Applied Kinesiologists Near Me

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FAQs:

What is Applied Kinesiology?

Applied kinesiology (AK) which is also know as muscle strength testing, is a method of diagnosis and treatment based on the belief that various muscles are linked to particular organs and glands, and that specific muscle weakness can signal distant internal problems such as nerve damage, reduced blood supply, chemical imbalances or other organ or gland problems. Practitioners contend that by correcting this muscle weakness, you can help heal a problem in the associated internal organs.

What is Applied Kinesiology Used For?

Practitioners claim that applied kinesiology can be used to diagnose and treat nervous system problems, nutritional deficiencies or excesses, imbalances in the body’s “energy pathways” (known in Traditional Chinese Medicine as meridians), and many other health concerns.

The theory of AK was developed by George Goodheart, Jr., a Michigan chiropractor who began to write and lecture about his ideas in 1964. Applied kinesiology practitioners are often chiropractors, but may also be osteopathic physicians, dentists, or even conventional physicians. According to the International College of Applied Kinesiology (ICAK), practitioners must first be trained in their respective fields before they can study applied kinesiology in a postgraduate setting.

While suggested uses of AK range from abdominal pain to cancer, diabetes, headache, learning disabilities, osteoporosis, Parkinson’s disease, vertigo, and many other health problems, scientific evidence demonstrating the safety and effectiveness of AK for these conditions is limited, at best.

How Does Applied Kinesiology Work?

Applied kinesiology looks at balance within your body’s triad of health – chemical, mental, and structural factors – to understand and correct health problems. The triad is represented by an equilateral triangle with structural health as its base and the upright sides representing chemical and psychological health. When a person experiences pain, dysfunction, or poor health, it is due to a problem in one or more of these areas affecting the others. 

For example, low blood sugar may make someone moody, or a pinched nerve may cause muscle pain. Applied kinesiology helps the doctor evaluate the triad and direct therapy toward the imbalanced side or sides. An applied kinesiologist looks at the individual parts of the triad and the relationship among them to better understand why a health problem exists, how and where it began, and how to correct the cause instead of simply treating the symptoms. The triad of health is interactive and all sides must be evaluated for the underlying cause(s) of a problem.

Applied kinesiology uses muscle testing as a primary feedback mechanism to examine how a person’s body is functioning. In short, the applied kinesiologist finds a muscle that tests weak and then attempts to determine why that muscle is not functioning properly. In some cases, the examiner may test for environmental or food sensitivities by using a previously strong muscle to find what weakens it. 

At the hands of a skillful doctor, AK diagnosis can determine the best forms of treatment for the specific patient at that time. This is important because we are dynamic, living, growing creatures. Just as your needs may be different from someone else with similar symptoms, you may also have different needs at different times as your health changes. These therapies may include specific joint manipulation or mobilization, various myofascial therapies, cranial techniques, meridian therapy, clinical nutrition, dietary management, and various reflex procedures. 

Since AK draws together the core elements of many complementary therapies and provides an interdisciplinary approach to health care, it is not surprising that around the world chiropractors, osteopaths, medical doctors, dentists, and psychiatrists are trained in and use Applied Kinesiology.

Why is Applied Kinesiology Important?

The goals of applied kinesiology are to (1) restore normal nerve function, (2) achieve normal endocrine, immune, digestive, and other internal organ functions, (3) intervene early in degenerative processes to prevent or delay pathological conditions, and (4) restore postural balance, correct gait (walking) impairment and improve range of motion.

Who Practices Applied Kinesiology?

In a survey conducted by the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE) in 1998, Applied kinesiology was used by 43 percent of chiropractic offices in the United States. Although the majority of practitioners in the survey were chiropractors, occupations also included nutritionists, naturopathic doctors, and massage and physical therapists.

Currently, the Nambudripad Allergy Elimination Technique (NAET) advocates for the use of applied kinesiology in treating allergies and other sensitivities. However, the results of a 2001 study using muscle tests as an allergy test for wasp venom states that it is no more helpful in diagnosing allergies than random guessing.

What is the Difference Between Applied Kinesiology and Kinesiology?

While Applied Kinesiology sounds similar to kinesiology, they are not the same discipline. Kinesiology is the study of body movement. There are several kinesiology-based techniques in healthcare, but kinesiology often focuses more on biomechanical observation. The International College of Applied Kinesiology (ICAK) defines and oversees the practice of Professional Applied Kinesiology. Trained applied kinesiologists include chiropractors, medical doctors, osteopaths, dentists, and several other disciplines. According to the ICAK, using a single general muscle test or observing motion without further examination is an improper use of applied kinesiology.

Does Applied Kinesiology Work?

Also known as muscle strength testing, applied kinesiology is an alternative modality that proponents believe can help diagnose and treat a wide variety of conditions. However, there’s little compelling evidence to support such claims, including those for any benefit for anxiety and other mental health concerns.

Applied kinesiology is based on the belief that certain muscles are linked to particular organs and glands, and that specific muscle weakness can signal internal problems such as nerve damage, reduced blood supply, chemical imbalances, or other organ or gland dysfunction. Practitioners of applied kinesiology contend that by correcting this muscle weakness, you can help address a problem in the corresponding internal organ.

During an applied kinesiology session, the practitioner exerts pressure on the patient’s muscles, one at a time. If a muscle stands up to pressure, it’s considered “strong” or “locked,” while any muscle that gives way to pressure is considered “weak” or “unlocked” and believed to indicate a problem. This muscle testing is supposed to be one aspect of a complete examination and not used alone to diagnose disease.

Supporters of applied kinesiology contend that it can help assess and treat everything from abdominal pain, headaches, and learning disabilities to diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, and cancer. Some practitioners also claim that applied kinesiology can benefit mental health, including anxiety and depression, although it’s unclear how or why.

How Many AK Treatments Will Be Required?

Applied Kinesiology is used to treat individuals rather than diseases, and so each treatment program is unique for that particular person. After the first couple of sessions, the practitioner should be able to estimate the duration of treatment needed to help resolve your problem.

History of Applied Kinesiology

George J. Goodheart, a chiropractor, originated applied kinesiology in 1964 and began teaching it to other chiropractors. An organization of Goodheart Study Group Leaders began meeting in 1973, selected the name "The International College of Applied Kinesiology" (ICAK) in 1974, adopted bylaws in 1975, elected officers in 1975, and "certified" its charter members (called "diplomates") in 1976. ICAK now considers 1976 to be the date it was founded and 1973 to be the date that its first chairman took office.

While this practice is primarily used by chiropractors, AK is also used by a number of other practitioners of complementary therapy. In 2003, it was the 10th most frequently used chiropractic technique in the United States, with 37.6% of chiropractors employing this method and 12.9% of patients being treated with it. Some basic AK-based techniques have also been used by nutritional supplement distributors, including multilevel distributors.

What is Muscle Testing? 

Muscle testing is also known as applied kinesiology (AK) or manual muscle testing (MMT). It is an alternative medicine practice that claims to effectively diagnose structural, muscular, chemical, and mental ailments.

Applied kinesiology is not a part of the science of kinesiology, which is the study of the movement of the human body.

The basic idea behind AK is similar to one of Sir Isaac Newton’s Laws of Motion, which states, “For every action in nature there is an equal and opposite reaction.”

Applied kinesiology takes this concept and applies it to the human body. This means that any internal issues you may be experiencing would be accompanied by related muscle weakness.

Following this thought process, you should be able to perform a muscle test to diagnose any underlying medical condition. Muscle testing conducted in applied kinesiology differs from standard orthopedic muscle testing.

Here’s an example: You have a muscle test performed and your bicep is deemed “weak.” A person performing the muscle test with a standard view of medicine might suggest working out your biceps more at the gym.

A person following the principles of applied kinesiology may suggest that you have this weakness because of an underlying problem with your spleen.

How is Muscle Testing Used in Applied Kinesiology?

Manual muscle testing is a form of biofeedback. It assesses an output–motor function–in response to an input. The inputs range from changes in movement patterns (which change sensory input to the brain) to doctors performing “challenges.” A practitioner may use mechanical pressure, movement, reflexes, or Traditional Chinese meridian points to see how the body responds to different types of input. Because changes in sensory input to the nervous system change the motor output, we can assess how the system is functioning. 

Muscle testing, done correctly, is assessing the neuron pool in the front of the spinal cord. These neurons become inhibited, facilitated, or hyper-facilitated in response to changing stimuli. By using muscle testing, we get a real-time assessment of the body’s function and see if the nervous system is responding normally or abnormally.

A professional applied kinesiology (PAK) practitioner uses the results of manual muscle testing in conjunction with their patient history, orthopedic, neurologic, and lab testing to diagnose the source of the patient’s problem. Muscle testing also provides a real-time assessment of treatment outcomes. Using manual muscle testing without other diagnostics is not a full evaluation of the patient.

While most people are familiar with muscle testing in the form of an arm pull-down test, this is not Applied Kinesiology. Both practitioners and laypeople use these types of testing to diagnose health issues. This type of testing oversimplifies the body’s response and, in my opinion, takes away from the diagnostic process. 

What Can Applied Kinesiology Treat?

AK may be able to help with basic structural problems for which a person may visit a healthcare practitioner e.g.

• - low back pain

• - sciatica

• - headaches + migraines

• - postural abnormalities

• - disc injuries

• - nerve root irritation

• - acute onset sports injuries

• - stress-related disorders

In addition, an AK practitioner may be able to address many other functional and systemic disorders from which people increasingly suffer in modern-day society e.g.

• - allergies, including asthma, eczema, and hayfever

• - recurrent ear, nose, and throat infections

• - hormone-related disorders

• - symptoms of PMT and menopause

• - irritable bowel syndrome

• - post-viral syndrome/ME

• - food intolerances

• - sleep pattern disorders

• - childhood disorders including dyslexia and behavioral problems

Benefits of Applied Kinesiology

Applied kinesiology has several benefits and can help in many areas of life, including:

• 1. Reducing stress and anxiety.

• 2. Restoring balance, or homeostasis.

• 3. Helping your body to process shock and trauma.

• 4. Releasing emotional triggers or reactions.

• 5. Helping you become proactive, as opposed to reactive.

• 6. Identifying the cause of physical symptoms.

• 7. Releasing the negative emotional effects of guilt, depression, anger, addictions, and phobias.

• 8. Helping with learning difficulties and concentration.

• 9. Improving awareness, clarity, and focus.

• 10. Aligning your energy with your goals.

• 11. Empowering you to make conscious decisions.

• 12. Enhancing your self-awareness and improving your overall well-being.

What to Expect from an Applied Kinesiology Treatment

The practitioner will take a full and detailed history. Above all, the patient is given time to talk, and the practitioner will be concerned with establishing a complete picture in order to understand the problem as fully as possible. The Applied Kinesiology practitioner will perform a wide variety of muscle tests on the patient in order to establish areas of dysfunction.

AK gives a detailed insight into body function but it must be emphasized that it is used in conjunction with standard diagnostic tests whenever relevant - X-rays, physical diagnosis, history, blood tests, etc. AK examination enhances standard diagnosis and is enhanced by standard diagnosis.

The great advantage of AK is that the Practitioner no longer needs to rely entirely on chemicals or invasive technology to treat the Patient. AK provides a system whereby the Practitioner works with the Patient and the Patient can be actively involved in their treatment and has an immediate source of feedback through muscle testing. In this way, the patient can adopt a much greater sense of responsibility towards his illness and can have a greater awareness of his body's dysfunction.

When visiting an AK Practitioner, expect to be involved. They will test for fundamental mechanical defects; the possible connection of visceral dysfunction (the function of the associated gland or organ); stress levels in the body; and, where relevant, cranial and pelvic distortion and toxicity/allergy problems. Treatment may involve any combination of manipulative work, guidance in self-treatment, nutritional support, homeopathic remedies, and treatment to aid stress-related problems.

How to Find an Applied Kinesiologist Near Me

When looking for an applied kinesiologist, it is important to consider the practitioner's qualifications. The American Association of Applied Kinesiology (AAAK) is a good resource for finding qualified practitioners. AAAK members must meet rigorous standards and be held to high ethical standards.

Another consideration when choosing an applied kinesiologist is their approach to treatment. Some practitioners use a specific technique, while others use a more holistic approach that incorporates many different techniques. It is important to find a practitioner who suits your needs and who you feel comfortable working with.

Finally, it is important to contact the practitioner before making an appointment. This will give you a chance to ask any questions you have and to find out if the practitioner is a good fit for you.

Sources:

Sofia Health

Wikipedia

ICAK UK

WEIL

Healthline

Dr. Chloe Tillman

Newton Center Chiropractic

The Family Chiropractic Center

Dr. Christine Schlenker

Acne Remedy