The Gonstead Technique
The “Gold Standard” for Chiropractic Techniques
The Gonstead procedures are the result of extensive clinical research by Clarence S. Gonstead, founder of the world famous Gonstead Clinic of Chiropractic in Mount Horeb, Wisconsin. Gonstead represents the gold standard in spinal adjusting and remains the leader in chiropractic techniques. The science behind this cutting-edge technique results in the most accurate, specific, and definite approach in evaluating and adjusting the spine. Because the spinal column is a dynamic structure affecting the entire body, the Gonstead Technique requires that the entire spine be checked for motion, soft tissue damage and neurological dysfunction by using five criteria. These valuable criteria and detailed analysis include instrumentation, static palpation, motion palpation, visualization, and spinal imaging followed by adjusting the articulations of the spine by hand only. By taking this comprehensive, proactive approach, we find that when correction is made to the spine, the entire body begins functioning better as a whole. It is common for our patients to feel more energy, sleep better, and notice improved digestion after receiving a series of specific Gonstead adjustments. There is a clinical logic to every decision that is made for each and every patient. This ensures that the principles outlined by Dr. Gonstead will be duplicated, the results achieved and satisfied patient referrals stimulated.
The Five Criteria
The Gonstead Chiropractor goes beyond what many chiropractors consider a spinal assessment by conducting a thorough analysis of your spine using five criteria to detect the presence of the vertebral subluxation complex.
1. Visualization — Visualization is a way to cross reference all the other findings. Dr. Tillie is an expert in looking for subtle changes in your posture and movement which could indicate any underlying nerve conduction problems.
2. Instrumentation — The instrument of choice in the Gonstead System is the Nervoscope. The Nervoscope detects uneven distributions of heat along the spine which can be indicative of inflammation and nerve pressure. This instrument is guided down the length of your back and feels like two fingers gliding down each side of your spine.
3. Static Palpation — This is simply the process of feeling (or palpating) your spine in a stationary (or static) position. Your chiropractor will feel for the presence of swelling (or edema), tenderness and any abnormal texture or tightness in the muscles and other tissues of your back
4. Motion Palpation — This process involves feeling the spine while moving and bending it at various angles. This enables the chiropractor to determine how easily or difficult each segment in your spine moves in different directions.
5. X-Ray Analysis — X-ray films enable Dr. Tillie to visualize the entire structure of your spine. This is helpful in evaluating posture, joint and disc integrity, vertebral misalignments and ruling out any pathologies, or recent fractures that may be present or contributing to the patient’s condition. These full-spine radiographs are taken in the standing, weight-bearing position to fully substantiate the examination findings.
After the x-ray is taken, a thorough Gonstead analysis of the x-ray is performed in order to determine the degree of biomechanics misalignment in the pelvis, spine and skull.
Dr. Tillie's x-rays with the Gonstead analysis in green