The Gonstead System
Gonstead procedures are the result of extensive clinical research by Clarence S.Gonstead, founder of the world famous Gonstead Clinic of Chiropractic in Mount Horeb, Wisconsin and his associates. Doctor “G” as he is affectionately known by those in the Gonstead community was a very giving provider. He practiced his system of chiropractic for over 55 years and taught countless other chiropractors his unique and specialized methods to help create a legacy that still stands today. His dedication resulted in one of the most complete methods of biomechanical analysis used by today’s doctors of chiropractic. This is the methodology used at our clinic Specific Health in Maplewood. So why don’t all chiropractors use this technique? Because the analysis takes more time and mastering the art of delivering a specific adjustment takes a lot of time, dedication and commitment to perform. Not all chiropractors have put in this type of effort to be able to say they are Gonstead Chiropractors. Best part about this adjustment? It’s in a neutral position which means no uncomfortable twisting of the neck!
The “Gonstead Chiropractor”
The Gonstead Chiropractor goes beyond what many chiropractors consider a spinal assessment by conducting a thorough analysis of your spine using multiple criteria to detect the presence of the vertebral subluxation complex.
Palpation – Both static and motion palpation or “feel” is used by the Gonstead chiropractor to detect motion or lack of motion in the spine.
Instrumentation – The instrument of choice in the Gonstead System is the temperature scope. The “scope” as it is known detects uneven distributions of heat along the spine which can be indicative of inflammation, disc dysfunction and nerve irritation. This instrument is guided down the length of your back and feels like two fingers gliding down each side of your spine.
X-Ray Analysis – X-ray films enable your doctor to visualize the entire structure of your spine. This is helpful in evaluating posture, joint and disc integrity, vertebral misalignments and ruling out any pathologies, or recent fractures that may be present or contributing to the patient’s condition. These full-spine radiographs are taken in the standing, weight-bearing position to fully substantiate the examination findings.
Case Management (Symptomatology) – Although never used in a “cook-book” fashion, understanding problems with a patient’s health help us determine the area that a patient needs to be adjusted. Symptoms can help separate the two parts of the Autonomic Nervous System (Sympathetic and Parasympathetic) and aid us in applying a specific adjustment
In the Gonstead System we apply all the information from these modes of analysis and correlate our findings to determine the most likely cause of the patient’s problem. After misalignments are found, the use of the proper Gonstead technique is applied to effectively correct problem areas.
The Gonstead system focuses on the dynamics of intervertebral disc as the underlying cause of subluxations and resulting neurological dysfunction. It could then be said that Gonstead doctors are “disc doctors”.
Dr. Gonstead had a saying, “find it, fix it, and leave it alone”. That is what we try to do at our clinic, we don’t want you to come all the time as you have better things to do in your life! Our goal is to get you corrected and back to your lifestyle you want.