GONSTEAD CHIROPRACTIC
Dr C S Gonstead developed the Gonstead System of Chiropractic in 1923. This system focuses on the methods of diagnosis, treatment, management and prevention of conditions that are caused by mechanical dysfunction of the spine and related joints. Dr Gonstead believed that incorrect function of the spine and related joints can cause irritation of the nerves that control muscular movement and function.
Clarence Selmer Gonstead was born in 1898. He initially studied as and became a successful mechanical engineer. Gonstead first turned to chiropractic when he started to suffer from a crippling form of rheumatoid arthritis in his hands. Gonstead saw a miraculous change in his rheumatoid arthritis for the better and then decided that chiropractic was to be his future. He graduated from at Palmer Chiropractic College in 1923 and started practicing the same year.
Dr Gonstead applied his knowledge of mechanical engineering to the human body. He saw the human body as a complex, intricate marvel and applied the same disciplines and principals to it from his previous career. As part of his lifelong fascination with the human spine he would fly on his private plane to Lincoln Chiropractic College in Indianapolis and spend hours examining cadavers (bodies left to scientific research). From his findings and studies Gonstead developed a completely new system of analysis and spinal correction based around what he called the foundation principle. This principle resolved around the pelvis in the human body which he related to the foundations of a structural building for example a house. He thought that if the foundations (pelvis or spinal vertebrae) where uneven or misaligned then all structures above it would be affected.
DIVERSIFIED CHIROPRACTIC
The diversified technique is a a technique used by chiropractors that is composed of all other techniques. It is the most commonly used technique and primarily focuses on spinal adjustments to restore function to vertebral and spinal problems.
SOT
SOT is a system of chiropractic originally developed by Dr Major DeJarnette. It is probably best known for cranial work but also involves detailed analysis and corrections for the pelvis, extremities and the visceral system. SOT also offers a method of chiropractic diagnosis as well as treatment protocols that dovetail in easily with other chiropractic techniques.
THOMPSON DROP TECHNIQUES
The Thompson drop technique is a system of chiropractic that focuses on a patients leg length in balances to restore spinal function. The Thompson technique was started by Dr Clay and uses a special drop table to adjust parts of the pelvis and the spine. The majority of the spinal adjusting needs less force than conventional adjustments due to the drop mechanism of the tables used.
