Applied kinesiology is a system of analysis that uses manual muscle testing as its key point of evaluation. It was developed in 1964 when chiropractor George Goodhart was treating a patient with a chronic shoulder injury. After several sessions with no improvement, he decided to employ the muscle testing techniques described by Kendall and Kendall's textbook Muscles: Testing and Function. He was able to isolate the dysfunctioning muscle and applying therapeutic pressure to it, restoring the patient's shoulder function. He continued and expanded his work with muscle testing, teaching others of his techniques, and in 1976 founded the International College of Applied Kinesiology.

Today, Applied Kinesiology describes health as a balance of a person's physical, chemical and mental/emotional well-being. This principle is called the Triad of Health. When one area of the triad is affected, the other areas can be affected as a result. This holistic view is therefore able to see the person as a whole. Treatment methods include spinal manipulation, craniosacral therapy, muscle balancing and soft tissue techniques, nutritional and dietary counseling, and reflex therapy.