A consultation with the massage therapist will take place every time you come in for a treatment. The initial consultation will involve filling out a confidential health history form and discussing your goals for treatment with your therapist. It is important to make your therapist aware of any changes to your general health status before treatment. After the consultation, a physical assessment may be performed by your massage therapist. The assessment may involve orthopedic testing, neurological testing, postural and gait assessment, palpation or range of motion tests. These are extremely helpful in determining the root causes of pain and injury. Many of these assessments are designed to recreate your symptoms and can sometimes elicit some discomfort. Your therapist will remain in communication with you throughout the assessment process to make sure that the assessment is adjusted to your comfort level. Consultations and physical assessments are an important part of the practice of massage and shockwave therapy, as they help to ensure that the treatment you receive will be safe and effective.