Clarence Gonstead and the Gonstead Method
Clarence Gonstead was a chiropractor born in 1898. He is world famous for creating the renowned Gonstead Chiropractic Method. When comparing Gonstead vs other chiropractic methods, of which there are hundreds of other techniques, the Gonstead Chiropractic Method remains, to this day, the most respected chiropractic treatment among chiropractors. Therefore, it is the method practiced by the Gonstead chiropractors here at Nordik Chiropractic.
Gonstead vs Other Chiropractic Methods
At age 19 Clarence Gonstead suffered from severe rheumatoid arthritis in his foot. A chiropractor helped him walk again. This inspired Clarence Gonstead to enroll at the Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa.
At that time, Palmer College faculty was investigating equipment that could assist in better diagnosing conditions. The goal being that conditions such as the source of back pain, or other ailments, could then be more accurately treated by chiropractic adjustment. Dr. Gonstead continued this research. He went on to improve diagnostic equipment. He most notably went on to help develop the original Nervoscope.
Dr. Gonstead also worked with various x-ray equipment manufacturers to improve x-ray technology for chiropractic diagnosis. This included developing the first full back x-ray. Another improvement was pioneering the use of split-screens.
Gonstead Chiropractic Method Jupiter Florida
After developing his technique, Dr. Gonstead created the Gonstead Clinic. There Gonstead chiropractors practice the Gonstead Chiropractic Method. The Gonstead Clinic continues to this day, operated by the non-profit C.S. Gonstead Chiropractic Foundation.
Nordik Chiropractic is one of the few chiropractic clinics practicing the Gonstead Method in Florida, and the only Jupiter Gonstead Chiropractor.
Nordik Chiropractic: Jupiter Chiropractor
All the chiropractors here at Nordik Chiropractic in Jupiter, Florida, attended the Palmer College of Chiropractic. In addition to attending the Palmer School they each received additional training on the Gonstead Chiropractic Method and practiced at the Gonstead Clinic. As a result, we all practice the Gonstead method.
What is a Nervoscope?
Many ask “What is a Nervoscope?” A nervoscope is a unique device that measures thermal differences between two sensors set a few inches apart. It shows measurements on a large dial. The small sensors are gently applied to the skin on each side of the spine. This helps pinpoint or verify where issues exist.
Subluxation is the primary issue that the nervoscope is designed to identify. In chiropractic subluxation is a slight misalignment of the vertebrae or other joint. A pinched nerve caused by subluxation will cause slight inflammation. The uniquely accurate sensors on a well-made chiropractic nervoscope detect inflammation.
Accuracy is the Hallmark of the Gonstead Chiropractic Method
Prior to the Gonstead chiropractic method, doctors relied on touch-and-feel to determine how to treat patients with chiropractic. Palpation, the “hands on” technique, is also used by Gonstead chiropractors. However, a difference is that Gonstead chiropractors also use diagnostic x-rays and the nervoscope. These allow a Gonstead chiropractic doctor to much more accurately determine the root cause of an issue. This lets the doctor know the source of an issue, its exact location, and the specific adjustment needed to help correct the issue. It allows for a better result for the patient.
When comparing Gonstead vs Other Chiropractic Methods, there are many differences. Surprisingly, still to this day, these diagnostic advancements are not used with other types of chiropractic treatment. This is one reason why the Gonstead chiropractic method is so well respected amongst chiropractors. Another reason is the accuracy of the Gonstead chiropractor treatment itself.
With a more thorough examination, Dr. Gonstead also developed more accurate adjustments. These adjust just the specific area where the issue is.
The Gonstead method is different from other methods. Others may adjust broader areas to makeup for less diagnosis. The many methods that use a broader adjustment often choose a milder adjustment. This can sometimes be because the chiropractor is less sure they are adjusting the right location. For a patient, the issue with these other techniques can be that sometimes there is no relief. Otherwise, it can take more visits to have a benefit.
Becoming a Gonstead Chiropractor
The process of becoming a Gonstead Chiropractor requires extensive additional training and practice. Becoming just a Doctor of Chiropractic has fewer requirements. It is this additional investment of time, focus and the overall difficulty in developing the necessary skills that deters most chiropractors from practicing the Gonstead chiropractic method.
Gonstead chiropractors must learn much more about diagnosis. This includes how to read an x-ray, how to use a Nervoscope and more. These are things that chiropractors practicing other techniques do not do, and therefore never learn about. Yet, a proper and thorough diagnosis is necessary for a specific and accurate adjustment.
Beyond diagnosis, the Gonstead chiropractic method includes unique adjustment techniques. Even the adjustment tables at a Gonstead chiropractor’s office will be different that what would be found at most chiropractors. As a result, these advanced chiropractic techniques can take years to master.
Some believe that only the most dedicated chiropractors, who are passionate enough about achieving the best possible outcome for their patient, will commit to practicing the Gonstead chiropractic method.
Gonstead Method: The Chiropractors Chiropractor
The Gonstead method is generally accepted as the most respected method amongst chiropractors, regardless of which method they practice.
Even chiropractors who choose to practice another method will nevertheless still be familiar the Gonstead Method. As a result, many chiropractors will seek out a Gonstead chiropractor when they themselves need an adjustment.
At Nordik Chiropractic Jupiter Florida we are happy to be of service to our fellow chiropractors as a chiropractors chiropractor. We are proud to have dozens of chiropractors as our patients.
Gonstead Chiropractic Method for Gonstead Wellness
Overall, the Gonstead chiropractic method is a chiropractic treatment method designed to achieve the best possible results for the patient. This was Clarence Gonstead’s method and one we are proud to continue today.
The Gonstead chiropractors at Nordik Chiropractic help patients get out of pain, heal and feel good again. Then to also maintain that, so patients can enjoy life to its fullest.
