Applied Kinesiology in Chronic Pain: A New Chapter

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Table of Contents

Introduction
Brief History of Applied Kinesiology
Difference Between Applied Kinesiology and Kinesiology
Principles of Applied Kinesiology
Applications of Applied Kinesiology
Concepts and Misconcepts in Applied Kinesiology
Current Applications of Applied Kinesiology
Conclusion
Works Cited

Introduction

Applied kinesiology is now being increasingly applied in the field of alternative medicine for a variety of purposes. Among these is for the relief of chronic pain among patients. While this method is popular, debate about its efficacy continues. Up till now, there is significant literature and research that supports applied kinesiology as a good alternative treatment.

Brief History of Applied Kinesiology

Applied kinesiology was introduced Goodheart in 1964, which introduced the method of manual muscle testing or MMT to diagnostic procedures. However, in addition to identifying the “weak muscles”, it aimed to identify “the subtle shifts away from optimal neurologic status”. (Schmitt and Yanuck, nd, pp 1) While initially, this methodology was met by skepticism, it was with continuous application and refinement of the procedures that led to the development of this field. with the help of advancements in neurology and neuromuscular biology, applied kinesiology is able to increase its accuracy considerably to be applied in various medical fields.

Difference Between Applied Kinesiology and Kinesiology

Applied kinesiology is very different from kinesiology, which is the study of movements of the human body. Applied kinesiology is also known by the names muscle testing and manual testing. However, the technique aims to diagnose illnesses in patients by testing the level of strength of the various muscles of the body. (American Cancer Society, 2007, np) The field is also different from medical fields in that it aims to treat the patient as a whole and not just stick to relieving symptoms.

As it is a non invasive method, it is a very popular procedure among patients who suffer from chronic pain disorders or debilities. (AOL, 2007, np) Applied kinesiology is an unconventional form of medicine, which does not fall within the standards set by the medical fields. The use of unconventional forms of medicine is prevalent in all parts of the globe, including the United States of America.(Eisenberg et al, 1993, pp 246) In the past, unconventional medicine was considered to constitute a small fraction of the medical industry. However, researches have revealed that unconventional medicine is a very large proportion of the medical servicing. However, they remain one of the sideline treatments, being used as adjuvant to the medical treatments. (Eisenberg et al, 1993, pp 249)

Principles of Applied Kinesiology

Applied kinesiology works on the principle of cause and effect. It claims that any illness in a specific organ leads to a corresponding weakness or illness in the respective muscle. By identifying the muscles with illness, applied kinesiology helps in diagnosing the ailment of the patient. However, applied kinesiology approaches the body as a whole as well as individual part in its evaluation. Therefore, problems such as nerve damage, poor lymph draining system, poor blood supply, or chemical nutritional or hormonal balances can also be diagnosed with the help of applied kinesiology. (American Cancer Society, 2007, np)

The charm of this field is that it is applicable by all health personnel whether conventional medicine or alternative medicine. The key to the therapy is manual stimulation of key points of a muscle or body, which initiates changes in the disease process, and thereby helps restore the organ and the body to full health. This is in addition to the safe therapeutic procedure and the noninvasive nature of it. (American Cancer Society, 2007, np) Unlike acupuncture, there is no invasive modality involved, which helps in patient compliance. Patients with chronic pain especially claim a reduction in the intensity of pain after applied kinesiology sessions. However, it is mostly used as an adjuvant and not as single therapy alone.

Researchers now know that the Central Integrative State or anterior horn motoneurons is the location where changes occur, which then lead to various muscle responses. Applied kinesiology is particularly different as it aims to identify any changes in the functional neurology before the end stage of clinical disease. The method of this process is therefore to normalize the afferent capacity of the neurons. (Schmitt and Yanuck, nd,pp 2)

This process is achieved through various manipulations of the muscles, which include touch, pressure, vibration, and other physical agents. The response to the physical changes is then recorded, which identifies the muscle as being weak or strong. (Schmitt and Yanuck, nd,pp 3). The aim of applied kinesiology is therefore restoring the normal functions of the muscle, including autonomic and neuroendocrine balance, proper neuron immune function and reduction of pain. (Schmitt and Yanuck, nd,pp 3).

By identifying the strong or weak muscle areas, the kinesologist is able to affirm the disease and its progression level, thereby helping in quick diagnosis. The relation of mind and body, and taking the individual as a whole person rather than a mix of individual body parts is the key in the success of this technique. applied kinesiology is now increasing its knowledge by learning from neuroscience. Both neuroscience and applied kinesiology are now working together to improve their understanding about diagnosis in various medical conditions. (Schmitt and Yanuck, nd, pp 1)

Applications of Applied Kinesiology

Applied kinesiology is therefore, used for many conditions and includes pain of both chronic and acute type, arthritis and headaches, allergies, disorders of the muscles and joints, tiredness and injuries due to vigorous activities, digestive disturbances and other such related medical problems. (AOL, 2007, np)

Concepts and Misconcepts in Applied Kinesiology

There are many areas in unconventional medicine that utilize the use of muscle testing procedures in their diagnostics and treatments. Apart from applied kinesiology, chiropractice etc. were also considered areas where manual muscle testing or MMT was carried out. Applied kinesiology started gaining importance when the value of active and healthy living began to surface. There is now sufficient literature to prove that sedentary manner of living is the cause of most of the developed country illnesses. The need for physical activity increases in patients who are debilitated or who are severely ill. The treatment plan for today must include physical activity as a prescription rather than advice by the physicians. It is here that the role of applied kinesiology can be appreciated in those who are debilitated or cannot move due to illness.

However, the most common misconception about the field is that the muscle itself becomes weak due to illness. The real concept it is an inhibition of the motor neuron in the absence of end organ pathology. The sensory and the motor pathways of the nerves carrying stimuli to the muscle are influenced by many factors. These include chemo and nociceptors, mechanoreceptors and the various secretions and products of the body at different times. This theory is supported by the somatic function theory. It claims that if a somatic or visceral tissue dysfunction took place, the associated neuron reflexes will also be affected and in turn will affect the excitability and activity of the muscle. (Belli, 2003, pp 1)

The kinesiology experts believe that every point represents a specific attitude, and meridian is used to channel energy to specific areas and muscles of the body. The responses in this system are based on the mind body connection and by manipulating them, the attitudes and the medical conditions can be improved. There is a strong component of emotional and mental health with the health of the body. A healthy body will have positive attitudes and will respond positively, and vice versa for a negative person. (Goodheart, nd, np)

Current Applications of Applied Kinesiology

Applied kinesiology is now being considered as an important additional tool in the fields of functional neurology. With increased understanding of the neurological pathways and methods of conduction, applied kinesiology will be better able to diagnose various conditions within the human body. (Schmitt and Yanuck, nd, pp 2) Various neuromediators that affect the conduction capacity and activity of the muscle are also being learned to understand the complex integration between the nervous system as well as the muscles and their coordination.

Current medical use of applied kinesiology includes evaluating the gait patterns through the MMT, evaluating the spinal cord interneuron functions, utilizing mechanoreceptor and nociceptor stimulation for injured areas, and suprasegmental modulation of pain. (Schmitt and Yanuck, nd, pp 7)

Various applications of applied kinesiology include identification and correction of muscle problems, visceral problems, and correcting meridian imbalances. Identification of food sensitivities and metal toxicity, as well as various infections can also take place. Applied kinesiology can be used to detect nutritional deficiencies and any emotional issues contributing to the ill health of the patient. In many treatment procedures, applied kinesiology can be used as an adjunct to improve treatment outcomes such as acupuncture and laser acupuncture, nutritional medicine and homeopathy, application of herbal medicine, chiropractic medicine, as well as Ayurvedic medicine. (What is Applied Kinesiology, nd, para 12)

Conclusion

Applied kinesiology is now being considered as an important adjuvant to medical practice and its benefits are now visible. However, there is still lack of information about how effective this procedure actually is. There is still limited research conducted in the area, and the studies that have been carried out have not provided any significant findings. To properly understand the true role of applied kinesiology requires more research in this area.

Works Cited

American Cancer Society, 2007. Applied Kinesiology. Web.

AOL, 2007. Better Health with Applied Kinesiology. Web.

Belli, Richard, 2003. Applied Kinesiology and the Motor Neuron. Dynamic Chiropractic. Web.

David M Eisenberg, Ronald C Kessler, Cindy Foster, Frances E Norlock, David R Calkins and Thomas L Delbanco, 1993. Unconventional Medicine in the United States—Prevalence, Costs and Patterns of Use. The New England Journal of Medicine, Volume 328:246-252.

George Goodheart, nd. Applied Kinesiology. Web.

Walter H Schnitt and Samuel F Yanuck, nd. Expanding the Neurological Examination Using Functional Neurologic Assessment: Part II Neurologic Basis of Applied Kinesiology. The Elements of Health, Scottsdale, Arizone, USA. Web.

What is Applied Kinesiology? House of Natural Medicine. ND. Web.

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