Dr.Gonstead, like many who studied in his generation, decided to become a chiropractic doctor because he was helped by chiropractic.

At 19, Gonstead was bedridden with rheumatoid arthritis. Having tried all conventional solutions, Gonstead's aunt sought help for Clarence from Dr. Olson, who came and stayed with him, adjusting him every four to six hours for three days. By the end of the second day, Gonstead could crawl around on the floor. Eventually this chiropractic care pulled him through and he called his father to tell him he was going to Palmer School Of Chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa, to become a chiropractic doctor.

Gonstead graduated in 1923 with a class of 800. His personal motto was "to get sick people well".

In 1964 Gonstead opened the 19,000 square foot Gonstead Clinic, a monument to chiropractic. Built on the rolling green hill of the sleepy little Norwegian town of Mt. Horeb, Wisconson, the clinic has become internationally known for the health it has brought five generations of Mt. Horeb residents and thousands of people from across the country and around the world. It is also used to educate Gonstead Practitioners.

Gonstead died October 2, 1978. This clinic is run by 4 dedicated doctors who perpetuate Gonstead's work.