Gonstead

Dr. Clarence Gonstead, Mount Horeb, Wisconsin, USA

Dr. Clarence S. Gonstead (July 23, 1898 – October 2, 1978) is the inventor of the world-famous Gonstead technique.

The Gonstead technique in chiropractic

Clarence S. Gonstead, Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) graduated in 1923. During his active time as a chiropractor, he developed and perfected the Gonstead System until 1978, the year of his death. His aim was to optimize the effectiveness of chiropractic treatment and the associated examination. It was very important to him to use the principles of chiropractic as the basis of this system. (1)

With his determination and dedication, Dr. Gonstead often spent more than 15 hours a day, six and a half days a week, examining and treating patients. Over the years, he has given more than three million treatments and built the largest chiropractic practice in the world at the time (1964). The practice had 11 treatment rooms, space for 120 patients in the waiting room and an adjoining hotel with a nearby airport. The practice also had seminar rooms and its own laboratory so that it could continue to develop the Gonstead system and pass on this knowledge. (1,2)

The Gonstead System differs from other chiropractic techniques primarily in the examination and treatment. The examination includes a detailed medical history, an analysis of the function of the spine, the detection of inflammation of the vertebral joints and the examination of X-ray images. It is important that all steps are taken for each treatment and that nothing is left out. For legal reasons, X-ray images in Germany are only possible with existing images. In terms of treatment, the Gonstead system places particular emphasis on the intervertebral disc in order to influence the main support of the spine. In addition, the direction and intensity of the adjustment is adjusted with the aim of ensuring maximum safety and comfort. (3)

In order to create a biomechanically relevant X-ray image, we ask you, if you are in the process of having an X-ray taken, to have it taken in a standing position.

The Gonstead Clinic, Mount Horeb, Wisconsin, USA

In 1964 Dr. Clarence Gonstead built the largest chiropractic practice in the world, with 11 treatment rooms – chemistry laboratory – research rooms – seminar rooms – hotel – swimming pool – sauna.

Nervoscope

Part of the analysis in the Gonstead system is the so-called Nervoscope. A device that compares the surface temperature of the skin directly next to the spine between two receptors. The idea behind this is that a vertebral subluxation (as described in “The Origin of Chiropractic”) triggers various processes in this area through its influence on the nervous system. One of these processes is the initiation of inflammation to support the healing process. Part of this inflammation is then also an increased temperature in this area. (4,5) In places where there is a malfunction in the joint and nerve (a vertebral subluxation), a difference in surface temperature can be detected over a very small area, the minimal size of the area helps to distinguish temperature fluctuations caused by subluxations from those caused by musculature.

In the Gonstead system, great importance is attached to this temperature difference, as it gives an indication of whether treatment in this area is necessary at that time. (6)

If a characteristic temperature difference is found, this area is examined in detail for other characteristics, such as reduced freedom of movement, redness and pain sensitivity. Only after further analysis is a decision made as to how and where treatment will take place. All steps of the analysis are always considered together.

René Oehlenschlaeger, D.C., Chiropraxis Hamburg

Here is a measurement with the Nervoscope.

René Oehlenschlaeger, D.C., Chiropraxis Hamburg

Here is a Gonstead adjustment of the cervical spine on the cervical chair.

René Oehlenschlaeger, D.C., Chiropraxis Hamburg

Here is a Gonstead adjustment of the thoracic spine on the hylo.