Manual Muscle Testing | testing both arms and legs

Manual Muscle Testing | both arms and legs can test differently

Manual muscle testing

Manual muscle testing is a procedure for the evaluation of the function and strength of individual muscles and muscle groups based on effective performance of limb movement in relation to the forces of gravity and manual resistance.

In Applied Kinesiology and Specialized Kinesiology this “strength” is not considered a measure for the quality of the muscle, rather a signal for the practitioner to sense the way Mind Body Spirit perceive a given thought, sensation or what else is being focussed on. This manual muscle testing is performed with (very) light pressure. As this testing is more of an indication of the neurlogical pathways then a testing of the muscle quality sec. It is the job ot the practitioner to resolve the “weak” OR “blocked” muscle test.

DEFINITION:  A good muscle test is a muscle test where the muscle is “strong” and the muscle reacts positive on a spindle cell manipulation technique.

Types of muscle contractions are: a) isometric (static), b) concentric, c) isotonic, d) isokinetic, and e) eccentric. (Wiki: Muscle contraction)

1. Isometric contractions:  occurs when there is tension developed within the muscle but no movement occurs. The two insertion sites do not change positions, and the muscle length does not change.
2. Concentric contractions: tension within the muscle is build up, the two insertion sites move closer together, and the muscle shortens.
3. Isotonic contactions: while tension remains unchanged, the muscle’s length changes. Lifting an object at a constant speed is an example of isotonic contractions
4. Isokinetic contactions:  the muscle contraction velocity remains constant, while force is allowed to vary.
5. Eccentric contractions: tension is released while performing the muscle test. Thus moving the limb away from the body.

When a limb is being tested in Applied Kinesiology and Specialized Kinesiology, this limb is intentionally tested with isometric contraction in mind. The experience of no movement is considered “Strong” (the limb stays stationary). When the testperson experiences an isotonic contraction this movement is called “Weak” (the limb moves). Oftentimes the testperson wants to counteract this movement of the limb and tries to succomb this “weakness” with concentric contractions. Only to find eccentric contractions in the tested muscle.

Three functional classifications of muscles are used with Manual Muscle Testing: a) prime mover or agonist, b) antagonist, and c) synergist.

1. The agonist muscle or muscle group makes the major contribution to movement at a joint.
2. Antagonist muscles have an opposite action to the agonists. To some degree, the antagoist muscle relaxes as the agonist moves.
3. Synergists are muscles that work along with agonists to produce the desired movement. They can work in three characteristic ways: as a) neutralizing or counteracting synergists (prevent unwanted movements), b) conjoint synergists (work together to produce the desired movement), or c) stabilizing or fixating synergists (stabilize proximal joint movement).”

In Applied Kinesiology and Specialized Kinesiology there is a distinct notion that certain muscles are related to certain meridians. This knowledge is basic in Touch for Health. For everyone of the 12 main acupuncture meridians there is a muscle and to these are added 2 of the extra meridians (Conception Vessel and Governor Vessel). So testing these specific muscles one has an indication of a problem within the related meridian OR the resembled organ OR something else. It is in Applied Physiology (Richard Utt) where there is a method of testing the antagonist is part of the procedure.

Testing both arm and legs can show a difference

At Three in One Concepts it is considered normal practize to test both arms and/or legs. In my practize I often experience situations where the result of a muscle test of the left side is different from that of the right side. When I find the left side to be “weak” the main driver for this indicator change is of emotional nature. When I find the right side to be “weak” the main driver for this indicator change is that of trouble with that what is. Looking for these aberrations is part of the challenge of performing muscle testing. The other part is to find the required correction to make this “abnormal muscle test stop from occuring. Until now I have always found the right “buttons” to push.

What ever end result you may find, I urge you to test both left and right limbs. Just as it is common practize in Three in Once Concepts. Get your self the opportunity not to overlook this occurence.

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Huib Salomons, Apeldoorn – The Netherlands

http: hsalomons.com
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