In Depth Method And Process - Core Principles of the Gonstead System

At the heart of the Gonstead approach is the principle that spinal health directly influences the nervous system and, consequently, the overall health of the individual. This principle informs every step in the treatment process, from assessment to adjustment. Unlike other chiropractic methods, the Gonstead system focuses on a comprehensive evaluation process using multiple diagnostic tools to ensure that each adjustment is tailored to the specific misalignment of the patient.

Read in full detail all about the Origin and History of the Gonstead System HERE.

Examination and Analysis Procedures

The Gonstead Chiropractor conducts a thorough examination of your spine using a variety of analysis tools to detect the presence of spinal dysfunction known as ‘Vertebral Subluxation Complex.’ This detailed process is done to identify the exact location of subluxations. It is a multi-step approach that includes several diagnostic tools:

Case History

Before any physical examination, a certified Gonstead chiropractor conducts a comprehensive detailed case history review of your presenting complaint. This includes gathering information on the patient's symptoms, medical history, lifestyle, and previous injuries. All of this information is crucial and when compiled, assists in determining if your condition is a Chiropractic case.

Visualisation

Our Doctors are experts in looking for subtle changes in your spine just by using their eyes. This involves the chiropractor observing the patient’s posture, movement, and spinal alignment. Changes in posture, visible misalignments, and muscle spasms can give clues to the location of subluxations.

Instrumentation: Nervoscope

The instrument used by Gonstead Chiropractors is called the Nervoscope. This instrument is guided down either side of your spine and can detect uneven distribution of heat which may be indicative of inflammation and nerve pressure. It is one of the key tools in the Gonstead analysis.

Static Palpation

This is the process of feeling (palpating) your spine whilst in a stationary (static) position. Your Chiropractor will feel the presence of swelling (oedema), tenderness and any abnormal texture or tightness in the muscles and other tissues of your spine.

Motion Palpation

This process involves feeling the spine while moving and bending it. This enables the Chiropractor to determine the ability or inability for each of the vertebrae to move in different directions, feeling for any restriction or abnormal movement of the joints.

X-Ray Analysis

When clinically indicated, an X-Ray may be taken to enable your Doctor to visualise the entire structure of your spine. This is helpful in evaluating posture, joint and disc integrity, vertebral alignment as well as ruling out any pathologies or recent fractures that may be present or contributing to the patient's condition. These radiographs are taken in a standing, weight-bearing position. X-ray images provide a blueprint for the chiropractor to create a specific adjustment plan.

When all the information is collated, a trained Gonstead Doctor will determine if your health condition is a Chiropractic problem. If not, a referral to the appropriate health provider will be made. If your case is a Chiropractic case, the trained Gonstead practitioner's goal is to deliver a highly skilled and accurate Gonstead adjustment to the right bone to get you back on the road to health as quickly as possible. With no "pre-planned" treatment programs, adequate time between consultations is given for healing and stabilisation.

A great deal of skill and knowledge is required to perform a Gonstead adjustment. Your Gonstead Chiropractor has spent many years developing a proficient level of expertise. As well as the 5 years tertiary study, there are post-graduate seminars, workshops and private study, all of which our Doctors participate in frequently.

Pinewood Chiropractic - Gonstead Chiropractor Adjustment

The Adjustment Process

Once the assessment is complete, the chiropractor will perform an adjustment. The Gonstead adjustment is a precise, specific thrust delivered directly to the area of concern. The goal is to restore proper alignment, mitigate nerve interference, and facilitate the body’s natural healing processes.

Patient Positioning

Proper patient positioning is crucial to delivering an effective adjustment. The Gonstead method uses specially designed furniture, such as the Gonstead chair and the cervical chair, to ensure maximum comfort and precision.

Specificity

The hallmark of a Gonstead adjustment is its specificity. Only the affected segments are adjusted, minimising unnecessary manipulations and focusing exclusively on the areas that need attention.

Types Of Adjustments

The Gonstead system employs precise adjustment techniques tailored to the patient's individual misalignments. Each adjustment is designed to be highly specific and uses minimal force to realign the vertebrae without causing discomfort.

Cervical Adjustments

Cervical (neck) adjustments in the Gonstead system are performed with the patient seated or lying on the cervical chair. The chiropractor applies a controlled force to the misaligned vertebrae, aiming to restore natural motion and nerve function.

Thoracic Adjustments

Thoracic (mid-back) adjustments are often done on the Gonstead adjusting table or bench. The chiropractor uses specific hand placements and a precise thrust to correct misalignments in the thoracic spine.

Lumbar Adjustments

Lumbar (lower back) adjustments involve realigning the vertebrae of the lower spine. This is often performed with the patient lying on their side, and the chiropractor delivers a controlled thrust to restore mobility and alignment.

Pelvic Adjustments
Pelvic adjustments focus on correcting misalignments in the sacroiliac joints and pelvis. These are crucial in addressing posture issues and lower back pain.

Extremity Adjustments
In some cases, the Gonstead system is also used to adjust extremities such as the knees, shoulders, or wrists. These adjustments address joint misalignments beyond the spine.

Gonstead Table and Equipment

The Gonstead system uses several specialised pieces of equipment, including:

Cervical Chair: A specially designed chair used for precise cervical adjustments.

Gonstead Adjusting Table (Hi-Lo Table): A motorised table that allows for proper patient positioning during spinal adjustments.

Knee-Chest Table: Used for adjusting specific areas of the lumbar and thoracic spine while the patient is kneeling.

Keep reading to learn about what to expect during your appointment.

- Adjusting Table -

Motorised Hi-Lo Table

- Nervoscope -

Gonstead Instrument

What To Expect From Us

New Admission

When you arrive for your appointment you will be greeted by our friendly staff at reception and provided with a New Patient Admission Form. This will provide us with a clearer picture of your whole health history, including any conditions, medications, surgical procedures and accidents pertinent to your case.

Your chiropractor will carefully review your form and ask further questions to develop a thorough understanding of your presenting complaint and overall health condition. A complete and thorough history can also determine if any red flags indicate immediate referral to the appropriate medical facility.

Examination

Once your history is complete, a thorough examination will be conducted in order to determine whether or not you have a Chiropractic problem. This will entail a series of small assessments from checking your posture, feeling for pressure and swelling, analysing joint motion, as well as orthopaedic and neurological testing. The emphasis of Chiropractic is in problem detection and not routine manipulative therapy. You can rest assured, if your case is not suitable for Chiropractic, referral to the proper health practitioner will be made.

X-Ray or Further Investigation

If a Chiropractic problem is detected, further investigation such as an X-Ray of the region may be warranted. Information obtained from X-Ray includes the presence of anomalies and degenerative change, signs of trauma as well as the presence of pathologies.

Adjustment

With all the information put together, you will receive a very accurate, calculated and controlled movement to your problem area only. Chiropractors term this "Adjustment". It only takes a split second and is usually painless.

Advice

You may be advised on basic exercises such as walking or stretching, as well as instructions for the application of ice and heat. Postural advice is also prescribed in order to protect vulnerable regions of your spine and extremities.

Post Adjustment

Although most feel immediate relief after the adjustment, some may experience temporary reactionary swelling or some muscle soreness from guarding. This is normal and usually settles within 48 hours. Some acute stages of presentation may not feel any different for several days until inflammation has begun to settle.

This methodology is a time-tested and highly effective approach to spinal care. Our precise diagnostic tools and specific adjustments for addressing subluxations and restoring nerve function have been of benefit to many people in Melbourne’s East and abroad.

For any further information the best form of contact is by phone or you can schedule an appointment with our online booking system.

Gonstead Process

Our Systematic Approach And What To Expect

1 - In Depth Method And Process

2 - The Adjustment Process

3 - Types of Adjustments

4 - What To Expect From Us