyson-estess-md/) Marina del Rey · Torrance · Long Beach – Bixby Knolls [Meet Allyson Estess](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/allyson-estess-md/) [![Brett Pugh, PT, DPT](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/assets/brett-pugh-pt-dpt.png)](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/brett-pugh-pt-dpt/) Licensed Physical Therapist ### [Brett Pugh, PT, DPT](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/brett-pugh-pt-dpt/) Santa Monica [Meet Brett Pugh](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/brett-pugh-pt-dpt/) ## Publisher & attribution Commons Clinic Reviews is operated by Commons Clinic. 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