The origin of contemporary Applied Kinesiology is traced to 1964 when Dr George G. Goodheart Jr. DC first observed that in the absence of congenital or pathologic anomaly, postural distortion is often associated with muscles that fail to meet the demands of muscle tests designed to maximally isolate specific muscles. He observed that tender nodules were frequently palpable within the origin and/or insertion of the tested muscle. Digital manipulation of these areas of apparent muscle dysfunction improved both postural balance and the outcome of manual muscle tests. Dr Goodheart and others have since observed that many conservative treatment methods improve neuromuscular function as perceived by manual muscle testing. 

These treatment methods have become the fundamental Applied Kinesiology approach to therapy. Included approach are specific joint manipulation or mobilisation, various myofascial therapies, cranial techniques, meridian therapy, clinical nutrition, dietary management, and various reflex procedures. With expanding research and clinical observations there has been continued expansion and modification of the treatment procedure and protocols resulting many new methods have been developed within the discipline

As a result, many and varied forms of muscle testing or kinesiology have been formed that utilise the original premise of the manual muscle test and these include: