Originally developed by C.S. Gonstead in 1929, the Gonstead method applies a five-step process to treat root causes of illness and trauma. 

Visualization- Assesses gait, countenance, skin changes, and muscle composition 

Instrumentation- Aids in detecting nerve flow interruption. 

Static palpation- Assesses inflammation and fluid around a subluxated (malpositioned) joint.

Motion Palpation- Determines  how a joint is inappropriately postioned in order to make the most specific correction. 

X-ray analysis-  Anatomical picture. Aids in determining the exact malposition of the offending joint and how it plays a role in biomechanics.