What is Gonstead?
The Gonstead System of Chiropractic is unique because it’s thorough, complete and specific in the diagnosis and correction of these subluxations. It is a safe and gentle technique suited to everyone from infants to the elderly.
The technique is named after its founder; Dr Clarence Gonstead. Dr Gonstead was a mechanical engineer who applied these mechanical principles to the human body. After much study, reining and practice, the Gonstead technique was born!
In 1964 Clarence Gonstead established the world's largest Chiropractic clinic in the small country town of Mt Horeb, Wisconsin US. It contained its own hotel and air strip, so travelling patients could stay, in addition to boasting a waiting room with a capacity for 106 patients! The successful results obtained by Dr Gonstead attracted patients to his clinic from all over the world. The Gonstead Clinic in Mount Horeb stands as a tribute to Gonstead's hard work and sincere dedication to Chiropractic care. When asked the secret behind his years of success, Dr. Gonstead replied: “No secret, just lots of satisfied patients”.
The Technique
Your Gonstead Chiropractor conducts a through examination using six criteria to evaluate the spine (see walkthrough visit for full description)
• Your health history
• Visualization
• Instrumentation
• Static Palpation
• Motion Palpation
• Radiographic analysis
Once all this has been completed, your Gonstead chiropractor can combine these important factors to determine which specific adjustments are necessary to correct your problem!
The Adjustment
After a complete evaluation, your Gonstead Chiropractor will have a thorough understanding of your problem and its location. The specific, accurate and precise correction of the subluxation is known as the adjustment. Only the subluxated segments need to be corrected, other segments that show some signs such as tenderness are compensations and are best left alone.
The Gonstead adjustment is a specific force delivered by hand. This provides individual control over the adjustment so it can be varied to suit any situation and person. It is a very fast thrust that is gentle and effective. The adjustment will restore proper function to your spine and nervous system. The body can then begin its natural healing process, and operate to its full potential!