Positioning instruments and related methods are described for implanting an joint unloading system for treating joints. The positioning instruments and methods allow the joint unloading system to be positioned at a joint such that the desired motion will occur for the particular design of a particular joint unloading system which is to be implanted. The positioning instruments include a locating instrument for locating an anatomical feature and a target location for implantation of the joint unloading system, a verification instrument for verification of the target location, an alignment guide, a placement guide for guiding placement of a part of the joint unloading system, and positioning device for aligning portions of the joint unloading system.