
Clarence Gonstead
Founder of the Gonstead Chiropractic Method of Analysis
The Story of Clarence Gonstead: From Illness to Wellness, Healing Others Along the Way
Clarence Selmer Gonstead was a pioneering figure in the field of chiropractic care, renowned for his innovative techniques and commitment to excellence. Born on September 23, 1898, in Willow Lake, South Dakota, Gonstead was a visionary chiropractor whose journey into the field began with a personal experience of illness and subsequent healing.
Gonstead suffered from health issues during his formative years, which significantly impacted his quality of life. His chronic condition caused him considerable discomfort and limitations. Despite facing adversity at a young age, Gonstead's experience with illness ultimately served as a catalyst for his journey into chiropractic care. It was through his own personal struggles with health and subsequent healing that he discovered the transformative power of chiropractic treatment.
This firsthand encounter with the benefits of chiropractic care profoundly influenced Gonstead's decision to pursue a career in the field. Motivated by his own remarkable recovery, he dedicated himself to mastering the art and science of chiropractic, determined to help others find relief from their ailments and achieve optimal health and well-being.
He enrolled at the Palmer School of Chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa, where he studied under the legendary B.J. Palmer, the developer of chiropractic. Upon graduating in 1923, Gonstead established his own chiropractic practice in Mount Horeb, Wisconsin. It was here that he began refining his techniques and developing what would later become known as the Gonstead Method.
Gonstead's approach to chiropractic care was characterized by its precision and specificity. He emphasized the importance of thorough examination, precise analysis, and targeted adjustments to address spinal misalignments and restore proper function to the nervous system.
In 1964, Gonstead founded the Gonstead Clinic of Chiropractic in Mount Horeb, which quickly gained recognition as a leading center for chiropractic excellence. Patients from around the world sought out Gonstead's expertise, and his reputation continued to grow.
Throughout his career, Gonstead remained dedicated to advancing the field of chiropractic through education and mentorship. He taught seminars and workshops to share his knowledge and techniques with other chiropractors, ensuring that his legacy would endure for generations to come.
Today, the Gonstead Method is practiced by chiropractors worldwide, and the Gonstead Clinic in Mount Horeb remains a symbol of excellence in chiropractic care. Clarence Gonstead's contributions to the field continue to inspire and influence chiropractors as they strive to provide the highest standard of care to their patients.
"The principles of the Gonstead Method are the simple principles of chiropractic put to work; how to understand what causes nerve pressure, how to find it on the patient, how to achieve a corrective setting of the offending vertebra, and how to know when the chiropractor’s job is done, and nature’s begins."
— CLARENCE GONSTEAD