Applied Kinesiology in Houston
Our Holistic Approach
Applied Kinesiology That Works For You
At The Hayden Institute, Applied Kinesiology (AK) is incorporated into an individualized, systems-based approach to healthcare. AK uses manual muscle testing, along with a patient’s health history and physical examination, to explore patterns of muscle function and guide aspects of the clinical assessment.
Developed within the chiropractic profession, Applied Kinesiology considers relationships among the musculoskeletal system, neurological function, and other aspects of health. Practitioners may use AK procedures to help inform their clinical approach, while recognizing that manual muscle testing alone cannot reliably diagnose nutritional deficiencies, organ dysfunction, or medical conditions.
Rather than following the same care plan for every patient, practitioners at The Hayden Institute consider each person’s symptoms, examination findings, lifestyle, and health goals. Depending on individual needs, care may incorporate chiropractic care, functional medicine, clinical nutrition, and other supportive approaches.
For individuals in Houston, Cypress, and surrounding communities interested in learning more about this approach, the New Patients page
"It Works!"
"I had the pleasure of working with Dr. Elissa, who is an absolute miracle worker! We did applied kinesiology/muscle testing and emotional release work together. I have never experienced such profound healing that was felt immediately. I don’t fully understand how applied kinesiology works but it works!... I have never experienced such a nurturing and supportive health professional in my life. I am forever grateful that our paths have crossed. I feel like a new woman!"
Megan H.
Verified 5-Star Google Review
What is Applied Kinesiology?
Applied Kinesiology (AK) is a system of clinical assessment and therapeutic techniques developed by chiropractor Dr. George J. Goodheart, Jr., beginning in 1964. It combines manual muscle testing with elements of chiropractic examination, functional anatomy, neurological assessment, nutrition, and other clinical approaches to evaluate patterns of muscle function and guide individualized care.
One of the central features of Applied Kinesiology is manual muscle testing, in which a practitioner evaluates how a muscle responds to a carefully applied force. Within the AK framework, changes in muscle response may be considered alongside other examination findings to help guide further assessment.
Applied Kinesiology also incorporates the Triad of Health, a model emphasizing three interconnected areas: structural, chemical, and mental/emotional factors. Structural considerations include muscles, joints, posture, and movement. Chemical factors involve nutrition, metabolism, and other physiological processes. Mental and emotional factors recognize the potential influence of stress and emotional experiences on physical well-being.
Over time, Applied Kinesiology has evolved into a comprehensive approach that brings together chiropractic care, functional neurology, nutritional assessment, and concepts from traditional Chinese medicine. By considering how these different aspects of health interact, AK practitioners seek to better understand each patient’s individual needs and develop a more personalized approach to care.
At The Hayden Institute, Applied Kinesiology may be incorporated alongside chiropractic care, clinical nutrition, and other individualized approaches. Findings are considered in the context of the patient’s history, symptoms, examination, and overall healthcare needs.
OUR HEALTHCARE EXPERTS
Our passionate team of holistic healthcare professionals is dedicated to providing you with the best possible care.
Dr. Chase Hayden
Dr. Elissa Ellerbrock
Dr. Erica Extine
Liz Taylor - BCHN
"IT's Worth It!"
"10 stars is not enough for Dr Hayden and his staff. They have helped me countless times to get better when traditional doctors could not. I’ve been seeing Dr Hayden since 2015 and he has always been "on point" with each diagnosis and treatment. I have to drive an hour and 20 minutes to get there but it’s worth it. He has helped my inflammation to go down with RA, body temperature to go up, Thyroid in balance, losing weight, and most of all living better with my SI joint pain. He goes beyond chiro with his knowledge in the endocrine system and quantum neurology."
P.T.
Verified 5-Star Google Review
How Does AK Work?
Applied Kinesiology (AK) is based on the principle that the body’s structural, chemical, and mental/emotional systems are interconnected. Changes in one area may influence how other systems function. AK practitioners use manual muscle testing, physical examination, and other clinical observations to explore these relationships and develop an individualized approach to care.
Although each evaluation is tailored to the patient, the process generally involves three steps:
1. Manual Muscle Testing
The practitioner places a muscle in a specific testing position and applies controlled pressure while the patient attempts to maintain that position. The response is evaluated for its ability to resist the applied force. AK practitioners may also observe how muscle responses change with different movements, positions, or other examination procedures.
2. Clinical Interpretation
Muscle testing findings are considered alongside the patient’s health history, symptoms, posture, movement patterns, and other examination results. Within the Applied Kinesiology framework, practitioners explore possible relationships involving the musculoskeletal system, neurological function, nutritional status, and other physiological factors. These observations help guide further assessment and clinical decision-making.
3. Individualized Care
Based on the overall evaluation, recommendations may include gentle chiropractic adjustments, rehabilitation exercises, clinical nutrition, lifestyle recommendations, or other supportive techniques. Muscle responses may be reassessed during care to observe changes in function and help guide the clinical process.
At The Hayden Institute, Applied Kinesiology is one component of a broader, personalized approach to healthcare. The goal is to understand each patient’s individual presentation and identify appropriate strategies to support movement, function, and overall well-being.
Who Can Benefit From Applied Kinesiology?
Applied Kinesiology (AK) may be incorporated into the care of patients with a variety of health concerns. By considering relationships among muscle function, movement, neurological responses, nutrition, and lifestyle factors, AK practitioners seek to develop a more individualized understanding of each patient’s needs.
Some of the individuals who may be interested in an Applied Kinesiology evaluation include:
1. Individuals Experiencing Chronic Pain or Musculoskeletal Discomfort
People dealing with recurring back pain, neck discomfort, joint stiffness, or muscle tension may benefit from a comprehensive musculoskeletal assessment. AK practitioners evaluate muscle function, movement patterns, and other physical findings to help guide appropriate chiropractic care and rehabilitation strategies.
2. Athletes and Physically Active Individuals
Athletes and active adults may seek AK-based evaluations to explore muscle performance, movement limitations, coordination, and recovery-related concerns. Findings may help inform individualized recommendations involving chiropractic care, rehabilitation exercises, and activity modifications.
3. Individuals with Digestive or Nutritional Concerns
People experiencing digestive discomfort, dietary challenges, or questions about nutritional status may appreciate an approach that considers nutrition alongside other aspects of health. At The Hayden Institute, AK procedures may be incorporated into a broader assessment that includes dietary history, clinical findings, and clinical nutrition when appropriate.
4. People Experiencing Stress or Emotional Tension
Stress can influence muscle tension, sleep, physical comfort, and everyday well-being. Applied Kinesiology’s structural, chemical, and mental/emotional framework encourages practitioners to consider these relationships when evaluating patients. Depending on individual needs, care may also incorporate Neuro-Emotional Technique (NET) or other supportive stress-management approaches.
5. Individuals with Neurological or Movement-Related Concerns
Patients experiencing changes in balance, coordination, muscle activation, or movement control may benefit from a more detailed evaluation of neuromuscular function. Depending on the examination findings, care may incorporate rehabilitation exercises, neurological assessment, or approaches such as Quantum Neurology. Symptoms suggesting an underlying neurological condition require appropriate medical evaluation.
6. Health-Conscious Individuals Seeking a Personalized Approach
Applied Kinesiology may also appeal to individuals who want a broader perspective on their health, even when they do not have a specific musculoskeletal complaint. An AK-informed evaluation considers the person’s health history, physical findings, lifestyle, and goals while exploring how different aspects of function may relate to one another.
At The Hayden Institute, Applied Kinesiology is used as part of an individualized clinical approach rather than a single assessment method for every patient. For those in Houston, Cypress, and surrounding communities who would like to explore whether AK may be appropriate for their needs, the New Patients page explains how to request an appointment.
Hayden Institute
10694 Jones Road #210
Houston, Texas 77065
Houston, Texas 77065
Phone: 281-826-2685
Fax: 281-469-8997
Office Hours
Monday, Wednesday, Friday:
7:40am – 12:40pm,
2:20pm – 6:00pm
Tuesday, Thursday:
8:00am – 1:00pm
Saturday, Sunday:
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