Our Technique: The Gonstead Method
At Rebel Chiropractic, we combine advanced, scientifically-backed techniques to address spinal misalignments and joint dysfunctions. Our unique approach is tailored to provide effective, personalized care that brings you the lasting relief you deserve.
Chiropractic has come a long way since its birth in 1895. Today, chiropractors use a range of methods to correct misaligned spinals, dislocated joints, and more. At Rebel Chiropractic, we use one of the most advanced scientific methods: The Gonstead Method.
The Gonstead System
The Gonstead Method was developed by Dr. Clarence S. Gonstead–founder of the world famous Gonstead Clinic of Chiropractic in Mount Horeb, Wisconsin–and his associates. Gonstead’s 55 years of experience and more than four million adjustments led to one of the most thorough and precise ways to assess and correct spinal issues–and we’re proud to use The Gonstead Method in our own practice.
So why doesn’t every chiropractor use this technique? Because mastering the art of delivering a specific adjustment takes a LOT of practice and dedication. But at Rebel Chiropractic, we’re up to the challenge, because the lasting wellbeing of our patients is more than worth it.
The Gonstead Method: How We Do It
By using The Gonstead Method, we go beyond what many chiropractors consider a spinal assessment by conducting a thorough analysis of your spine. This analysis detects the presence of a vertebral subluxation complex, which is what happens when a spinal bone (vertebra) moves out of place and puts pressure on nerves.
We detect a subluxation complex using the following five criteria:
Visualization — Visualization is a way to cross reference all the other findings. We’ll look for subtle changes in your posture and movement, which could indicate any problems.
Instrumentation —The instrument of choice in the Gonstead System is the Nervoscope. This tool detects uneven distributions of heat along the spine, which can indicate inflammation and nerve pressure. We’ll guide the instrument down the length of your back, which will feel like two fingers gliding down each side of your spine.
Static Palpation — This is simply the process of feeling (or palpating) your spine in a stationary (or static) position. We feel for the presence of swelling (or edema), tenderness, and any abnormal texture or tightness in the muscles and other tissues of your back.
Motion Palpation — This process involves feeling the spine while moving and bending it at various angles. This enables us to determine how easily or difficult each segment in your spine moves in different directions.
X-Ray Analysis — X-ray films enable us to visualize the entire structure of your spine. This helps us evaluate posture, joint and disc integrity, and vertebral misalignments. This also allows us to rule out any pathologies, or recent fractures that may be present or contributing to your condition. These full-spine radiographs are taken in the standing, weight-bearing position to fully confirm the examination findings.
The Gonstead Adjustment
After a thorough spinal evaluation, we will make any needed adjustments. The focus of the Gonstead Method is to be as specific, precise, and accurate as possible, focusing only on the problem areas we find. We’ll take great care to position your body correctly and apply just the right amount of pressure for the most accurate and painless adjustment possible. Ultimately, our goal is to restore and maintain optimal health by locating and correcting any damage a misalignment has done to your nervous system.
“Find the subluxation, accept it where you find it, correct it and leave it alone.”
– C.S. Gonstead
The Basic Principles of the Gonstead Method of Chiropractic Analysis
The Gonstead approach to chiropractic care is based on basic principles of how the body moves and functions. It helps to think of a body as a building. Every engineer, architect, builder and carpenter knows how important proper foundation is when it comes to constructing a durable building. Any slight change or shift in the foundation can cause a great amount of deviation in the top part of the structure and, perhaps, ultimately, its collapse; your body is the same way.
The body’s foundation is formed by the pelvic girdle, a bony structure consisting of hip bones and the lower back bones. When your pelvic girdle is level, there is maximum balance and stability in your spinal column. But when the pelvic girdle or any of the vertebrae (bones making up the spinal column) become tilted or rotated out of their proper position, dramatic changes may occur.
These misalignments can cause pressure on the discs that separate the vertebrae. (The condition of these discs is the key to health problems in many cases.) Misalignments can stem from several minor episodes or one single incidence. Typically, these issues fix themselves–but sometimes, a tilted or rotated vertebrae will need to be fixed with an adjustment from a chiropractor.
In order to more fully understand how this works, it helps to know that the discs are really pads between the vertebrae. They consist of a spongy substance surrounded by fibers of cartilage. When your vertebra is misaligned, there is uneven pressure on the disc, causing it to swell and protrude. (You may have heard this referred to as a slipped, herniated or ruptured disc.)
Chiropractors call this condition a SUBLUXATION when it pinches or compresses the nerves. These compressed nerves often become inflamed, impeding the proper transmission of impulses to the section of the body they control. This can bring on a seemingly endless list of ailments and pain.
Generally, misaligned vertebrae in the spine are easy to recognize, especially if they’re in the upper portion of the vertebral column. However, misalignments in the foundation or lower portions are more difficult to spot, and often overlooked.
The ability to recognize and correct these misalignments forms an integral part of The Gonstead Method. For example: When the lower portion of the spinal column has misaligned vertebrae, the body tries to keep itself and its skeleton upright and straight. Often, your body compensates by causing a vertebra above to become misaligned–this is how it attempts to re-establish its normal upright position.
If just the top misaligned vertebra is adjusted while additional vertebrae remain misaligned, your relief won’t last, because the root of the problem isn’t fixed. For relief that lasts, we identify all misaligned vertebrae and adjust them accordingly. This is the key to optimal wellbeing–and that’s why we stand by The Gonstead Method.
