You may be familiar with the concept of chiropractic care, but have you ever heard of a ‘Gonstead chiropractor’?

Different Chiropractors employ different methods to address joint dysfunction, spine misalignment, and subluxations. The Gonstead System stands out as one of the most advanced methods available.  

Dr Anders, our Forward Chiropractic chiropractor, uses the Gonstead technique to correct a wide variety of neuro-musculoskeletal symptoms.

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What is a Gonstead chiropractor?  

A Gonstead chiropractor has been specially trained in the unique Gonstead technique which was developed in the 1920s by Dr Clarence S. Gonstead. Doctor Gonstead drew from four million adjustments over 55 years of practice to develop a complete method of biomechanical analysis for today's chiropractors to use.

Gonstead chiropractors don’t just jump straight into treating the part of your body that’s feeling pain. This system recognises that a problem in one area of your spine can cause pain elsewhere in your body. This is why the Gonstead system involves a comprehensive approach to spinal care that considers your entire musculoskeletal system and nervous system to find and correct subluxations.

At the heart of the Gonstead approach is a respect for your body’s natural movements and function plus the belief that the greatest results are achieved by correcting only exactly what needs correction. This is why this system of care involves such comprehensive assessment which allows for adjustments to be as targeted, precise and accurate as possible, addressing only the problem area, no more.

A Gonstead chiropractor aims to restore your natural spinal alignment and return optimal movement. They use complex, in-depth techniques to find and assess spinal misalignments, nerve dysfunction, foundational imbalance, and motion disturbances.  

The Gonstead technique demands a mastery of skill and a high level of expertise.

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The Gonstead difference

Gonstead chiropractors set themselves apart from those who employ other chiropractic techniques by using multiple assessment methods to ensure very specific and precise treatments are delivered. The Gonstead system involves taking a comprehensive assessment through visualisation, instrumentation, palpation, x-ray and consideration of your symptoms to confidently identify the precise area that needs adjustment.  

• Visualisation- This involves observing how your body moves. Your Gonstead chiropractor will begin this assessment from the first moment they meet you. They’re observing the way you walk, your posture and the height of your shoulders and hips to name a few.
• Instrumentation- Gonstead chiropractors use a small instrument called a Nervoscope. This instrument helps to find areas of inflammation and nerve pressure. This instrument not only helps during the assessment phase to identify subluxations but also after corrective treatment to determine whether the correction was successful.
• Palpation- This is the act of touching or feeling and is used to find swelling, areas of tenderness, muscle tightness or textural abnormalities in your muscles or tissues. Motion palpation involves feeling your spine as you move and bend. Static palpation involves feeling your spine while you are still.  

• X-ray- Full spine x-ray is crucial to the Gonstead technique as it allows the chiropractor to consider your overall spinal health in both assessment and delivery of corrective treatments.
• Patient Symptoms- Your chiropractor will ask you several questions about your medical history and your overall health.

Once all aspects of this assessment are complete, your Gonstead chiropractor combines and cross-references the information to determine if your presenting complaint may be caused by a subluxation, and if so, exactly where that subluxation is. Your practitioner will then either refer you to another health care provider for further treatment (if your issue is not the result of subluxation) or will carry out a very planned, targeted and specific adjustment, aiming to correct your spinal alignment and get you feeling better as quickly as possible.

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Who is the Gonstead technique best for?

The Gonstead technique can be used on anyone, young or old, from busy mums to fatigued office workers and elite athletes, Gonstead chiropractic could help you.

At Forward Chiropractic we have a strong interest in sports chiropractic and as a result, we commonly treat cyclists aiming to maximise cycling performance.  

Using the precise and targeted adjustments of the Gonstead technique, we fine-tune your spinal alignment which may have a positive impact on your nerve functions, blood circulation, and joint mobility. By enhancing your body's overall biomechanics, you may see athletic gains.

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The Gonstead experience with Forward Chiropractic  

Dr Anders, our Gonstead chiropractor at Forward Chiropractic has many years of experience using the Gonstead system. He combines his extensive knowledge and experience with a deep passion for helping his patients achieve optimal health and wellness.

At Forward Chiropractic we’re dedicated to providing patient-focused, personalised care to every person who walks through our doors. This means our treatments are very specifically tailored to you, your precise condition, and your individual needs.  

We look at your body as a whole before planning our care, ensuring that you receive exactly what you need and only what your need.

Give the friendly team at Forward Chiropractic a call to book a chiropractic appointment.

*All information is general and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice.

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References

Gonstead Chiropractic Technique. (2023). What is Gonstead? www.gonstead.com.au

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