What is Kinesiology?

By Sharon Hopkins - 2006-09-08 - Viewed 1964 times. Find more articles like this in our Pain and Pain Management category.

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The word Kinesiology means "the Science of Movement".

Kinesiological information is applied in such fields as physical therapy, occupational therapy, chiropractic, osteopathy, exercise physiology, kinesiotherapy, massage therapy, ergonomics, physical education and athletic coaching. The approach of these applications can be therapeutic, preventive, or performance enhancing.

Applied Kinesiology

Applied Kinesiology is the application of Kinesiology for therapeutic purposes. It was developed by Dr. George J. Goodheart, an American chiropractor in 1964. Applied Kinesiology evaluates structural, chemical and mental aspects of health using manual muscle testing with other standard methods of diagnosis. An applied kinesiology practitioner will assess the muscles in the patient's body and if any muscle is unbalanced, he or she will attempt to determine why that muscle is not functioning properly. The practitioner will then devise a method of treatment that will balance all of these muscles. Treatments may involve specific joint manipulation or mobilization, various myofascial therapies, cranial techniques, meridian and acupuncture skills, clinical nutrition, dietary management, counseling skills, evaluating environmental irritants and various reflex procedures.

Applied Kinesiology has spawned many sub-branches of diagnosis and treatment. The underlying principle behind all these techniques is the use of muscle testing as a biofeedback technique to determine communication problems or imbalances in mind, body or spirit. Once identified the practitioner may employ a wide range of techniques to correct the imbalances identified and confirm the correction by re-testing the muscle. Some of the popular methods of therapy that build on and enhance the concepts propagated in Applied Kinesiology are Specialized kinesiology, Energy kinesiology, Touch for Health and Educational kinesiology.

What are its benefits?

Applied Kinesiology shows the practitioner how to evaluate and restore the proper functioning of the nervous system. Once this proper functioning is restored, the body's self-healing capability kicks in and enables the body to once again regulate its own health. Applied Kinesiology treats the body as a whole, so it is used to treat a wide variety of ailments such as such as accident trauma, allergies, arthritis, asthma, back ache, congestion, depression, digestive problems, dyslexia, irritable bowel syndrome, muscular aches and pains, osteoporosis, rheumatism, and skin disorders, among others.

Applied Kinesiology is also used for the diagnosis and subsequent treatment of sport-related injuries. The principles of Applied Kinesiology have also been effectively used for enhancing athletic performance.

Applied Kinesiology is also an excellent stress buster. It can help combat chronic fatigue and increases energy and concentration levels. Applied Kinesiology can also help you improve your memory and brain power.

Sharon Hopkins manages web content for Massage Health Therapy. In this article she introduces you to Kinesiology, Applied Kinesiology and their therapeutic benefits. She also writes for Aromatherapy, Yoga and many other health related sites.

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