How it all began? Side posture This whole series of adjustment instruments has evolved over a period of ten years and has been tested by Gonstead doctors throughout Europe, Japan and also the United States. The first table that was designed and built was the side posture pelvic bench. Actually, it was conceived in frustration and horn of passion and necessity. Those of us who work with side posture adjusting on a traditional pelvic bench know that, when the patient is too close to the edge of the table, they often tend to tense up and have a feeling like, "I may fall off the edge of the table." The patient then, instinctively, moves back (away from the edge of the table), which then requires the doctor to lean forward and stress his/her own back. In that position, you lose some of your contact and balance and create unnecessary stress on the back. This made me think, why not apply a "special curve" to the table so you would be able to walk up to the patient; leaving the patient in a comfortable distance from the edge where their head and shoulder are. Doctor's adjusting position is now "optimal," which yields an excellent adjusting stance, no back stress, a comfortable patient and a wonderful chiropractic adjustment experience for all. Gonstead Knee Chest Adjusting Instrument That new improvement was the start and, soon after, I started designing the new Knee Chest instrument based on the same concept. Basically, the old wooden knee chest was not suitable for a modern looking practice and many doctors were dissatisfied—as well as patients—thinking it was a praying bench, or worse. However, the Knee Chest is a wonderful adjusting instrument. It just had to be lifted to a higher standard in looks and function, and here it is, the new Knee Chest designed to enhance the wonderful chiropractic adjustment with elegance. After that, I changed the Cervical Chair so it would be presentable with the other two instruments and also look good in the room with the Zenith Hylo, which I could not live without. Adjusting and palpating on the same chair and being able to put the patient at the right height for the doctor were the major objectives. Being able to relax ones shoulders gives the adjuster more control. The Pediatric Table For my small patients, I have designed a table that, basically, has the same purpose as the Hylo. It is used to adjust and palpate small patients, from ages 1 Vi to 4 years, in the prone position. The foam construction in the table enhances the ability to open the disk like the tuck-away part on the Zenith Hylo. All of this was born out of my love for the precise and elegant adjustment, the core value of chiropractic. The Gonstead technique is one of the most elegant and precise adjustment techniques done by hand—by far my favorite. But other techniques, like Diversified, can be performed on this new line of adjustment instruments. Someone once said that adjustment is like neurosurgery, just done from the outside. Thus, it has to be performed with the same respect and precision. My intent was also to adjust the patient's perception, before they got on the instrument—giving them a clear sign of professionalism when they enter the room. On top of that, it helps giving a nice, comfortable adjustment, for both the patient and the doctor. I am very proud that Williams Healthcare is the company that will handle these instruments in the United States. First of all, because the Zenith is the highest standard of quality that you can get. And, also, because my grandfather, who graduated from Palmer in 1926, had a Zenith Hylo. Dr. Peter Gvrsf is a third generation chiropractor from Denmark, practicing in Denmark .since 1981. He is also a Clinical Instructor at the University of Southern Denmark, ami the designer and developer of a New Generation of Adjusting Instruments. For more information, contact Williams Healthcare Systems at 847-741-3650 or toll free at 800-441-4967. Adjusting a Knight in Shining Armour? Nooo problem, with Dr. Gyrst's side posture pelvic bench!
