Understanding Gonstead: What Is Gonstead Chiropractic?
Gonstead Chiropractic is an evidence-based chiropractic system that includes special instrumentation and adjustment techniques that allow a Gonstead practitioner or chiropractic physician trained in this method to help patients from all walks of life and age groups. One of Gonstead's main features is that it only modifies the area that appears to be under-luxurised. This generally means that the adjustments are very measured, precise and efficient, to the point that a single vertebra can be adjusted if necessary. One of the principles of Dr. Clarence S. Gonstead, founder of the Gonstead Chiropractic Method, states:
Subluxation refers to a slight misalignment of the vertebrae, as defined in chiropractic theory, and is believed to be the cause of related health problems, due to the interruption of nerve flow from the brain to the body. The results of subluxation will depend largely on the nerves that are disrupted and the organs, muscles, or functions that these nerves serve.
To determine where the subluxation is located, a Gonstead physician will perform a full initial assessment and may take X-rays of the entire spine (if clinically required) to determine the cause of the affected area or complaint. After the evaluation has been completed and the results have been communicated to the patient, the care phase can begin, provided no contraindications are found. At each subsequent visit, Gonstead's physician will perform a motion palpation to check the mechanical function of the vertebrae and use a neuroscope to look for inflammation and determine where the subluxations are located.
Gonstead adjustments are performed to address the misaligned vertebrae while leaving the others alone. This helps keep the body stable and promotes healing. Sometimes the doctor can re-measure the neuroscope after the fitting is delivered to confirm the change. Learning Gonstead usually requires an additional year of study or about 100 hours.
What is the Gonstead Adjustment?
It is the chiropractic adjustment or maneuver performed by an experienced Gonstead practitioner to rebalance a misaligned vertebra. They usually consist of a quick push with very low force delivered by hand. There are no mechanical aids or pharmaceuticals involved in this process, it is completely natural. Gonstead adjustments typically cause nitrogen gas to escape from the synovial capsule of the vertebral joint, creating a popping sound known in popular culture as crackling. This pressure relief and targeted thrust realign the joints to restore nerve flow.
A typical Gonstead setup is measured, precise and highly directional.
What sets a Gonstead method apart from other chiropractic methods and systems?
While there are too many techniques and methods to compare and compare them all, we will highlight the main features that Gonstead is known for. There may be some overlap with other methods, so we're not saying this is exclusive to Gonstead, but that it is characteristic and inherent to the Gonstead method:
All adjustments are made manually, without mechanical tools
The examination is performed with the skin exposed in an apron for female clients
Most adjustments are made from back to front and rotation is minimized
Less is more, only the surface of super noble areas is adjusted
Primarily regulates the spine (lumbar, thoracic, and cervical), pelvic, and sacroiliac (SI) joints
Each adjustment is based on the initial measurements and evaluation of the day
He uses the neuroscope to visualize inflammation that indicates areas of subluxation
The benches and chairs used are specially designed for Gonstead settings
Perform static palpation and movement
Use X-rays (if clinically required) in an upright position for normal loading
Instead, practitioners tend to work on total optimization, not just recovery
It requires an additional 100 hours of graduate study, which usually equates to 1 year
Adjustments are few, extremely accurate and don't take long to run
What is a Gonstead Doctor?
Doctor of chiropractic who has completed the required additional training. The training takes approximately 100 hours or an additional year, after successfully completing the Master of Chiropractic. A Gonstead practitioner is committed to the art, science, philosophy and technique that includes specific spine analysis and chiropractic adjustments as outlined in the Gonstead Method and Protocols.
What is Nervoscope?
The Nervo-Scope is part of Gonstead Instrumentation and is designed to detect and measure small tissue heat differences along the two sides of the spine. The neuroscope can be used for pre- and post-fitting assessments. The nerves in the spine will raise the temperature of the environment by increasing blood flow as a vertebra subluxes. This method, combined with the other assessment methods, helps accurately determine which part of the vertebrae are misaligned.
The five main elements of the Gonstead method?
1- Gonstead instrumentation
The neuroscope, also known as a dual-probe instrument, is used to make a bilateral temperature comparison as it travels up and down the spine to locate specific areas of inflammation. Measurements with the neuroscope (or Delta-T) show whether or not there is a subluxation. It can also be used to determine if the subluxation has been corrected after the adjustment is made.
2- Static and kinetic palpation
It is a type of manual examination that uses static palpation and motion methods to detect areas that feel out of place. This includes things like tone, texture, temperature, mobility and range of motion, and contour changes. Gonstead professionals use palpation with movement to determine subluxation and its registration.
3- Complete X-ray of the spine and tip (if clinically required)
Gonstead chiropractors will often take complete images of the anterior, posterior, and lateral spine. This extends from the back of the head just at the top of the neck region down to the coccyx and pelvic structure. X-rays are taken in an upright position to capture the shape of the structure under normal load conditions. Often, the doctor draws lines on the top and bottom of each vertebra, superimposed on 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
Careful assessment of the patient's health in the broader context helps the Gonstead physician identify areas where a patient needs to adjust. The patient's history and symptoms help determine the specific adjustment to be made.
Gonstead focuses heavily on intervertebral disc dynamics as the underlying cause of subluxations causing dysfunction or disruption of nerve flow. This is based on the Level Disc theory of Dr. Clarence, which makes Gonstead Practitioners a kind of 'record doctors'.
All findings and information are correlated to determine the most likely cause of a patient's problem. Once subluxations are identified, the use of precise Gonstead techniques is applied to correct the misalignment.
5-Visualization
A patient is monitored very closely and all information related to his health is taken into account. This process starts from the moment the patient enters the clinic. Postural analysis, height differences between ears, shoulders, hips and gait will be used in conjunction with X-rays and other findings from neuroscope and palpation findings.
Dr. Level Disc Theory S. Clarence (Founder of Gonstead).
The Disc Level Theory explains that subluxations, or misalignments, begin in the spinal disc, where inflammation from tissue damage puts pressure on the nerves. This pressure then causes nerve flow disruption, with associated symptoms and complications depending on the organs or muscular systems supplied by that particular nerve.
Correcting misaligned vertebrae improves weight distribution across the intervertebral disc, which then flattens better and, like the foundation of a house, provides better support, mobility, nerve flow, and posture.
dr. S. Clarence's Gonstead (oprichter van Gonstead) Disc Subluxation Theory
Δρ Gonstead's disk theory Theorizes that when the relationship between parallel discs is compromised, due to misalignment, the fulcrum in the nucleus pulposus (a thick gel-like substance that gives the disc flexibility and strength) compresses, putting pressure on surrounding tissue fibers and causing them to will be destroyed.
An inflammatory response develops as the damaged tissue causes the intervertebral disc to expand, which in turn puts pressure on nearby nerves, resulting in decreased nerve flow. When nerve flow is reduced, communication between the brain and body suffers, as the body is less able to express its health and can begin to manifest forms of dysfunction and lower performance. Which parts of the body are served by the specific afferent nerve will determine which bodily functions are affected.
What is Gonstead's most viewed video?
Gonstead's physician, Dr. Ian Rossborough produced the most viewed chiropractic video on the internet demonstrating the Gonstead System in action. You can find his videos on the Chiro Core YouTube channel. To date, the video has received nearly 32 million views as it documents the recovery of a 17-year-old teenager who went from fully bent over after sticking his back out while pulling a carrot out of the ground, to being straight again. . He goes from no feeling in his legs to regaining function and a good natural standing position. This is the power of the Gonstead System and the body's ability to heal when the barrier to expressing health is removed. You can watch the video here
Who made Gonstead?
Dr. Clarence. S. Gonstead, who had a background in mechanical engineering, was a chiropractor and creator of the Gonstead technique. At the age of 19, Gonstead was stricken with severe rheumatoid arthritis, which left him bedridden. After his arthritis was treated by a chiropractor, he was motivated to enroll at the prestigious Palmer School of Chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa. Thanks to his technical background and keen observation, he continued to expand the training he received at the Palmer School of Chiropractic, eventually developing the Gonstead Method.
He promoted the early version of the neurocalometer (NCM) and even helped improve it. He later became a consultant to Electronica Development Laboratories (EDL), which created the neuroscope used by Gonstead Practitioners to this day. He also worked with X-ray companies and adopted the use of full spine X-rays as an evaluation tool. He developed the Level Disc Theory and the Disc Theory of Spinal Subluxations.
Gonstead-chiropractors in Aylesbury
We experienced threeGonstead practitionersguided tourAylesbury Gonstead-kliniek:
dr. Lawrence King DR LAWRENCE KING (Doctor in de Chiropractie & Gonstead Practitioner)
Professional Chiropractor and Gonstead Seminars.
He is a Gonstead method master and mentor 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
DR AMY CHAMPION (Doctor of Chiropractic and Gonstead Practitioner)
Chiropractor Gonstead.
Amy has been a Chiropractor since 2014 and in 2016 trained intensively for 3 months in the Gonstead technique, which she practices here at Corrective Clinics. read more
DR STEVEN HULME (Doctor of Chiropractic & Gonstead Practitioner)
Chiropractor Gonstead.
Steven is a third generation chiropractor who graduated with a top notch postgraduate degree. He chose to study chiropractic after his aunt successfully treated his back pain and headaches. read more
Why are Gonstead adjustments moving so fast?
This is because Gonstead chiropractors only adjust areas that are subluxated (misaligned). They can adjust a single vertebral segment if necessary. Normally this means that only 2 to 4 adjustments are made during each session. It's not so much about how much time you have, but more about the quality and accuracy of the fit you get, that's key. That is why it is not really comparable to other forms of treatment.
What does a typical visit to Gonstead look like?
You will be taken to one of the treatment rooms where you will be put on an apron. After a few minutes of relaxation, the chiropractor will join you and examine your spine using static palpation and motion to assess what needs attention. A neuroscope will be used to highlight specific areas of inflammation.
You will now be guided through the various Gonstead benches and chairs to perform the Gonstead adjustment, targeting the exact areas just identified. Each setting is safely performed with precision, finesse and speed. Once all adjustments have been made, the chiropractor will confirm your next appointment, as well as any specific instructions or advice you need to follow until your next appointment.
How do I book the Gonstead Check up?
You can simply contact us from Monday to Friday between 08:00 and 20:00. Or call or email us at our Aylesbury Correctional Clinic by calling using the following details:
Aylesbury Orthopedic Chiropractic- Elmhurst Health Centre, Elmhurst Road, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP20 2AHAylesbury 01296 488288 mi:info@correctiveclinics.co.uk