Applied Kinesiology
Dr. Hunter Hoeper offers Applied Kinesiology services in Pittsburgh, PA to help treat nervous system problems, nutritional deficiencies, imbalances, and many other health concerns.
At NutriFarmacy, Dr. Hunter Hoeper offers Applied Kinesiology (AK) as part of a highly personalized, frequency-based approach to natural health care. Applied Kinesiology is a non-invasive diagnostic and therapeutic method that uses manual muscle testing to assess how your body’s structural, chemical, and emotional systems are functioning—and how they interact.
What Is Applied Kinesiology?
Developed in the 1960s by Dr. George Goodheart, Applied Kinesiology revolutionized the way practitioners evaluate health by using the body’s own muscle responses as a diagnostic tool. Each muscle group relates to a specific organ, gland, or meridian system, meaning that changes in muscle tone or strength can reveal underlying imbalances throughout the body.
Applied Kinesiology integrates principles from chiropractic, traditional Chinese medicine, nutrition, osteopathy, biochemistry and acupuncture, making it one of the most comprehensive natural assessment tools available.
How It Works
During an Applied Kinesiology session, Dr. Hoeper performs gentle muscle testing while introducing light stimuli such as touch, pressure, or movement. These responses help identify dysfunctions in the nervous system, nutritional deficiencies, toxin exposure or emotional stress patterns. Once the cause is identified, corrective measures may include chiropractic adjustments, acupressure, dietary changes, detoxification or targeted supplementation.
Benefits of Applied Kinesiology
- Identifies and corrects nervous system interference
- Detects nutritional deficiencies and chemical imbalances
- Supports recovery from chronic fatigue, stress, or injury
- Improves digestion, immune function, and energy levels
- Balances emotions and enhances overall vitality
Personalized, Whole-Body Care
Unlike conventional approaches that focus on isolated symptoms, Dr. Hoeper combines Applied Kinesiology with Network Spinal, Chiropractic Plus Kinesiology, Quantum Neurology and Functional Medicine to create a customized care plan for each individual. Every treatment is designed to meet your body’s specific needs in that moment—never a preset protocol.
If you’re searching for an Applied Kinesiology chiropractor in Pittsburgh or want to experience natural healing through frequency-based medicine, contact Nutrifarmacy today at 412-486-4588 or complete our online form to schedule your in-person or virtual consultation with Dr. Hunter Hoeper.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is muscle testing in Applied Kinesiology and how does it work?
Muscle testing in Applied Kinesiology involves evaluating the strength or weakness of specific muscles in the body to determine the functioning of related organs, glands, or systems. The practitioner applies various types of stimuli such as touch, pressure, or movement, while testing the strength and tone of different muscle groups. Muscle testing works on the principle that muscles respond differently to different stimuli and that muscle weakness can indicate underlying health issues.
What types of health issues can Applied Kinesiology address?
Applied Kinesiology is often used to address a range of health issues such as allergies, digestive problems, chronic pain, and emotional stress. The technique can help identify physical, chemical, or emotional stressors that may be contributing to these issues, and then address them through various treatments such as spinal adjustments, acupressure, dietary changes, or nutritional supplements.
What should I expect during an Applied Kinesiology session?
During an Applied Kinesiology session, the practitioner will evaluate the strength or weakness of specific muscles in your body while applying various types of stimuli. Based on the results of muscle testing, the practitioner may recommend specific treatments such as spinal adjustments, acupressure, dietary changes, or nutritional supplements. The length and frequency of Applied Kinesiology sessions may vary depending on your health needs and goals, and it’s essential to communicate with your practitioner throughout the process.
A Deeper Look at Applied Kinesiology
What Applied Kinesiology Actually Tests
Applied Kinesiology (AK) was developed by Dr. George Goodheart, DC in the 1960s and has since been refined by the International College of Applied Kinesiology (ICAK), the credentialing body for AK practitioners worldwide. AK uses manual muscle testing as a functional neurological assessment — evaluating how the nervous system, muscles, organs, and biochemistry are interacting in real time.
Importantly, AK as practiced by ICAK-trained doctors is not the casual “muscle testing” sometimes seen in supplement stores or wellness clinics. It is a rigorous diagnostic system grounded in functional neurology and used by chiropractors, MDs, DOs, and dentists who have completed extensive postgraduate training.
How AK Differs from Generic Muscle Testing
Generic muscle testing often involves placing a substance near the body, pushing on an arm, and interpreting strength as “yes” or weakness as “no.” True Applied Kinesiology is far more structured. It involves:
• Specific muscle tests for individual muscles, with known neurological and visceral correlations
• Therapy localization — using the patient’s own contact to identify where dysfunction is
• Challenge testing — evaluating the body’s response to specific therapies, foods, or substances
• Assessment of cranial mechanics, gait, and structural integrity
• Integration with other clinical findings (history, exam, labs, imaging)
What AK Reveals That Bloodwork Misses
Standard bloodwork measures levels but rarely measures function. You can have “normal” thyroid labs while having functional hypothyroidism. You can have normal nutrient labs while having tissue-level deficiencies. AK lets Dr. Hoeper assess function directly — which organs are working harmoniously, which are stressed, what specific nutrients support each system, and how the body responds when supported.
This is particularly valuable for patients who have been told their labs are normal while feeling unwell. AK reveals patterns that conventional testing alone often misses.
What an AK Evaluation Includes
In a comprehensive AK evaluation, Dr. Hoeper assesses:
• Major muscle groups and their associated organ/meridian relationships
• Cranial mechanics and structural balance
• Specific organ function (thyroid, adrenals, liver, gut, etc.)
• Nutritional needs at the tissue level
• Food sensitivities and reactions
• Emotional involvement (with NET)
• Response to specific therapeutic interventions
Who Benefits from Applied Kinesiology
AK is particularly valuable for:
• Patients with multi-system symptoms who have not gotten clear answers
• People with chronic fatigue, brain fog, or unexplained illness
• Patients with food sensitivities or unclear gut issues
• Athletes seeking precise muscle and recovery assessment
• Patients with hormonal imbalance or thyroid issues
• Anyone who wants individualized rather than generic care
Frequently Asked Questions About Applied Kinesiology
Is AK scientifically valid? Manual muscle testing is well-established in physical therapy and rehabilitation. The functional applications of AK have a smaller research base, though clinical experience over decades supports its utility. Dr. Hoeper integrates AK findings with conventional history, exam, and labs — not as the only data point.
How is this different from kinesiology in physical therapy? Physical therapists use kinesiology for movement assessment. Applied Kinesiology extends that to functional neurological and visceral assessment.
Can AK diagnose disease? AK is a functional assessment tool, not a disease-diagnostic tool. It does not replace imaging, biopsy, or laboratory diagnosis. Dr. Hoeper will recommend conventional workup when appropriate.
How long is an AK session? Initial evaluations are typically 60–90 minutes; follow-ups are usually 30–60 minutes.
What is ICAK certification? The International College of Applied Kinesiology requires extensive postgraduate training and ongoing certification for full diplomate status. Look for ICAK-trained or ICAK-certified practitioners for true Applied Kinesiology.
Ready to Work with an Applied Kinesiologist in Pittsburgh?
If you are looking for a true Applied Kinesiologist in Pittsburgh, schedule your first visit with Dr. Hoeper. He will conduct a comprehensive AK evaluation and begin care in the same visit.