The treatments of professionals using AK can be at the biomechanical level: manual or vibratory muscle treatment, massage, joint corrections, stimulation of reflex zones and acupuncture points.

The evaluation may include certain biochemical or dietary recommendations: dietary recommendations, recommendation of dietary supplements for the maintenance of good health or reference to a specialized professional (example: nutritionist). In Canada, the professional with an AK approach may decide to carry out neuro-taste tests that must always be integrated into a complete patient assessment process (history, physical examination, etc.), according to the professional’s scope of practice. Neuro-taste tests aim to detect a change in the neurophysiological parameters of the patient (eg manual muscular test (MMT), movement amplitudes, palpation of different areas of tension (eg Chapman’s NL reflexes, muscles, vertebrae, etc.) to better understand the presence or recurrence of certain neuromusculoskeletal problems.

The evaluation of oral substances is used because it seems clinically useful in the evaluation process of neuromusculoskeletal problems. Exposure to taste would elicit a variety of neurological and muscular responses, in addition to digestive, endocrine, cardiovascular, thermogenic and renal responses.³ Relationships between muscle function and specific nutritional deficits have been suggested by Travell and Simons.⁴ Nerve pathways that may explain the neurophysiological changes in MMT response observed following insalivation of a substance have been hypothesized (eg Cuthbert 2013),⁵but this subject requires further study. Nevertheless, there are several citations in the literature of an efferent response in the whole body resulting from the stimulation of gustatory and olfactory receptors produced during the insalivation of a substance.^{3 6-11} In some cases, the clinician may also refer the patient to consult a nutritionist, who is experienced in the neuro-taste test, to aid in the management of chiropractic cases. ^12-13 In some cases, the clinician may also recommend that the patient consult a nutritionist who can develop an appropriate dietary plan.

Learning AK is complementary to the academic training of the health professional. Thus, all the tools used in AK are added to the professional’s basic examinations (eg history of the problem, orthopedic tests, neurological examination, radiological examination, etc.). AK training is given by DIBAK professionals who are members of ICAK’s Board of Certified Teachers. Each health professional is required to use the AK within the limits of his field of expertise, the latter being defined by his professional order. For example, in Quebec, the scope of practice of chiropractors includes the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of neuromusculoskeletal disorders and the effects of these disorders on the general health of the person, so that the person can recover and maintain optimal health.²

Although muscle testing is an important functional neurological assessment tool, AK as taught by ICAK is not limited to the sole use of muscle testing. AK practitioners may initially receive a certificate of completion of the 50-hours foundation course. However, to be certified in AK, eligible healthcare professionals must at a minimum complete the ICAK-approved basic course (100 hours) and pass the exam. The title of DIBAK represents the highest standard of certification in AK.