The Gonstead Technique in Snellville GA

The Gonstead technique, currently used by Dr. Dionne Anderson in Snellville GA and many other chiropractors, has stood the test of time. Formally taught starting in 1954, the Gonstead technique is a physics-driven technique that focuses on aligning the body starting from its foundation: the pelvic girdle. This technique is regarded as one of the most thorough in the field, as well as one of the most accurate when it comes to taking care of subluxations.

What Is the Gonstead Technique in Snellville GA?

Dr. Clarence Selmer Gonstead, the inventor of the technique, grew up on a dairy farm in Primrose, Wisconsin. Due to his upbringing, he grew very familiar with mechanical work and developed a very mechanical view of the world. This knowledge and mindset would later translate into the Gonstead technique, which uses a set of five diagnostic components in order to give the most precise adjustment.

Visualization

This is what’s used to cross-reference the findings from all of the other components. Gonstead chiropractors are highly trained and can tell a lot from your spine just by looking at it. By cross-referencing visual cues with the following components, they can discern the difference between a subluxation and another medical concern.

Palpation

Two methods of palpation are used during the Gonstead technique: static palpation, which simply involves feeling the spine in a stationary position, and motion palpation, which involves feeling the spine while bending and twisting it in order to determine range of motion. In tandem, they provide a clearer view of what may be going on with your spine, where a subluxation is, and how it’s affecting you.

X-Rays

The Gonstead technique typically uses full spine x-rays—both A-P and lateral views—taken in the patient’s natural standing position. Full spine films require less radiation than sectional films, provide full spinal contour representation for posture analysis, and they reveal misalignments and concerns other than the primary complaints—all of which are much more difficult or even impossible with sectional films.

Instrumentation

The instrument of choice for this technique is the dual-probe instrument, commonly known as a Nervoscope. It is used to take the spine’s temperature from either side in order to detect differences from one side of the body to the other. A localized rise in temperature can often indicate inflammation, a common symptom of subluxation.

Symptoms

Like any good doctor would listen to the symptoms of their patients to shape a diagnosis, we listen to our practice members’ symptoms in order to treat misalignments. The Gonstead technique is not a cookie-cutter set of pops and snaps, and it only targets the areas that need adjustment. This makes the word of our practice members crucial for the personalization of the technique.

If you’re still curious about the technique and want to learn more, contact Hand and Heart Chiropractic at our office in Snellville. Dr. Dionne Anderson is fully certified in the Gonstead technique, and her knowledge and precision will ensure that you’ll walk out of our office in perfect alignment.

SOURCES

“5 Components of the Gonstead Technique.” Gonstead Methodology Institute. www.gonsteadmethodology.com/gonstead-system/.

"Who was Dr. Gonstead?" Gonstead Clinical Studies Society. www.gonstead.com/who-was-dr-gonstead/.