Applied Kinesiology (AK) is a method used by some chiropractors to help assess how the body’s muscles, joints and nervous system are functioning together.

It combines manual muscle testing with standard clinical examination to give additional insight into movement patterns, muscle coordination and functional imbalance.

At our clinic, Applied Kinesiology is used alongside conventional chiropractic assessment, helping us build a clearer picture of what may be contributing to your symptoms.

What Is Applied Kinesiology?

Applied Kinesiology was developed in the 1960s by chiropractor Dr George Goodheart.

The method uses manual muscle testing, where gentle pressure is applied to specific muscles to assess how well they respond.

Because muscles are controlled by the nervous system and connected to joints and movement patterns, changes in muscle response may sometimes provide clues about:

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• joint restrictions

• muscle imbalance

• movement dysfunction

• neuromuscular coordination

This information can help guide treatment decisions within a broader clinical examination.

Applied Kinesiology is taught internationally through the International College of Applied Kinesiology (ICAK).

How Applied Kinesiology Is Used in Our Clinic

We use Applied Kinesiology as part of a comprehensive musculoskeletal assessment.

Your consultation may include:

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• health history and discussion of symptoms

• postural and movement analysis

• orthopaedic and neurological testing

• spinal and joint examination

• manual muscle testing

By combining these assessments, we aim to identify areas of tension, weakness or poor coordination that may contribute to pain or reduced movement.

What Does Muscle Testing Involve?

Manual muscle testing is a simple, non-invasive procedure.

You will be asked to hold a specific position while the chiropractor applies light resistance to a muscle.

We observe how the muscle responds and compare this with other muscles and movements.

Muscle testing has long been used in physiotherapy, rehabilitation and sports medicine to assess neuromuscular function and muscle strength.

Conditions We Commonly See

Applied Kinesiology may be used during the assessment of people experiencing:

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• back pain

• neck pain

• shoulder problems

• sports injuries

• postural strain

• joint stiffness

• muscle imbalance

• reduced mobility

Treatment is always based on the overall clinical findings, not muscle testing alone.

Treatment Options

If appropriate, treatment may include:

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• chiropractic spinal adjustments

• joint mobilisation

• rehabilitation exercises

• posture and ergonomic advice

• lifestyle and movement recommendations

Our goal is to help improve movement, comfort and overall physical function.

Is Applied Kinesiology Evidence-Based?

Manual muscle testing, which forms part of Applied Kinesiology, has been studied in healthcare research.

Some studies report moderate to strong reliability when tests are performed using standardised procedures, particularly when assessing musculoskeletal function.

However, the use of muscle testing for diagnosing non-musculoskeletal conditions remains controversial and requires further research.

For this reason, in our clinic Applied Kinesiology is used as an additional assessment tool alongside established chiropractic examination methods.

Safety and Professional Standards

Applied Kinesiology techniques used in our clinic are gentle and non-invasive.

As a registered chiropractor, care is provided in accordance with UK professional standards and regulatory guidance.

Any treatment recommendations are based on your individual assessment findings and clinical needs.

Scientific References

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• Cuthbert SC, Goodheart GJ. On the reliability and validity of manual muscle testing: a literature review. Chiropr Osteopat.

• Conable KM, Rosner AL. A narrative review of manual muscle testing and implications for muscle testing research. J Chiropr Med.

• Oliveira DG et al. Clinimetric properties of manual muscle testing. J Chiropr Med.

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