What is Gonstead?
“Chiropractic is the most scientific and practical system of locating and adjusting by hand the cause of diseases, or re-establishing and maintaining perfect health of mind and body of patient…” - (D.D. Palmer, The Science, Art and Philosophy of Chiropractic, 1910 p.976)
The Gonstead System of Chiropractic is named after it’s founder Dr Clarence Selmer Gonstead who developed and honed his skills over 55 years of clinical practice. When a young man Gonstead was very interested in anything mechanical and was adept at repairing tractors and cars. When at Trade school he was laid low when he developed Acute Rheumatoid Arthritis. Conventional medical doctors were unable to help him so his Aunty took Gonstead to see her Chiropractor. After a series of adjustments Gonstead was able to walk again and he took a job as an Automotive Engingeer to save enough money to pay for Chiropractic School.
Gonstead graduated from Palmer College of Chiropractic and started in practice in 1923. His inquisitive mind, focus on patient outcomes, passion for improvement and background in Mechanics led to the development of his own technique which led to him being known as the “Chiropractors Chiropractor”.
His innovations such as Full Spine X-Ray Analysis, the find it fix it and leave it alone principle ,and the focus on the mechanics of the Vertebral Disc were giant leaps forward in Chiropractic history and is why Gonstead Technique has such an esteemed reputation.
