 Applied Kinesiology What is AK? Applied Kinesiology (AK) is a form of diagnosing 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. AK is an integral component of how Dr. Fuller creates an individualized treatment plan for you. He begins by finding a muscle that tests weak and then attempts to determine why that muscle is not functioning properly. Then he will evaluate and apply the therapy that will best eliminate the muscle weakness. Therapies utilized can include specific joint manipulation or mobilization, various myofascial therapies, cranial techniques, meridian therapy, clinical nutrition, dietary management and various reflex procedures.  In some cases, Dr. Fuller may test for environmental and food sensitivities by using a previously strong muscle to find what weakens it.Applied kinesiology uses the triad of health-chemical, mental and structural factors, to describe the proper balance of the major health categories. The triad is represented by an equilateral triangle with structural health as its base, and the upright sides representing chemical and mental health. When a person experiences poor health, it is due to an imbalance in one or more of these three factors. The triad of health is interactive and all sides must be evaluated for the underlying cause of a problem. A health problem on one side of the triad can affect the other sides. For example, a chemical imbalance may cause mental symptoms. Applied kinesiology enables the practitioner to evaluate the triad's balance and direct therapy toward the imbalanced side or sides. 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. AK examination should enhance standard diagnosis, not replace it. |