OCTOBER NEWSLETTER: MUSCLE TESTING

By: Gleason Center Editors, Dr. Daniel Gleason DC

Applied kinesiology is the study of movement and posture that is most famous for its use of manual muscle testing. Muscle testing allows your doctor to get to the root of what's going on. In this month's newsletter, Dr. Gleason goes in depth about what applied kinesiology is and what it can do for you. If you're ready to take control of your health, here's a crash course in A.K. 101.

Muscle Testing: The Key to Structure & Function

Manual muscle testing gives you and your doctor unique insight into your health and symptoms. When an applied kinesiologist finds one of your muscles that is “turned off” you begin a journey of discovery. Curiosity should lead you to ask the ultimate question: “What is causing my problem?”. This fundamental question is often missing in doctor’s offices and hospitals in the U.S.

All too often, conventional medicine rushes to make a diagnosis and then jumps to a drug or surgical treatment before even asking about the cause. Your symptoms are merely masked or perhaps your lab values look better, but the underlying cause has been ignored. Failing to address the cause may result in a bigger problem down the road. Like the old adage, “you can pay me now or pay me later”.

What do you typically do when you have a sore or tight muscle? Rub it, ice it, apply some analgesic lotion, stretch it, heat it, or use a TENS unit? These are all good strategies, but they ignore one important consideration- what is the opposing muscle doing? This is a fundamental consideration for the applied kinesiologist. A muscle left unsupported by its corresponding opponent muscle becomes tight and sore. Muscle testing allows us to find the muscle that is “turned off” and determine what it will take to turn it back on and keep it from turning off again.

Applied kinesiology is the study of movement and posture that is most famous for its use of manual muscle testing. Muscle testing is its primary diagnostic tool. In addition to gait and posture analysis, kinesiologists test your muscles and look for the causes of neuromuscular imbalances. Causes fall into three categories:

1. Physical: Stresses like acute and repetitive injuries, poor supportive structures like shoes, pillows, beds, and seating
2. Chemical: Stresses like toxic exposures and nutrient deficiencies
3. Mental: Stresses like worry, sleep deprivation, and lack of purpose

Each muscle in the body has an organ relationship through the acupuncture system. By testing your muscles, the doctor who uses applied kinesiology can help you determine which of the above-mentioned stressors is causing your problem. Treatments fall into the same three categories:

1. Physical: Treatments include chiropractic adjustments, massage, yoga, exercise, and reflexology (as well as supportive treatments like kinesiotape, laser therapy and PEMF therapy)
2. Chemical: Treatments should be guided by lab tests in conjunction with muscle testing. Lab testing may involve blood and urine testing to determine deficiencies, allergies, and toxins. Stool testing will evaluate digestive function and microbiome function including bacteria, yeasts, and parasites
3. Mental: Treatments may involve visualization, affirmations, meditation, and breathing. This may involve coordinating treatments with psychologists, hypnotists, and other mental or spiritual health practitioners

​Many ask “What types of conditions can the applied kinesiologist help?”

1. Physical: Problems like injuries, arthritis, bursitis, fasciitis, ruptured discs, pulled muscles, and headaches
2. Chemical: Problems like autoimmunity, digestive problems, diabetes, and fatigue
3. Mental: Problems like anxiety, depression, and insomnia

Your health is your most important possession. Once lost, it may be very hard to recover. Savvy people assemble a team of professionals who communicate well with them and with each other. I would encourage everyone to include doctors who use applied kinesiology to become part of their health care team.

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