Applied Kinesiology

Applied kinesiology (AK), also known as manual muscle testing (MMT), is a diagnostic method that uses muscle testing to diagnose structural, muscular, chemical, and mental conditions. The main premise of AK is that the body’s muscles are all linked to internal structures such as organs and glands and their corresponding nutritional support. Therefore, muscle weakness can be an indicator of an internal problem as well as a musculoskeletal problem.  By testing the muscles, one can accurately diagnose the medical condition depending on which muscle exhibits weakness. 

Did You Know?

The concept of applied kinesiology was developed in the 1960s by a chiropractor named Dr. George Goodheart.

Frequently Asked Questions: 

Is Applied Kinesiology right for me?

Applied kinesiology may be right for you if you are looking for an alternative diagnostic approach that is holistic and assesses the whole body. AK can be used to diagnose and treat a variety of health conditions. 

What happens during an applied kinesiology appointment?

Your appointment will begin with a discussion of your medical history. Your doctor will also take some time to evaluate your posture and structure, as well as your gait. They may also perform a functional neurological evaluation and test your range of motion. 

Then, your doctor will perform various muscle strength tests by applying force and asking you to resist using a specific individual or group of muscles. If you are successfully able to resist the force, it is called a smooth response, or strong muscle. If you are not successfully able to resist force, then it is called a weak response. 

Although this may sound like a strength test, your doctor is actually paying attention to muscle tension and its reaction, rather than how strong the resistance is. Additionally, muscle testing takes into account position, force application, body position changes, isolation, and timing to access the overall muscle function. 

Applied kinesiology is one of the only non-invasive diagnostic techniques for diagnosing internal conditions. Additionally, since AK only requires another person, there are no medical risks associated with an AK appointment. 

What do I do with my applied kinesiology results?

Your AK results will be evaluated in conjunction with your clinical history, past physicals, and laboratory information and testing. This will allow your doctor to get an in-depth look at your health that can be used to diagnose and treat possible conditions using the best tools available in healthcare today!