The quality and success of the Gonstead Chiropractic Technique are due to the many years of clinical research by Clarence S. Gonstead. He established a world-famous clinic, The Gonstead Clinic of Chiropractic, in Mt Horeb, WI, in 1964.
Dr. Gonstead practiced for 55 years and delivered over 4 million adjustments to patients who traveled from all over the world to see him. Through the success of his chiropractic care, Dr. Gonstead created the most complete method of biomechanical analysis used by chiropractors today. Patients who received chiropractic care from Dr. Gonstead not only found relief from back pain, but they also saw improvements in their body systems.
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The Gonstead Technique is a much more advanced technique that requires extensive training to master, which is why not all chiropractors utilize this technique. Gonstead doctors conduct a thorough analysis of the spine using five criteria to detect the presence of spinal misalignments, also known as subluxation.
The Components of Gonstead Chiropractic Technique
Visualization
The Gonstead system starts by observing the symmetry of the body and identifying any variations outside the individual’s normal structure. Visualization includes postural screenings, watching an individual’s walking pattern (gait analysis), or looking at skin patterns such as acne, dry patches, red or discolored patches of skin, hair patterns, and areas of swelling.
As subluxation follows a pattern, the doctor can confirm a specific subluxation pattern by observing the typical visual cue associated with that particular subluxation. Visualization allows the chiropractor to understand what the individual’s spine looks like even before completing any hands-on testing. From there, the chiropractor can begin to narrow down areas of potential subluxation by performing additional testing.
Instrumentation
The Gonstead chiropractic technique utilizes thermography to find areas of nerve pressure or irritation within the spine or joint. This includes using a specialized instrument such as the Nervoscope, Delta-T, or Titron to detect areas of nerve irritation involved with the subluxation complex. Finding nerve irritation allows the chiropractor to distinguish between a subluxation or problem area versus a compensation occurring as a direct result of the subluxation. Instrumentation allows the chiropractor to be more specific in individualizing the patient’s care.
Static Palpation
A Gonstead chiropractor will use their hands to feel temperature and texture patterns related to the subluxation complex. Static palpation helps the doctor narrow down areas of potential subluxations with the spine or other joints. With static palpation, the chiropractor is looking for sudden temperature changes or texture changes, such as areas of swelling, dry or oily skin patches, changes in muscle tone, or bony prominences that indicate potential misalignments.
Motion Palpation
After the chiropractor has used visualization, instrumentation, and static palpation to narrow down the location of the subluxation, they will feel a joint as it moves. Motion palpation allows them to determine the specific direction of the misalignment and how best to correct it by comparing the involved vertebrae to their adjacent vertebrae.
X-ray Analysis
A chiropractor may determine that taking one or more X-rays of the spine is necessary based on the specific patient’s case. The Gonstead system utilizes Spinography, or X-ray analysis, which involves using a series of measurements and specifically drawn lines on a full spine X-ray to determine where and how to adjust the patient. The analysis includes X-rays from the back to the front (posterior to anterior) of the patient and from the side (lateral). Full spine X-rays allow the chiropractor to look at the complete biomechanical structure of the patient’s spine.
Like any building, the spine needs a strong foundation to build a solid structure. The spine’s foundation is the pelvis and sacrum, the bones located at the base of the spine. The Gonstead system adheres to the Foundation Principle, where the chiropractor focuses on stabilizing the spine’s foundation so that the spine will have a stable base upon which to build. A stable base allows a patient to hold their adjustments better and allows the spine to return to a biomechanically advantageous position.
Utilizing these 5 criteria with every patient at every appointment in our office is what has contributed to the profound results we have been able to get with our patients in the Omaha community and beyond. Even some of the most complicated and severe cases that were deemed ‘hopeless’ by a specialist, we have been able to help those patients, too, experience results. We take pride in utilizing the Gonstead technique and continue to study and train on mastering it more and more.
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Riley Lambert2024-03-04Best way to care for your families health!Wanda Deane2024-03-04Dr. Joel is fantastic, He has patience and explains everything in a way that makes sense. I appreciate the positive changes in my body and look forward to feeling closer to 100% soon.Barbara Carlson2024-02-08I have been to a few different chiropractic offices in Omaha. Family First is by far the most thorough and comprehensive practice I have been to. I look forward to my journey to great health!Gina Langer2024-02-06THE BEST Chiropractic place I have ever been to. They truly want to help and have helped me tremendously.Trino Nuno2024-02-03Dr. Joel and the entire staff have been amazing to work with. Their philosophy and approach to chiropractic care doesn’t stop at adjusting your subluxations. They educate, encourage, and nurture a relationship with your entire family. I highly recommend them as part of your family’s PRIMARY care.Sarah2024-01-30Family First Chiropractor has the best staff & Doctors you’ll ever meet. They are very caring and are dedicated to your health journey. There are no words to express my gratitude. Thank you for all you do!Crystal Harvey2024-01-24Staff is friendly and flexible. Five star service and the office is beautiful and cozy. Dr. Joel is so good! I came in with a neck injury after falling down the stairs holding my baby. My pain has significantly decreased, I get sick less often, and my range of motion in turning my head has improved greatly. I highly recommend and trust this Dr Joel and his staff. Amazing place ❤️J Denyer2024-01-17I receive great value for my dollar at Family First Chiropractic. The staff has been incredibly friendly and knowledgeable. They have helped me overcome years of neglect and abuse on my body. Most notably, I'm in a great deal less pain on a daily basis, and the quality of my life is greatly improved. Thank you Family First Chiropractic.Nick Monzu2024-01-16Amazing Doctors and staff who go above and beyond for their patients. They helped me overcome my chronic back pain and avoid surgery. Highly recommend them!
The Gonstead Difference In West Omaha, NE
Correcting The Cause Of Your Pain
Specificity is the key to the Gonstead Technique’s success. Its system of analysis allows a chiropractor to pinpoint a patient’s specific problem area and precisely correct the issue. Gonstead chiropractic is about finding and correcting the CAUSE of the problem, which is why it’s so successful in dealing with complex cases.
The specific analysis process allows for a more thorough understanding of the patient’s case and greater precision in the adjustments performed. The Gonstead system emphasizes adjusting fewer areas with less force to achieve the best results.
Much like fingerprints, every spine is unique in its structure. It is difficult to find two spines that are the same. Therefore, we must consider each subluxation differently. That is why a Gonstead chiropractor takes their time to observe and feel an area of potential subluxation, as they want to ensure a precise adjustment.
With the five main components – patient history, visualization, instrumentation, static & motion palpation, and full spine X-rays – a chiropractor can narrow in on the patient’s specific problem to ensure a more specific adjustment.
What Does a Gonstead Chiropractic Adjustment Look Like?
The Gonstead system requires the doctor to access the patient’s spine, so to prepare for the adjustment, male patients will remove their shirts, and female patients will put on a gown in place of their tops. Once the patient is changed, they enter the adjusting room where the chiropractor begins by utilizing a thermal instrument like the Nervoscope. The scope detects areas of nerve pressure to confirm the location of subluxation within the spine.
The chiropractor will then utilize static and motion palpation to feel the vertebrae around the areas of nerve pressure to determine where and how to adjust the vertebral segment. If the chiropractor has previously determined that X-rays are necessary for the patient’s care, the chiropractor will also look at the patient’s full spine X-ray to confirm where and how the vertebra has misaligned.
Based on the examination findings, the chiropractor determines which table is most appropriate for correcting the specific subluxation. The tables include a cervical chair, a knee-chest table, a pelvic bench table, a Hi-Lo table, and a slot table. Each table allows for different patient positioning to ensure the chiropractor can be even more precise with their adjustments.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a Gonstead chiropractic adjustment and “just getting cracked”?
A Gonstead chiropractor is more concerned with the specificity of the adjustment versus making a noisy adjustment. The difference is that a Gonstead chiropractor is trying to place the vertebra back on top of its respective disc, which makes for a stronger, healthier spine. In contrast, an adjustment focused on making noises is merely releasing gases from the facet joints in the spine, which have little to no influence on improving the structure and mechanics of the spine.
What is the Gonstead method of chiropractic?
The Gonstead method of chiropractic uses a five-part system of analysis, which allows the chiropractor to critically assess the entire spine. This provides more individualization and specificity to the adjustment, which helps the patients to reach their optimal health potential better.
What is the difference between Gonstead and normal chiropractic?
The Gonstead technique looks at the body as a whole unit, recognizing that everything is connected. Gonstead uses a meticulous analysis system to get to the root cause of the problem and correct it in a specific manner. Unlike “normal chiropractic,” Gonstead does not chase the symptoms. Instead, it uses its in-depth analysis system to find and correct the CAUSE.
Is Gonstead chiropractic legitimate?
The history of Gonstead Chiropractic speaks volumes on its legitimacy. Clarence Gonstead, a Palmer graduate, devoted his life to understanding the intricacies of the body. From his studies, he developed a technique and analysis system to assess and adjust the entire spine rather than focusing only on the upper neck, which was what chiropractors had been trained to do at that time. B.J. Palmer (the son of the founder of chiropractic) reached out to Clarence Gonstead to see if he would be willing to return to Palmer and teach the full spine-adjusting technique to others.
Why are Gonstead chiropractic videos so popular on YouTube?
As there has been a push towards a more holistic approach to health, Gonstead Chiropractic videos discuss a natural approach to health and wellness where the body heals itself. Paired with the time and attention a Gonstead chiropractor takes in analyzing an individual to ensure a specific adjustment, it naturally draws people in who are new to chiropractic and holistic wellness.