Kinesiology in Wokingham, Berkshire

Kinesiology is a complementary therapy that uses gentle muscle testing as a biofeedback tool to identify imbalances within the body's structural, biochemical, emotional and energetic systems. By identifying and correcting these imbalances, kinesiology can support health, improve wellbeing and address a wide range of physical and emotional concerns.

At Wokingham Therapy Clinic, our kinesiologist practises Systematic Kinesiology, a well-established form of kinesiology that draws on principles from chiropractic, acupuncture, nutrition and psychology.

On this page

1. What is kinesiology?
2. How kinesiology works
3. What kinesiology can help with
4. What to expect
5. Frequently asked questions

What is kinesiology?

Kinesiology was developed by chiropractor Dr George Goodheart in 1964, who discovered that muscles reflect the functional state of the body's systems through a network of nervous system connections. By testing specific muscles and observing whether they test strong or weak, a kinesiologist can identify areas of dysfunction, imbalance or stress within the body – even before symptoms become obvious.

Systematic Kinesiology takes this foundation and integrates it with the acupuncture meridian system, nutritional science and emotional stress release techniques. It provides a whole-person assessment that can identify the root cause of symptoms rather than simply treating them in isolation.

How kinesiology works

In a kinesiology session, the practitioner places the client's arm or leg in a specific position and applies gentle, light pressure while the client is asked to match the pressure. A muscle that tests “strong” can hold the position easily; a “weak” response indicates that the nervous system is not fully supporting that muscle, which in systematic kinesiology is associated with an imbalance in the corresponding body system or acupuncture meridian.

Once imbalances are identified, the kinesiologist uses a range of correction techniques to restore balance. These may include:

• Neurovascular holding points – gentle holding of specific points on the head to improve blood flow to corresponding organs and systems
• Neuro-lymphatic massage – massaging specific points on the body to stimulate lymphatic drainage and clear metabolic waste
• Nutritional support – muscle testing can indicate which nutrients or foods are either supportive or stressful for the body
• Emotional stress release – gentle techniques to defuse emotional stress held in the body
• Structural corrections – light adjustments to improve posture, alignment and mobility

Following the session, the practitioner will make personalised recommendations including dietary and lifestyle changes, nutritional supplements, and exercises or self-help techniques to carry out between appointments.

What kinesiology can help with

Kinesiology takes a whole-person approach and can support a wide range of concerns, including:

• Digestive health – IBS, bloating, constipation and food sensitivity testing using muscle testing
• Digestive structure – ileocaecal valve imbalances and abdominal muscle corrections
• Hormonal health – PMT, menopausal symptoms, hormonal imbalances, pre-conception support
• Skin conditions – eczema, psoriasis, acne, through food and product sensitivity testing
• Nutritional health – checking for deficiencies in vitamins, minerals, protein and hydration
• Sports performance – identifying nutritional needs and structural imbalances in athletes
• Posture and structure – balancing the neck, jaw, vertebrae and sacrum
• Pain and tension – identifying and releasing muscular holding patterns and trigger points
• Stress and emotional wellbeing – defusing emotional stress using specific trauma release techniques
• Brain function and learning – improving co-ordination and brain integration for learning difficulties and dyslexia
• Energy and vitality – restoring energy levels and a general sense of wellbeing

What to expect

A kinesiology session at Wokingham Therapy Clinic is gentle, non-invasive and relaxing. You remain fully clothed throughout the session – there is no need to remove any clothing. The kinesiologist will begin by taking a brief history of your health concerns and what you are hoping to achieve from treatment.

The muscle testing process is simple and painless. You will be asked to lie on a treatment table and the kinesiologist will place your limb into specific test positions, asking you to hold while they apply gentle pressure. At no point should you experience pain or significant discomfort. The session will identify areas of imbalance and the corrections will be applied in the same session.

You will leave with specific recommendations to support your body between sessions. A follow-up appointment is typically recommended four to six weeks later to review progress and continue treatment. Most people notice improvements in how they feel within the first two to three sessions.

Frequently asked questions

How is kinesiology different from physiotherapy or chiropractic?

Physiotherapy and chiropractic focus primarily on the physical and structural aspects of health, typically in response to a specific injury or diagnosed condition. Kinesiology takes a broader, whole-person view that includes structural, nutritional, emotional and energetic dimensions. It is complementary to these other therapies and can be used alongside them.

Does kinesiology testing actually work?

Kinesiology muscle testing is used as a biofeedback tool within a clinical framework, not as a standalone diagnostic system. Research into the mechanisms of muscle testing is ongoing. Many clients report significant improvements in their health and wellbeing following a course of kinesiology, and the therapy has a devoted clinical following. It is best considered a complement to conventional care rather than a replacement for medical diagnosis.

How many sessions will I need?

The number of sessions depends on the complexity of your concerns and how your body responds. Many people notice positive changes within two to three sessions; more complex or long-standing issues may benefit from a longer course of treatment. Your kinesiologist will advise based on your individual response to treatment.

Is kinesiology safe?

Yes. Kinesiology is a safe, gentle, non-invasive therapy that is suitable for most people, including children, pregnant women and the elderly. The muscle testing procedure is entirely painless and the corrections used are gentle and non-forceful. It is not a diagnostic medicine and does not replace medical investigation.

Therapist vacancy

If you would like to rent space and practice within the clinic, please email the clinic manager.