I've had 16, yes 16, orthopedic operations over the last 18+ years. I don't have anything done unless all other options have been exhausted. If pt doesn't help after 6+ weeks and it isn't getting any better, then I start to consider surgery. I only have surgery when it's something that has become too intolerable not to do. I won't have anything done without trusting the doc either. Just ask questions that you have and realize that even with "no experience" he/she had to do a lot of work during their residency. Ask kirk what that really means.