KNEE PAIN BILL OF RIGHTS

1. To not be judged, labeled or stereotyped as a "typical" chronic knee pain patient.

2. To not be denied treatment based on race, religion, or gender.

3. To be the final decision maker regarding your initial plan or any changes to your treatment plan.

4. To always have the option to seek a second opinion before proceeding with a more invasive treatment.

5. To learn the truth about the limitations of X-rays and MRIs and that treatment decisions should not be made on their findings alone.

6. To learn the positive benefits of anti-inflammatory foods and the negatives of inflammatory foods on joint pain.

7. To be given multiple conservative options before considering or being offered opioids as a treatment.

8. To be provided with clear, non-technical, easy-to-understand educational materials for your jointly agreed upon treatment approach.

9. To work with a practitioner who acts as a consultant, co-decision maker or coach.

10. To work with a practitioner who takes a holistic assessment and treatment approach with an individualized treatment plan.

11. To work with a practitioner who will listen to YOUR story, about YOUR pain and YOUR stressors related to that pain.

12. To have the "science of pain" explained by a compassionate, empathetic practitioner. Understanding leads to less anxiety, less stress and often less pain.

13. To not be manipulated to sign up for 40 or more passive treatments (as the first treatment option), not covered by insurance, and with little research to support them.

14. To be provided with conservative, Self-Management options before passive treatments or new medications.

15. To be offered the option of physical therapy (an evidence-based treatment approach as good as or better than surgery in many cases).

16. To have the right to choose any physical therapy practitioner with absolutely no obligation to go to the doctor's PT clinic.

17. To have a directional preference mechanical evaluation and treatment trial if all other conservative treatments have failed.

18. To stop any treatment program if you and the practitioner aren’t seeing ANY improvement after six visits.