If you’re like most people, going to the healthcare professional is not exactly your idea of a good time. It’s always a little nerve-wracking, especially if you don’t know what to expect. And that’s especially true if you’re dealing with pain or a health condition.
If you’re one of the millions of people who suffer from chronic pain, or if you have a health condition that isn’t getting better, you may be considering a visit to a Gonstead chiropractor.
But what can I expect during your appointment? What is the difference between Gonstead and other types of chiropractic care? And can I benefit from receiving Gonstead care?
In this blog post, we’ll alleviate your concerns by telling you everything you need to know about what is a Gonstead chiropractor and what to expect during a Gonstead chiropractic visit.
What Is a Gonstead Chiropractor?
Gonstead chiropractors are highly trained and use a specific set of techniques called the Gonstead technique to treat patients. They focus on the relationship between the spine and the nervous system and acknowledge that misalignments in the spine can be the root problem for pain and other health conditions.
What Is The Difference?
The Gonstead technique is a specific chiropractic approach that was developed by Dr. Clarence Gonstead in the early 1900s.
The Gonstead technique is unique in many ways, but perhaps the most significant difference is the focus on using different assessment tools. These include
- X-Ray Analysis: Gonstead chiropractors take a full-spine x-ray to identify any misalignments in the spine.
- Palpation: Gonstead chiropractors use their hands to feel for misalignments in the spine both in a static position and with a full range of motions.
- Instrumentation: Gonstead chiropractors use an instrument called a nervoscope to detect heat generated from an inflamed nerve, compressed due to a misalignment.
This allows them to target the specific areas that need treatment and create a plan that will provide the most relief.
What does a Gonstead Chiropractic Appointment Involve?
If you’re considering a Gonstead chiropractic appointment, there are a few things you should know about what to expect.
The first part of your Gonstead chiropractor visit will involve a consultation and assessment. During this time, you’ll discuss your full medical history and the reason for your visit.
After which, the Gonstead chiropractor will perform a physical examination, which should include an X-ray analysis, instrumentation, and palpation.
Visual Analysis
Every physical assessment starts with visual analysis. The Gonstead chiropractor will place you in a gown to allow the easy visualization of your skin, posture, and range of motion. They will also visualize your spine to identify any obvious deformities or misalignments.
Instrumentation
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Once the Gonstead chiropractor has completed the visual analysis, they will move on to instrumentation. As we mentioned before, the Gonstead technique involves the use of a nervoscope, a handheld device that is used to detect heat generated when it becomes inflamed due to compression.
The nervoscope is driven across the spine to detect any changes in your skin temperature. If this is identified, then it is an indicator that there may be a misalignment in the spine that is compressing the nerve and is leading to inflammation at that site. With this knowledge, the Gonstead chiropractor can create a customized treatment plan to target that specific area.
Palpation
After instrumentation, the Gonstead chiropractor will move on to palpation. This is the process of feeling for any abnormalities in the spine with their hands.
First, they will feel your spine in a static position, then they will ask you to move through a full range of motion so they can identify any areas of tenderness, swellings, or deformities. With both static and motion palpation, they can pinpoint the specific areas that need treatment.
X-Ray Analysis
The final step in the assessment process is the X-ray analysis. The Gonstead chiropractor will take a full-spine x-ray to identify any misalignments in the spine. This is done repeatedly throughout your sessions so they can track your progress and ensure that the treatment is effective.
All of the above steps are carried out at multiple visits to ensure that you are receiving the most accurate diagnosis and treatment plan while monitoring for its effectiveness.
Once the assessment is complete, the Gonstead chiropractor will develop a customized treatment plan for you. This may involve a combination of spinal adjustments, soft tissue work, and rehabilitative exercises.
The frequency and duration of your treatment will depend on the severity of your condition and your overall health.
Who Can Benefit From Gonstead Chiropractic Treatments?
Gonstead chiropractic is an effective treatment for a variety of conditions, including:
- Neck pain
- Back pain
- Headaches
- Migraines
- Sciatica
- Disc herniation
- Thyroid disorders
- Scoliosis and much more!
If you’re suffering from any of the above conditions, then Gonstead chiropractic may be able to help.
Where Can I Find A Gonstead Chiropractor?
If you’re interested in finding a Gonstead chiropractor, the best place to start is by asking for recommendations from your general practitioner. Within the medical field, there is a strong network of providers who are all connected and can often point you in the right direction.
You can also search for Gonstead chiropractors in your area on the American Gonstead Chiropractic Society website. Here you can find a directory of practitioners who have completed the required training and are certified in the Gonstead technique.
Lastly, you can also search for Gonstead chiropractors on Google. Just be sure to read reviews and check that they are certified before making an appointment. You have to make sure that you are working with a certified and well-trained Gonstead chiropractor who has put in hours by attending seminars, conducting internships, and working in the field for years.
Deciding to see a chiropractor is a big step, but it can be a game-changer for your health.
Ready To Visit The Best Gonstead Chiropractor in Denver?
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the thought of visiting a chiropractor, don’t worry. As outlined above, a Gonstead chiropractor visit is nothing to be afraid of. And at Concise Chiropractic, we make the process as easy and comfortable as possible.
We understand that every patient is different, which is why we take the time to get to know you and your health concerns. We offer a thorough consultation so you can receive the treatment you need to achieve optimal health.
If you’re ready to take the first step towards feeling your best, contact us today to schedule an appointment.
We can’t wait to meet you!
