Gonstead Chiropractors use the Gonstead System
Understanding Gonstead: What is Gonstead Chiropractic?
Gonstead Chiropractic is an evidence-based chiropractic system which includes special instrumentation and adjustment techniques, that allow a Gonstead practitioner, or Doctor of Chiropractic trained in this method, to help patients from all walks of life and age groups. One of the key characteristics of Gonstead is that it only adjusts the area that is showing to be subluxated. This generally means that the adjustments are very measured, precise and effective, to the point of being able to adjust a single vertebra if needed. One of the maxims of Dr. Clarence S. Gonstead, founder of the Gonstead Chiropractic Method, states:
““Find the subluxation, accept it where you find it, correct it and leave it alone.” C.S. Gonstead”
A subluxation refers to a slight misalignment of the vertebrae, as defined in chiropractic theory, and considered the cause of related health problems, due to the disruption of the nerve flow from the brain to the body. The effects of the subluxation will largely depend upon the nerves that are being disrupted and what organs, muscles or functions those nerves serve.
To determine where the subluxation is a Gonstead practitioner will conduct a complete initial assessment and may take full spinal x-rays (if clinically required) to establish the root cause of the affected area or complaint. After the assessment has been completed and the results relayed back to the patient, the care phase can be initiated, provided no contra-indications were found. On each subsequent visit the Gonstead Practitioner will do a motion palpation to check the mechanical function of the vertebrae and use a nervo-scope to detect inflammation and ascertain where the subluxations are present.
The Gonstead adjustments are performed to address the misaligned vertebrae whilst leaving the rest alone. This helps the body remain stable and promotes healing. Sometimes the practitioner may re-measure using the nervo-scope after the adjustment has been delivered to confirm the change. To learn Gonstead it takes usually an additional year of study or around 100 hours.
What is the Gonstead Adjustment?
It’s the Chiropractic Adjustment or manoeuvre that an experienced Gonstead Practitioner delivers to rebalance a subluxated vertebrae. They typically consist of very low force quick thrust delivered by hand. No mechanical tools or pharmaceuticals are involved in this process, it’s completely natural. The Gonstead Adjustments usually causes nitrogen gas to escape from the synovial capsule of the vertebral joint creating a popping sound that has been labelled as cracking in popular culture. This release of pressure and directional thrust enables the re-alignment of the joints to restore the nerve flow.
A typical Gonstead adjustment is measured, precise and very directional.
What differentiates a Gonstead method from other chiropractic methods and systems?
Whilst there are too many techniques and methods to contrast and compare all of them, we’ll highlight the main characteristics that Gonstead is known for. There maybe some overlap with other methods, so we’re not saying this is exclusive to Gonstead, but is characteristic and inherent of the Gonstead method:
All adjustments are performed manually, no mechanical tools employed
Examination is done with the skin exposed using a gown for female clients
Most adjustments are back-to-front and rotation is minimised
Less is more, only the subluxated areas area is adjusted
Adjusts mainly the spine (lumbar, thoracic & cervical), pelvis and sacro-iliac (SI) joints
Bases every adjustment on the initial measurements and on-the-day assessment
Uses the nervo-scope to uncover inflammation indicating areas of subluxations
The benches and chairs used are specially designed for Gonstead adjustments
Perform a static and motion palpation
Use x-rays (if clinically required) in a stand-up position for normal load bearing
Gonstead practitioners tend to work towards full optimisation, not just remedial
Requires an additional 100 hours of Post-graduate study which typically equals 1 year
Adjustments are few, super precise and don’t take very long to deliver
What is a Gonstead Doctor?
A Doctor in Chiropractic who has completed the additional training required. Training takes around the 100 hours or an additional year, after successful graduation from a Masters in Chiropractic. A Gonstead practitioner is devoted to the art, science, philosophy and technique involving specific spinal analysis and chiropractic adjustments as outlined in the Gonstead method and protocols.
What is a Nervo-scope?
The Nervo-Scope is part of the Gonstead Instrumentation and is designed to detect and measure minute heat differences in the tissues along both sides of the spine. The nervo-scope can be used for pre- and post-adjustment assessments. The nerves in the spine will increase the temperature of the surrounding area by increasing blood flow if a vertebrae is subluxated. This method in conjunction with the other assessment methods helps to precisely establish which vertebrae segment is misaligned.
The Five basic components of the Gonstead Method?
1- Gonstead Instrumentation
The nervo-scope also known as a dual probe instrument, is used to get a bilateral comparison of the temperature when run up and down along the spine to locate specific areas of inflammation. Readings obtained from the nervo-scope (or Delta-T) show if a subluxation is present or not. It can also be used to establish if the subluxation has been corrected after the adjustment has been delivered.
2- Static and Motion Palpation
Is a type of hands on manual examination using static and motion palpation methods to detect areas that don’t feel on-point. This includes things such as the tone, texture, temperature, mobility and range of motion and changes in contour. To determine the subluxation and its listing Gonstead practitioners use motion palpation.
3- Full Spinal and Spot X-rays (if clinically required)
Gonstead Chiropractors will often create full spinal anterior, posterior and lateral visuals. This spans from the occiput right at the top of the cervical region down to the coccyx and pelvic structure. The x-rays are taken in a standing position to capture the shape of the structure under normal load bearing conditions. Often the practitioner will draw lines on the top and bottom of each vertebrae, super-imposed on top of the x-ray film or digital x-rays to measure the angles and degrees of deviation from a healthy range using a lateral view.
4-Case Management
Carefully assessing the patient’s health in the wider context helps the Gonstead Practitioner identify areas where a patient needs to be adjusted. The patient’s history and symptoms help determine which specific adjustment to apply.
Gonstead focuses very much on the dynamics of intervertebral discs as the underlying cause of subluxations creating dysfunction or disruption to the nerve flow. This is based on Dr. Clarence’s Level Disc theory, which makes Gonstead Practitioners a type of “disc doctors”.
All findings and information are correlated to determine the most likely root cause of a patient’s problem. Once the subluxations are found, the use of precise Gonstead techniques are applied to correct the misalignment.
5-Visualisation
A patient is very carefully observed and all information related to their health is taken into account. This process starts from the moment the patient walks into the clinic. Postural analysis, height differences between ears, shoulders, hips and gait will be used in conjunction with the x-rays and other findings from the nervo-scope and palpation findings.
Dr. S. Clarence’s (Gonstead Founder) level Disc Theory
The Level Disc Theory explains that the subluxations or misalignments begins at the vertebral disc where the inflammation from tissue damage causes pressure on the nerves. This pressure then causes disruption of the nerve flow, with related symptoms and complications, depending on what muscles organs or systems are powered by that particular nerve.
By correcting the misaligned vertebrae the weight distribution across the disc improves which are then levelled better and like the foundation of a house, it provides better support, mobility, nerve flow and posture.
Dr. S. Clarence’s Gonstead (Gonstead Founder) Disc Theory of Subluxation
Dr. Gonstead’Disc Theory theorises that when relationship between parallel discs is compromised, trough misalignment, the pivot point inside the nucleus pulposus (thick viscous gelly-like substance that gives the disc flexibility and strength) is compressed creating pressure against the surrounding tissue fibers and damages them.
An inflammatory response is generated by the damaged tissue which causes disc expansion, and this in turn puts pressure on the nearby nerves resulting in impaired nerve flow. When nerve flow is reduced the brain-body communication suffers as the body is less able to express health and may begin to manifest forms of dysfunction and subpar performance. What areas of the body this particular impinged nerve serves, will determine what bodily functions are affected.
What is the most watched Gonstead video?
Gonstead Practitioner Dr. Ian Rossborough produced the most watched chiropractic video on the web where he demonstrates the Gonstead System in action. You can find his videos on the YouTube channel Chiro Core. To date this particular video has racked up close to 32 million views as it documents the recovery of a 17 year old teenager who goes from being completely bent over, after putting his back out whilst pulling a root out of the ground, to being straight again. He goes from having no feeling in his legs to recovering function and a correct natural upright position. This is the power of the Gonstead System and the body’s ability to heal, if the obstacle to expressing health is removed. You can watch the video here
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YpNcnM0FkTM
Who created Gonstead?
Dr. Clarence. S. Gonstead who had a background in mechanical engineering was a chiropractor and creator of the Gonstead Technique. At age 19 Gonstead was stricken by severe rheumatoid arthritis which caused him to be bedridden. After his arthritis was cured by a chiropractor, he was motivated to enrol in the famous Palmer School of Chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa. Thanks to his engineering background and keen observations he went on to extend his training received at Palmer School of Chiropractic, to eventually develop the Gonstead Method.
He promoted the early version of the neurocalometer (NCM) and even helped to improve it. Later he became a consultant for Electronica Development Laboratories (EDL), who created the nervo-scope which is used by Gonstead Practitioners till this day. He also worked with x-ray companies and adopted the use of full-spinal x-rays as an assessment tool. He developed the Level Disc Theory and the Disc Theory of Spinal Subluxations.
Gonstead Chiropractors in Aylesbury
We have three experienced Gonstead Pracitioners at our Aylesbury Gonstead Clinic:
Dr. Lawrence King DR LAWRENCE KING (doctor of chiropractic & Gonstead Practitioner)
Gonstead Chiropractor & Seminar professional.
He’s a master and mentor of the Gonstead method who regularly teaches throughout Europe to Chiropractic students who want to learn more about our specific method with over 11 years of Gonstead experience. Read more
Why are Gonstead adjustments so quick?
This is because Gonstead Chiropractors only adjust the areas that are subluxated (misaligned), they can adjust a single vertebral segment if required. Typically, this means that only 2 to 4 adjustments are made during each session. It’s not so much about how much time you’re getting but more about the quality and precision of the adjustment you’re getting, that’s the key. This is why it’s not really comparable to other forms of therapy.
What does a typical Gonstead visit look like?
You’ll be guided to one of the treatments rooms, where you’ll put on a gown. After a few minutes of relaxing the Chiropractor will join you and examine your Spine by doing static and motion palpation, to assess what needs attention. A nervo-scope will be used to highlight particular points of inflammation.
You will now be guided to the different Gonstead benches and chairs to deliver the Gonstead Adjustment, targeting the precise areas identified just earlier. Each adjustment is safely delivered with precision, finesse and speed. Once all adjustments have been performed, the Chiropractor will confirm your next appointment, any particular guidelines or advice to observe until your next appointment.
How can I book my Gonstead Check-up?
You can simply visit us from Monday to Friday between 8am-8pm. Or call or email us at our Aylesbury Corrective Clinic by ringing using the following details:
Corrective Chiropractic Aylesbury - Elmhurst Health Centre, Elmhurst Road, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP20 2AH Aylesbury 01296 488288 e: info@correctiveclinics.co.uk