This patient came to Specific Chiropractic in Manhattan with chronic nasal congestion and a deviated septum, ankle arthritis and flat feet, shoulder pain, elbow discomfort, old wrist fractures from boxing, knee complaints, and neck and low back restrictions. Watch the full Gonstead examination and the patient’s responses to specific adjustments.
Watch the full case: Deviated Septum, Sinus Congestion & Ankle Arthritis – Full Gonstead Adjustment.
Patient History and Complaints
- Deviated septum, chronic sinus congestion, difficulty breathing through the nose, and snoring
- Ankle degenerative joint disease (DJD), sharp lateral ankle pain, Achilles weakness, and flat feet
- Low back discomfort, right groin pain, bilateral knee symptoms, and a reported Baker’s cyst
- Shoulder pain during shoulder press and restricted shoulder mechanics
- Elbow tightness and numbness, including symptoms consistent with tennis elbow
- Previous fractures of both wrists from boxing and hand restrictions
Gonstead Examination and Biomechanical 3D Analysis
The examination included visualization, instrumentation, static palpation, motion palpation, functional testing, and biomechanical 3D analysis of the X-rays. The findings guided specific Gonstead adjustments rather than treating every symptom as though it had a single cause.
Shoulder: SC and AC Joint Testing and Humerus Adjustment
The sternoclavicular (SC) and acromioclavicular (AC) joint examination showed a clear side-to-side difference: the left SC joint moved, while the right demonstrated marked restriction during testing. A right AEX humerus listing was assessed and adjusted. Afterward, the patient reported, “It’s good.” This is a report of his immediate response, not proof that a structural joint condition was cured.
Neck Adjustment and Immediate Reaction
Following a specific 5th cervical PRS-Inferior (5C PRS-Inf) adjustment, the patient said, “Woo, I needed that. My man!” He laughed and added, “I needed that right there.” At the end of the segment, he moved his head more and demonstrated increased cervical range of motion.
Elbows, Wrists, and Hands
The examination addressed elbow restrictions, including lateral elbow pain, and wrist and hand mobility in the setting of previous boxing fractures. After the left elbow adjustment, the patient said, “This elbow feels way better than the other elbow.” Following the right hand and finger work, he reported, “I can tell the difference right now.”
Sinus and Nasal Examination
The X-ray discussion covered the deviated septum and nasal, maxillary, frontal, and sphenoid regions. The patient reported “Breathing a lot better” after the examination and adjustments. A patient’s short-term improvement in breathing does not establish that a deviated septum was anatomically straightened or that sinus disease was resolved.
Knees, Ankle Arthritis, and Flat Feet
Knee assessment included a squat test, evaluation around a reported Baker’s cyst, and specific tibial and distal fibular adjustments. During reassessment, the patient said he “Can get a lot lower.” Foot and ankle examination included talus and midfoot restrictions, arch mechanics, and X-ray findings of degenerative changes. After foot adjustments, he reported, “Feeling way better.” These immediate functional changes should not be interpreted as reversal of arthritis, permanent arch reconstruction, or resolution of a cyst.
Video Chapters
00:00 Deviated septum and sinus consultation
00:12 Ankle arthritis and ankle pain
00:20 Low back and groin symptoms
00:50 Elbow complaints
01:20 Shoulder pain
01:50 Visualization
02:29 Instrumentation
03:22 Static and motion palpation
05:10 Shoulder integrity testing
05:36 Biomechanical 3D analysis
09:40 Tailbone adjustment
09:51 Mid-back adjustment
10:11 Scapula adjustment
10:21 Rib adjustment
10:36 Shoulder blade adjustment
10:40 SC and AC joint examination
11:19 Upper thoracic adjustment
11:52 Right AEX humerus adjustment
12:07 Shoulder reassessment
12:27 Cervical adjustment
13:00 Patient’s neck adjustment reaction
13:28 Elbow examination
13:50 Tennis elbow adjustment
14:48 Wrist fracture history
15:32 Wrist examination
15:41 Radius adjustment
15:58 Lunate adjustment
16:08 Thumb adjustment
16:19 Finger adjustment
17:47 Sinus X-ray discussion
18:09 Deviated septum
18:20 Nasal bone
18:34 Maxillary sinus
18:42 Frontal sinus
18:47 Sphenoid sinus
19:19 Squat test
19:49 Baker’s cyst area assessment
20:15 Knee adjustment
20:26 Distal fibula adjustment
20:31 Squat reassessment
20:49 Foot and ankle X-ray findings
21:33 Ankle examination
21:55 Talus adjustment
22:03 Ankle adjustment
22:44 First metatarsal adjustment
23:01 Cuboid adjustment
23:13 Midfoot and arch-related adjustments
Related Conditions We Evaluate
Explore the conditions we treat at Specific Chiropractic, including deviated septum and sinus-related complaints, shoulder pain, tennis elbow, wrist pain, knee pain, degenerative joint disease, and foot pain. Read more about our deviated septum evaluation.
Visit Specific Chiropractic in New York City
Experience the Gonstead Difference at Specific Chiropractic, P.C., 150 East 55th Street, 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10022. Call 212-486-9800, email info@GonsteadNYC.com, or visit GonsteadNYC.com.
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Disclaimer: This case documents one patient’s experience. Results vary, and no specific outcome is guaranteed. Chiropractic care does not replace appropriate medical evaluation for persistent sinus symptoms, neurological symptoms, arthritis, or other conditions.
