What Is Gonstead Chiropractic? How Is It Different From Other Chiropractic?
Have you heard of 'Gonstead Chiropractic? While all techniques has its own benefits for patients, Gonstead Chiropractic is known to be one of the most specific and precise chiropractic technique among more than 200 different chiropractic techniques. In this article, we are going to explore what Gonstead Chiropractic is, systems used in Gonstead Chiropractic and Specific Adjustment.
What Is Gonstead Chiropractic?
Gonstead System of Chiropractic was developed by Chiropractor C.S. Gonstead (1898-1987). He began practising in Mont Horeb, Wisconsin USA in 1923 and spent more than five decades developing and refining his chiropractic approach to spinal assessment and specific chiropractic adjustments. His dedicated work emphasised careful examination, an understanding of spine biomechanics and specific and precise hands-on adjustment techniques.
He was pioneer in pelvic and Sacroiliac joint biomechanics and disc degeneration model. He understands the importance of the pelvis as the strong foundations of human body, and role of spinal disc in weight bearing. According to historical accounts published by the Gonstead Clinical Studies Society, he provided care across an estimated 1.2 million patient visits from all over the world during his career.
His busy practice attracted the attention of other fellow chiropractors, who wanted to understands why patients were travelling considerable distances to see him and why patients get better so quickly. Dr. Gonstead was initially reluctant to make time away from patient care, however he eventually agreed to provide seminar to other chiropractors. Dr. Gonstead shared his methods with generations of chiropractors. Today, the Gonstead System of Chiropractic continues to be taught around the world through Seminar and Universities and Chiropractic colleagues.
What Happens During a Gonstead Assessment?
(To understand overview of chiropractic consultation, read our blog post: What Happens During Chiropractic Consultation? )
Step1. Your Story Comes First
People often visit a chiropractor for aches and pains, but everyone’s experience is different. At Back and Beyond Chiropractic, we start by listening to your story. Our chiropractors ask about your symptoms, how they affect your daily life and what you love to get back to doing. Are you struggling to sit comfortably at work, turn your head while driving or return to the gym? Understanding what matters to you helps us tailor our assessment and recommendations to your needs.
Step2. Observing Posture and Movement
Your chiropractor observes how you stand, walk and move, noting any movements that feel uncomfortable or restricted. These observations help guide the rest of your assessment and provide a clearer picture. Different postures often can associated with certain problems.
Step3. Instrumentation: Using the Nervoscope
A Nervoscope is an instrument used by Gonstead chiropractors to compare skin temperature on either side of the spine. Your chiropractor gently guides it along your back to identify temperature differences. The temperature change is often associated with joint dysfunction as a result of change in sympathetic nervous system, causing vasodilation. These findings are considered alongside your symptoms and other examination results.
Step4: Static Palpation
Static palpation involves your chiropractor gently feeling your spine and the surrounding tissues while you remain still. Gonstead Chiropractors check for tenderness, swelling and changes in muscle tension. These findings help identify areas that may need closer assessment and are considered alongside the rest of your examination.
Step5: Motion Palpation
Motion palpation involves your chiropractor gently assessing how your spinal joints move. Gonstead chiropractors use their hands to feel the movement of individual areas of your spine as you bend or change position, checking for restriction or discomfort.
Step6: Imaging Analysis
Spinal X-rays have traditionally formed part of the Gonstead assessment.
When clinically indicated, X-rays can provide additional information about the bones and joints of your spine and pelvis. As part of Gonstead image analysis, a systematic measurement may be used to measure pelvis and spine. These measurements are considered alongside your other assessment findings.
Specific and Precise Chiropractic Adjustment
Following a thorough assessment, your Gonstead chiropractor identifies exact location of restricted joint movement that needs to be corrected
Different tables may be used for these adjustments, including:
Pelvic bench
Knee-chest table
Cervical chair
At Back and Beyond Chiropractic, Dr Scott Lee practises the Gonstead system of chiropactic. As an ambassador of the Gonstead Chiropractic Society Australia, he is committed to careful assessment and specific, hands-on care that considers each patient’s symptoms, examination findings and goals.
Scott’s approach reflects his dedication to understanding each patient’s concerns through a systematic examinations. He takes time to explain his findings and discuss suitable care options.
Alongside chiropractic adjustments, Scott provides practical advice to support recovery and help patients manage their condition. Depending on individual needs, this may include ergonomic advice, rehabilitation exercises and guidance on returning to everyday activities.
How Many Adjustments Do I Need?
There is no set number of adjustments that suits everyone. Your care needs will depend on the nature of your condition, how long you’ve had symptoms, your overall health, daily activities and goals.
After your assessment, your chiropractor will discuss whether chiropractic care is appropriate and recommend an initial care plan. We’ll review your symptoms, movement and daily function along the way, adjusting the plan based on your progress. If you’re not improving as expected, we’ll reassess and discuss whether further investigations is required or referral may be more suitable.
Looking for Gonstead Chiropractor in Concord?
Our chiropractor Scott is highly trained Gonstead chiropractor, Ambassador of Gonstead Chiropractic Society of Australia, Gonstead Extremity Certified, and Gonstead technique tutor at Macquarie University Chiropractic Department.
Our clinic is located in 13 Gipps Street Concord, with ample street parking outside the clinic and we welcome patients from Concord and surrounding areas.
Reference
e-book: Gonstead Chiropractic, first edition Book 1-9
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