Our patients travel for miles from all over the world to experience the renowned Gonstead Technique. Gonstead represents the ultimate standard in “hands-on” spinal adjusting and has been proven effective for 100 years. Backed by science in combining biology, physiology, physics, geometry, and anatomy to carefully study and identify vertebral subluxation, this cutting-edge technique results in the most accurate, specific, and effective approach to evaluating and adjusting the spine. Because the spinal column is a dynamic structure affecting the entire body, the Gonstead Technique requires that the entire spine be checked for motion, soft tissue damage, and neurological dysfunction by using five criteria. These valuable criteria and detailed analysis include instrumentation, static palpation, motion palpation, visualization, and spinal imaging, followed by adjusting the articulations of the spine by hand only.
By taking this comprehensive, proactive approach, we find that when correction is made to the spine, the entire body begins functioning better as a whole. Our patients commonly feel more energy, sleep better, and notice improved metabolism after receiving a series of specific Gonstead adjustments. The Gonstead System is timeless and gives rise to a specific, definite approach to every segment of the spinal column. There is a clinical logic to every decision that is made for each and every patient. This ensures that the principles outlined by Dr. Gonstead will be duplicated, the results achieved, and satisfied patient referrals stimulated.
Instrumentation
The Gonstead chiropractor uses a thermal detection instrument that discerns heat differentials along the spine consistent with inflammation and nerve pressure. The instrument obtains objective neurological evidence of vertebral subluxation and monitors the progress of patient care.
Motion and Static Palpation
When nerves are compressed and spinal joints malfunction, they produce swelling (edema) in the area; they “lock up” and surrounding muscles tighten. Your Gonstead chiropractor will feel for these areas on your back and neck using the fingertips and can feel which joints move improperly.
Visualization
Your Gonstead chiropractor visually looks for abnormalities in skin, muscle tone, posture, and gait to help locate misalignments of your spine. Visualization is crucial when considering all other criteria and making important decisions about your corrective care.
Spinal Imaging
Postural spinal x-rays allow for a “blueprint” of your spine, which is important in determining specifically how the involved spinal segments are to be adjusted. X-rays are also helpful in determining previous trauma, postural abnormalities, the approximate length of time spinal misalignments have been present, and guides the journey toward correction.
Specific Spine Adjustments
Your initial findings using the five criteria will let us confirm and show you if there are deficiencies in your spinal structure. By correcting the structure of the spine by hand only with time and repetition, patients achieve and sustain their results and likely rid themselves of other symptoms. Our doctors recognize that as your spine is adjusted and ultimately corrected, proper changes in posture will be evident on the X-ray. Before and after spinal imaging is an important element of confirming the success or furthering of our focused efforts to realign the spine toward a healthy, normal posture. If your case is accepted, we recommend an appropriate corrective program comprising a carefully planned series of Gonstead adjustments.
Specific Extremity Adjustments
Extremity adjusting, as taught by the late Dr. Mark Werking, is a technique based on Dr. Gonstead's work that we use to correct paravertebral joint fixations. We use the Gonstead criteria to analyze and correct extremity conditions. Specific adjustments are made to the extremities to bring about alignment, enhance joint function, and restore range of motion.