What is Gonstead Chiropractic?

Dr. Clarence Gonstead

What is Gonstead Chiropractic

Chiropractic treatment

Chiropractic originated in the 1800s and has since evolved through scientific research and evidence-based practice. Respine Hong Kong is a Gonstead-exclusive clinic. The Gonstead Methodology is a structural-based specific technique founded by Dr. Clarence Gonstead (1898-1978) in Wisconsin, United States. It consists of thorough examination and full spine X-ray analysis to diagnose and treat the root cause of a patient’s condition.
All patients under Gonstead care must be gowned during examination and treatment, undergo spinal thermography (Nervoscope) and receive a complete set of full spine X-rays (when necessary).

What is a Gonstead chiropractic adjustment?

A Gonstead chiropractic adjustment is a manual high velocity low amplitude (HVLA) technique. A Gonstead chiropractor will usually utilize a cervical chair, knee chest table, pelvic bench or a Hy-Lo/ slot table to perform the adjustment. The adjustment contact should be directly on the skin of the patient and is specific to the bone and/or joint. A Gonstead adjustment is directed at the vertebral disc of the spine where the primary cause of subluxation is located.

Static and dynamic functional examination

The examination of the spine and joints (static and dynamic) is very important. A healthy spine and spinal joints should have a certain range of motion. During the functional examination of the spine, the chiropractor will record the locations of any issues, and then combine this with subsequent assessments to reach a diagnostic conclusion.

Hilton’s Law

In clinical anatomy, Hilton’s Law states that the nerves supplying a joint also supply the muscle group and the skin overlying the joint.

This law also implies that if the nerves supplying the joint or the muscle group are affected, the skin overlying the joint will also be affected.

Therefore, every time a patient comes in for an appointment, they need to change into the gowns we have prepared for examination by the chiropractor. The chiropractor will not only perform a full spinal scan on the patient’s skin but will also check for redness and other skin changes.

During the spinal scan, the chiropractor can clearly determine the extent of inflammation in the patient’s spinal nerves from the data, thereby further narrowing down the root of the problem.

Radiography

Imaging diagnosis is a crucial part in the Gonstead clinical system. Dr. Gonstead often referenced the radiographic imaging analysis when assessing the condition of the patient. The objective evaluation provides a more comprehensive diagnostic approach and treatment recommendation.

From the X-rays, chiropractors can assess:

– The degree of spinal deviation
– The degree of center of gravity shift (Plumb line)
– The curvature of the spine (Lordosis and kyphosis)
– Scoliosis and apex
– Vertebral body tilt and wedges
– Intervertebral disc compression
– Spinal compression
– The degree of pelvic distortion (Pelvic height)
– Sacral base angles
– Femur head height (Leg length deficiencies) etc.

A thorough assessment allows the chiropractor to target the root cause of the problem rather than to provide temporary relief.

Can Gonstead Chiropractic help me?

Whether in the diagnosis or treatment process, a well-established clinical system can help chiropractors effectively and accurately identify the root of the problem to treat the patient’s illness. If general relief methods do not help your condition, the above treatment options may assist you.