The Gonstead Chiropractic Method
How Clarence Gonstead Changed the Future of Chiropractic Practice
May 28, 2009
While Gonstead attended Palmer, few were able to connect his demeanor to his destiny, which was to evolve the theory and practice of Chiropractic from what Palmer had established to what is presently more accepted as chiropractic therapy. Gonstead began by challenging Palmer’s philosophy that the upper spine was the foundation for the body.
Instead, Gonstead believed the lower spine to be primary; therefore, Gonstead researched and began treatment of the lower spine before moving to the upper spine. Gonstead also challenged Palmer’s “intuitive” diagnostic process by developing a five-step scientific diagnostic process for “subluxation complex” (The basic principles of the Gonstead …, p. 2, n.d.).
Gonstead’s Diagnostic Process consisted of:
- Visualization-examining client’s posture.
- Instrumentation-Using the “Gonstead Nervoscope” to detect heat along the spine, which would indicate inflammation.
- Static Palpation-feeling the spine searching for the presence of any swelling.
- Motion Palpation-Feeling the spine while the client moves through a variety of positions.
- X-ray analysis-X-raying clients while they stand to examine the spine under weight-bearing positions (The Gonsead Chiropractor, n.d.).
These two innovations, as well as other significant modifications, can be further explored on the Gonstead Methodology web page. Ultimately, Gonstead’s innovations encouraged contemporary chiropractors to re-examine the theories and practices first introduced by Palmer. Moreover, many chiropractors desired acceptance by members of the AMA, and Gonstead’s innovations appeared to offer an effective path to that goal. In addition, Gonstead’s methods provided techniques for a more patient –centered and science-oriented practice.
By 1964, word of Gonstead’s advances had spread so widely he was forced to expand. His larger clinic covered 29,000 square feet; the clinic included 11 treatment rooms, a waiting room capable of holding up to 100 clients, chemistry labs, research areas, and seminar rooms. Near the clinic, Gonstead added a 78 room full-service motel and a private runway (Historical figures in Chiropractic, p.2., n.d.).
After opening the new clinic, Gonstead established The Gonstead School of Chiropractic in response to the number of chiropractors eager to learn his methods; as more chiropractic students studied with Gonstead, two distinct groups began to form among chiropractors: “Straights” and “Mixers” (Amman, p. 4, n.d.)
Primary Differences between Straights and Mixers
Perspective Attribute Straights Mixers
Scope of PracticeNarrow Broad
Diagnostic ApproachIntuitive Analytical
Scientific OrientationDescriptive Experimental
Practice AttitudeDoctor Centered Patient Centered
(Moore, R.D. & Shekelle, P. G., p. 10, 1997)
“Palmer Chiropractors” are considered as “Straights”, while “Gonstead Chiropractors” are known as “Mixers”. In addition to using more innovative techniques, “Mixers” also prescribe massage therapy, physical therapy, and acupuncture (Chiropractic: Two schools of chiropractors p. 11, 1998)
Though both types of chiropractic theories are still both taught and practiced, the “Mixer” method is more common.
References
Amman, M. J. (n.d.). The History of Clarence S. Gonstead.
Chiropractic: Two Schools of Chiropractors (1998).
Historical figures in Chiropractic (n.d.) retrieved on 1/22/09
Mootz, R.D., Phillips, R.B. (1997). Chiropractic belief systems. In D.C. Cherkin, R.D. Mootz (eds.). Chiropractic in the US:Training, Practice, and Research. Rockville, MD (pp. 9-16) Agency for Health Care Policy and Research.
