What to expect at your first biokinetics session

If you've never been to a biokineticist before, the first session might feel a bit mysterious. Will you be exercising? Tested? Lying on a bed? The short answer is: a bit of everything, and mostly talking and assessing. Here's exactly what to expect.

How long is the first session?

Your initial assessment is longer than a follow-up session — usually 60 to 90 minutes. That's because we need to properly understand your body, your history and your goals before we can prescribe anything sensible.

Follow-up sessions are typically 45 to 60 minutes.

What to bring

• Any relevant medical reports — X-rays, MRI scans, operation reports, referral letters from your doctor or physio
• A list of any medications you're currently taking
• Your medical aid card or membership number, if applicable
• A water bottle and a small towel
• Comfortable exercise clothing you can move in
• If the issue is in your lower body, wear or bring shorts so assessment of the knee, hip or ankle is easier

What happens during the assessment

Step 1 — The conversation

We spend the first 15–20 minutes talking. Gabriella will ask about your reason for coming, your symptoms, your medical and surgical history, your activity level, your work, and what you hope to get out of treatment.

This isn't filler — it's genuinely diagnostic. Often the most important clues to what's happening in your body come from how the problem started, how it behaves, and what makes it better or worse.

Step 2 — The physical assessment

Depending on what you've come in for, this typically includes:

• Postural assessment — how you stand, sit, and hold yourself
• Range of motion testing — how far your joints can move, and where it hurts or restricts
• Strength testing — specific muscle groups relevant to your condition
• Movement screening — basic movement patterns (squat, lunge, hinge, push, pull) to see how your body coordinates
• Functional testing — sport-specific or life-specific tasks where appropriate
• Where relevant: balance, gait analysis, body composition, cardiovascular fitness

Step 3 — The plan

By the end of the session, Gabriella will explain what she's found, what she thinks is contributing to your condition, and what the rehabilitation plan looks like. This includes:

• How many sessions you'll likely need (a realistic ballpark, not a sales pitch)
• How often to come in
• What home exercises will support your in-session work
• What you can and can't do in the meantime
• Whether you need anything else — physio, doctor's input, scans — before progressing

What you'll do in the session

You won't necessarily exercise hard in the first session. The priority is assessment. If there's time and it makes sense, you may start with a few foundational exercises so you leave with something to practise at home.

What to expect afterwards

It's normal to feel a little more aware of the area we've worked on for a day or two — sometimes called "good soreness". If anything feels properly sore or wrong, WhatsApp Gabriella; small adjustments early on save problems later.

A few practical things

• Arrive 5–10 minutes early for your first session to fill in a short health questionnaire
• Parking is available on the St. John's College premises
• Most medical aids cover biokinetics — bring your card so we can note the practice number for your claim

The whole experience is much less intimidating than people expect. You'll leave with a clearer understanding of your body than you arrived with — and a plan to do something about it.