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What is AK?

Applied kinesiology (AK) is a form of diagnosis using muscle testing as a primary feedback mechanism to examine how a person’s body is functioning. When properly applied, the outcome of an AK diagnosis will determine the best form of therapy for the patient. Since AK draws together the core elements of many complementary therapies, it provides an interdisciplinary approach to health care

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AK in Sports

Doctors using applied kinesiology have a distinct advantage over other practitioners as they have specific diagnostic tools to determine the best therapy for the injured athlete.

These tools range from specific muscle treatments designed to normalize muscle activity to treatments designed to aid other damaged tissues like skin, ligaments, tendons and joints

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What is an AK examination?

Applied kinesiology interactive assessment procedures represent a form of functional biomechanical and functional neurologic evaluation. The term “functional biomechanics” refers to the clinical assessment of posture, organized motion such as in gait, and ranges of motion. Muscle testing readily enters into the assessment of postural distortion, gait impairment and altered range of motion. During a functional neurologic evaluation, muscle tests are used to monitor the physiologic response to a physical, chemical or mental stimulus. The observed response is correlated with clinical history and physical exam findings and, as indicated, with laboratory tests and any other appropriate standard diagnostic methods. Applied kinesiology procedures are not intended to be used as a single method of diagnosis. Applied kinesiology examination should enhance standard diagnosis, not replace it.

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What is in a name?

In 1964, Dr. Goodheart made an observation that a weak muscle could be treated and the strength immediately improved. From this simple observation, began a life long search for other treatment methods that could improve muscle strength. Along the way, he discovered factors that could negatively effect the strength and functioning of muscles. In the beginning, he named this area of investigation and discovery applied kinesiology. He chose to use the term kinesiology, as this implies the study of motion, movement and muscle function. He added the term applied because what he was doing was not the discipline of standard kinesiology.