Applied Kinesiology

Background

Two physical therapists, Kendall and Kendall, wrote a book called Muscles: Testing and Function, and in 1964, using this book as his foundational base, George J. Goodheart created AK. He was a chiropractor who started The International College of Applied Kinesiology in 1974.

Although originally used by chiropractors, AK is now employed as a diagnostic tool and feedback mechanism by practitioners in many related fields such as dentistry, naturopathy, physical therapy, nutrition, and massage therapy. Medical doctors and nurse practitioners also find it useful.

The Technique

This system does manual muscle testing along with more conventional diagnostic methods to evaluate the mental, chemical, and structural areas of health. The main idea is that there is a weakness in a specific muscle for every organ dysfunction. “Functional biomechanics” is the term used for the clinical assessment of motion and posture.

The way it basically works is to have the subject or patient resist with the target muscle, while a force is applied. The muscle will test either weak or strong, depending on whether there are any imbalances and stresses in the body. When a muscle tests weak there is usually some sort of problem or dysfunction, while a strong test indicates well being.

One way of testing is to have the subject extend his or her arm, while the practitioner presses down on the arm. This is called a Delta test. Nutrient testing tests muscle response to various chemicals.

Therapy localization is a muscle test where the subject’s hand is placed over an area of the body in need of attention. A change in muscle response from strong to weak, through fingertip contact, indicates a need for therapeutic intervention.

Here is a statement from the American Chiropractic Association concerning this system:

"This is an approach to chiropractic treatment in which several specific procedures may be combined. Diversified/manipulative adjusting techniques may be used with nutritional interventions, together with light massage of various points referred to as neurolymphatic and neurovascular points. Clinical decision-making is often based on testing and evaluating muscle strength."

The inner purpose of Applied Kinesiology is to tap into the inner body to diagnose disease. The American Chiropractic Association stated that in 2003 Applied Kinesiology was the 10th most frequently used chiropractic technique in the United States. 37.6% of all chiropractors employed this method, and 12.9% of patients were treated with it. AK is a valuable tool that has been proven effective, and deserves your attention.

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