The Gonstead adjustment is a manual chiropractic technique named after its developer, Clarence Selmer Gonstead. This method is lauded for its specificity, safety, and effectiveness, becoming one of the most widely used chiropractic techniques in the world.
The Gonstead adjustment technique emphasizes a thorough evaluation of the spine using five key criteria. These include visualizing postural changes, palpating the spine for abnormal texture and tenderness, using a heat-sensing instrument for detecting inflammation, conducting x-ray analysis to reveal spinal alignment, and lastly, interpreting nerve function via static and motion palpation.
The actual adjustment in Gonstead’s method is a hands-on technique that requires a high level of skill. This technique uses a precise, high-velocity, low-amplitude (HVLA) thrust applied specifically to the area of the vertebral subluxation, defined as a misalignment or abnormal motion of the spine. This specificity in the Gonstead adjustment is one of its distinguishing features, ensuring each adjustment is tailored to the patient’s individual needs.
At Urban Chiropractic, we endeavor to restore normal biomechanical function and remove nerve interference by correcting subluxations. By doing so, the natural healing capabilities of the body are enhanced. A Gonstead adjustment does not involve twisting or turning the spine but is instead a very precise and controlled adjustment that requires a specific contact point on the vertebra.
We use a specialized adjusting table that provides options for the patient to lie down or stand up during the procedure. These tables assist in the application of the adjustment and allow for greater precision.
While the Gonstead method requires significant skill and training to perform effectively, it is highly revered for its meticulous approach to spinal health and its patient-specific adjustments. The technique’s fundamental goal is to be as specific, precise, and accurate as possible in correcting vertebral subluxations, thereby optimizing the health and wellness of patients.