1
Visualization
Posture & Movement
Careful visual assessment of posture, gait, and body symmetry to identify visible signs of spinal imbalance.
The Gold Standard of Chiropractic
The GonsteadSystem
One of the most precise, thorough, and effective methods in chiropractic — built on engineering principles and decades of proven results.
What It Is
Specific. Gentle. Thorough.
Gonstead is the chiropractic system built by Dr. Gonstead from a deep understanding of body anatomy and mechanics. Where many techniques apply broad adjustments across multiple areas, Gonstead identifies the primary subluxation — the one specific joint that is inflamed, immobile, and causing nerve interference — and corrects only that one.
Most of the pain and dysfunction felt elsewhere in the body is typically a compensation for that primary issue, so when the primary clears, the secondary issues often clear with it.
“Find the subluxation, accept it where you find it, correct it, and leave it alone.”
This is the system Dr. Patrick uses for human chiropractic care. The same mindset of specificity — find the one root issue, correct only that, let the body heal — carries into animal care, adapted to each species.
History
From Mount Horeb, Wisconsin
The Gonstead system was developed by Dr. Gonstead in Mount Horeb, Wisconsin. Before becoming a chiropractor, Dr. Gonstead was a mechanical engineer — and he brought that engineering mindset to analyzing the spine.
His approach was methodical, biomechanical, and deeply logical. He treated the spine like a structural system: if one foundation piece is off, everything above it compensates. Find and fix the foundation, and the body can heal itself.
55+
Years of Practice
#1
Largest Chiro Clinic in the World
The Method
Five components of evaluation
Every adjustment is preceded by a complete analysis using all five tools. No shortcuts.
2
Instrumentation
Nervoscope Technology
A Nervoscope detects temperature differentials along each side of the spine. Uneven temperatures indicate nerve pressure and inflammation.
3
Static Palpation
Hands-On Assessment
Hands-on assessment of the spine and surrounding tissues to identify swelling, tenderness, muscle tightness, or abnormal texture.
4
Motion Palpation
Dynamic Analysis
Spine assessed while you move, feeling for joints that are fixated, restricted, or have abnormal range of motion.
5
X-Ray Analysis
Full-Spine Imaging
Full-spine radiographs analyzed for structural alignment, disc integrity, and biomechanical issues.
How It Differs
Gonstead vs. general chiropractic
General Chiropractic
The common approach
- May adjust multiple areas per visit
- Often uses rotational "twisting" of the neck
- Fewer evaluation methods
- Broader, less targeted adjustments
- One-size-fits-all approach
Dr. Patrick's Gonstead Approach
The targeted approach
- Targets the specific subluxation only
- Avoids rotational manipulation of the cervical spine
- All 5 components of analysis before every adjustment
- Precise contact points and specific lines of drive
- Individualized correction based on your unique biomechanics
What to Expect
Your visit
- 1
Consultation
Health history, current concerns, and goals.
- 2
Full Analysis
All 5 Gonstead components performed.
- 3
Specific Adjustment
Precise correction to the exact segment that needs it. Quick, specific, and controlled.
- 4
Follow-Up Plan
Tailored care plan including recommended visit frequency and at-home support.
Experience the precision yourself
Find the primary issue, correct it, let the body heal. Book your first visit or start with a free 15-minute call.