Gonstead Difference

What makes our technique different?

The Gonstead System

    • Thorough Patient Health History
      • It is essential to understand the health challenges that each patient faces as not one story is identical to one another. We are committed to identify the underlying cause of these challenges as they involve an altered neurological function and frequently disturbed systemic health. 
    • Visualization (Postural Assessment)
      • Helping to identify abnormal posture patterns from the neck to the low back and hips including upper and lower extremities when walking can enable a better understanding of spinal biomechanics and gait patterns.
    • Instrumentation
      • The doctor will use a handheld instrument that has dual probes to detect heat differences at each spinal level caused by subluxations or nerve interference.
    • Static and Motion Palpation
      • The purpose of palpation is to identify specific spinal levels of inflammation and altered muscle tone. Performing motion palpation followed by static palpation will help to identify the location of joint restriction of what direction the bone has subluxated. 
    • Full Spine X-Rays
      • To see is to know; to not see is to guess. Full Spine X-Rays allows us to precisely analyze your structural foundation as a whole, allowing us to cross-reference with your biomechanical findings on the exam. The x-ray films will also help to enable the most precise adjustment to achieve the best corrective results. 

The Gonstead System

Thorough Patient Health History

It is essential to understand the health challenges that each patient faces as not one story is identical to one another. We are committed to identify the underlying cause of these challenges as they involve an altered neurological function and frequently disturbed systemic health. 

Visualization (Postural Assessment)

Helping to identify abnormal posture patterns from the neck to the low back and hips including upper and lower extremities when walking can enable a better understanding of spinal biomechanics and gait patterns.

Instrumentation

The doctor will use a handheld instrument that has dual probes to detect heat differences at each spinal level caused by subluxations or nerve interference.

Static and Motion Palpation

The purpose of palpation is to identify specific spinal levels of inflammation and altered muscle tone. Performing motion palpation followed by static palpation will help to identify the location of joint restriction of what direction the bone has subluxated. 

Full Spine X-Rays

To see is to know; to not see is to guess. Full Spine X-Rays allows us to precisely analyze your structural foundation as a whole, allowing us to cross-reference with your biomechanical findings on the exam. The x-ray films will also help to enable the most precise adjustment to achieve the best corrective results. 

The Gonstead Technique is distinguished by several key factors that set it apart from other chiropractic methods:

  1. Focus on Structural Foundation and Intervertebral Discs: The Gonstead approach prioritizes the body’s structural foundation and the health of intervertebral discs. This emphasis on addressing foundational imbalance, spinal misalignments, nerve dysfunction, and motion disturbances distinguishes it from other chiropractic techniques. 

  2. Comprehensive Biomechanical Analysis: Gonstead chiropractors utilize sophisticated techniques to analyze and uncover spinal, pelvic, and neurological issues that contribute to vertebral subluxations and overall health concerns. This thorough assessment allows for targeted adjustments aimed at restoring natural spinal alignment and optimal movement. 

  3. Specificity in Adjustment Approach: Unlike a generalized or “shotgun” approach to care, the Gonstead Technique emphasizes specificity in targeting adjustments to selected levels of involvement. By focusing on primary subluxations and understanding the relationship between subluxation and compensation, Gonstead practitioners aim for maximum restoration of function and balance. 

  4. Utilization of Specialized Equipment: Gonstead chiropractors often use specialized equipment such as full spine radiographs, differential skin temperature meters, hydraulic hi-lo tables, knee-chest tables, cervical chairs, and more. These tools aid in precise analysis and adjustment of spinal issues.
     
  5. Emphasis on Mastery and Skill: The Gonstead Technique requires a high level of mastery, skill, and practice due to its complexity and detailed approach to chiropractic care. Practitioners undergo extensive training to effectively apply the principles of the Gonstead Method.

Who was Dr. Gonstead?

Dr. Gonstead’s Accomplishments in Chiropractic

Dr. Clarence Gonstead made significant contributions to the field of chiropractic through his innovative approach and techniques. His main accomplishments include:

  1. Development of the Level Disc Theory: Dr. Gonstead challenged prevailing ideas about subluxation by introducing the Level Disc Theory, which posited that subluxations originated at the disc level rather than from vertebral bone displacement. 

  2. Creation of a New Method for Correcting Subluxations: Based on his Level Disc Theory, Dr. Gonstead developed a new system for correcting vertebral subluxations that focused on centering the vertebrae on the disc to restore optimal alignment.
     
  3. Invention of Specialized Equipment: Dr. Gonstead designed and invented specialized equipment such as the Nervoscope, cervical chair, and knee chest table to enhance the detection and correction of subluxations, allowing chiropractors to apply precise adjustments effectively.

These accomplishments solidified Dr. Gonstead’s reputation as a pioneer in chiropractic care and significantly influenced the practice and understanding of chiropractic techniques

Who was Dr. Gonstead?

Dr. Gonstead’s Accomplishments in Chiropractic

Dr. Clarence Gonstead made significant contributions to the field of chiropractic through his innovative approach and techniques. His main accomplishments include:

  1. Development of the Level Disc Theory: Dr. Gonstead challenged prevailing ideas about subluxation by introducing the Level Disc Theory, which posited that subluxations originated at the disc level rather than from vertebral bone displacement. 

  2. Creation of a New Method for Correcting Subluxations: Based on his Level Disc Theory, Dr. Gonstead developed a new system for correcting vertebral subluxations that focused on centering the vertebrae on the disc to restore optimal alignment.
     
  3. Invention of Specialized Equipment: Dr. Gonstead designed and invented specialized equipment such as the Nervoscope, cervical chair, and knee chest table to enhance the detection and correction of subluxations, allowing chiropractors to apply precise adjustments effectively.

These accomplishments solidified Dr. Gonstead’s reputation as a pioneer in chiropractic care and significantly influenced the practice and understanding of chiropractic techniques

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