our special approach
the gonstead technique
Our patients travel from all over the world to experience the world-renowned Gonstead Technique. The science behind this cutting-edge technique results in the most accurate, specific, and definite approach to evaluating and adjusting the spine. Because the spinal column is a dynamic structure affecting the entire body, the Gonstead Technique uses five criteria to check the spine for motion, soft tissue damage, and neurological dysfunction. This valuable and detailed analysis includes instrumentation, static palpation, motion palpation, visualization, and spinal imaging, followed by adjusting the articulations of the spine by hand only. Through this comprehensive, proactive approach to correcting the spine, we find that the entire body begins functioning better as a whole. There is clinical logic in every decision made for each and every patient. This ensures 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 โlock upโ 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 taking into account all other criteria and making important decisions about your corrective care.
spinal imaging
Postural spinal x-rays allow for a โblueprintโ 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 to 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 will recommend an appropriate corrective program comprised of 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 five criteria in the analysis and correction of extremity conditions. Specific adjustments are made to the extremities to bring about alignment, enhance joint function, and restore range of motion.
