Applied Kinesiology was originally founded by Michigan chiropractor, Dr. George Goodheart. It was in 1964 when he made the first connection between discovering a weak muscle using manual muscle testing and the implementation of a chiropractic therapy to strengthen it. He employed a range of fields of study when conducting his research, such as acupuncture and biomedicine to better understand the use of the human body as a diagnostic tool. His unique perspective led to the discovery of Applied Kinesiology as a methodology of treatment that’s still used today.

Applied Kinesiology is a safe and non-invasive diagnostic system using manual muscle testing (MMT) as a tool for evaluating neurological function and muscle strength. It is a holistic approach used to restore balance to the body, when imbalance or disease is keeping it from working optimally. Applied Kinesiology (AK) is designed to efficiently diagnose internal ailments that many people suffer from each day. 

Why Choose Applied Kinesiology?

• It’s easy and painless

Applied Kinesiology can be offered to patients of all ages and it causes no pain

• It’s non-invasive

No needles or shocks are used during manual muscle testing

• It’s safe

Our practitioners are certified to safely utilize Applied Kinesiology in treatment

Only doctors and healthcare practitioners regulated by licensing bodies can be certified to include Applied Kinesiology in their patient care. Our chiropractors at Sentinel Health and Wellness are certified to offer this methodology.

Practitioners use Applied Kinesiology to treat the nervous system, nutritional deficiencies, imbalances, and much more. AK methodology focuses primarily on neuromuscular function related to the body’s structural, chemical, and neurological systems. The basis of Applied Kinesiology is the belief that specific muscles are linked to certain organs in our bodies and that muscle weakness can signify various internal issues such as chemical imbalances, nerve damage, and other injuries that are unable to be seen with the naked eye.

Muscle testing assesses the impact of the nervous system on patient health, allowing AK practitioners to look for the source of dysfunction in the balance of the nervous system by using signals from the motor system. Using manual muscle testing as a guide, practitioners determine the strength (or weakness) of muscle to ascertain if their patient has any internal ailments to address. 

Muscle strength is calculated by applying a small amount of force or pressure to a specific muscle or muscle group and determining the ability to meet the pressure and resist. If a muscle fails to resist, the test is failed meaning there is more than likely an internal issue to diagnose. 

How Does Applied Kinesiology Benefit You?

When a muscle is deemed as weak while undergoing testing, this alerts the practitioner that there may be an internal issue. This weakness could be signaling stress in the body as a result of many factors ranging from an allergy induced by an environmental toxin, an underperforming organ, or even an emotional response to trauma elicited during testing. 

These issues begin internally and may not be troublesome at first, but eventually they can lead to debilitating physical issues in everyday life when not addressed. Researchers report that 50.2 million (or 20.5 percent) of U.S. adults experience chronic pain based on an analysis of NHIS* data. There are many people who suffer daily with symptoms that Applied Kinesiology can help alleviate such as:

• Neck pain
• Respiratory issues
• Osteoarthritis
• Lower back pain
• Dental pain
• Tension headaches
• Migraines

If you are someone experiencing painful symptoms such as those listed above, Applied Kinesiology may be able to help. By offering this methodology of treatment to our cherished patients, our practitioners at Sentinel Health and Wellness can locate the source of your ailments with Applied Kinesiology and help restore balance to your mind and body.

Some benefits of Applied Kinesiology include:

• Relieving pain
• Restoring balance 
• Identifying the cause of physical symptoms
• Reducing anxiety and stress
• Releasing emotional trauma or stress
• Increasing productivity 

Types of AK-Related Treatment

Depending on the determined strength and weakness of the muscle groups tested, your practitioner may suggest a variety of treatments. Some AK-associated treatments can include routine deep massage, joint alignment and manipulation, and acupuncture. Depending on the ailment, treatments also include therapeutic dietary suggestions and nutritional advice. This is especially true for those suffering from mild to severe allergies. 

Applied Kinesiology does have applications for the diagnosis of allergies, as tests can be conducted to understand the effect that certain toxins or substances have on the human body. If an allergen (i.e. animal fur, tree pollen, etc.) is introduced during testing and the muscle is deemed as weak by the practitioner, the patient may have an allergy to the substance. Once an allergy has been detected and diagnosed, Applied Kinesiology techniques can be implemented to treat the allergy without the use of prescription drugs. This approach to allergy diagnoses can prevent the prescribing of harmful and unnecessary drugs while offering a holistic treatment to patients.

Other Benefits

While we thoroughly enjoy the physical benefits that Applied Kinesiology provides, there are other, intangible benefits for the patient that are important to note. The relief of chronic pressure or pain and the release of negative emotional feelings through prescribed treatment (i.e. massage, alignment, etc.) can positively overwhelm us. AK methodology subscribes to a host of intangible benefits resulting from prescribed treatments as listed below:

• Improved self awareness and clarity
• Improved focus and confidence
• Ability to align one’s mindset and goals
• Improved learning difficulties and concentration
• Encouraged conscious decision making
• Improved processing of information

When Applied Kinesiology is used by the practitioner, the patient not only feels better physically, but mentally. This small but powerful diagnostic tool of AK helps improve life in many aspects and by using a mind and body approach, chiropractic care provides much needed relief from daily stressors. 

If you are looking to improve your physical and mental health and wellness, we’re just a phone call or click away! Send us a message and reach out to us today. We’re happy to help you get started on your wellness journey!