Gonstead vs Activator Method: Understanding the Key Differences

The Gonstead and Activator Methods are two of the most recognised chiropractic techniques out there - both come with a range of differences and benefits. Here is your guide to the Gonstead and Activator methods, how each treatment method works, and which is most appropriate for different chiropractic concerns.

The Gonstead Method

The Gonstead method uses precise adjustments to the spine to resolve misalignments, reduce pain, and restore mobility. 

The Gonstead method is unique because it uses a meticulous analysis process to look at the overall health of the patient and pinpoint exactly what is causing their symptoms.

During their examination, chiropractors will discuss a patient's medical history and lifestyle, then use x-rays to get a precise image of a patient’s spinal issues.

They will also assess your posture, muscle tone, spinal dysfunction, and locate areas of inflammation. 

The thorough examination stage allows chiropractors to uncover the root of the issue and tailor their treatment accordingly. By gaining a full picture of your spine health, chiropractors can treat existing problems and prevent potential issues from arising in future.

How It Works

• You’ll will undergo a meticulous assessment including a consultation, Nervoscope examination, static and motion palpation, and x-rays
• During Gonstead treatment, you’ll typically sit up or lie on your side
• Gonstead chiropractors use their hands to perform the adjustments/manual therapy
• Most patients find the method to get better results faster especially with acute conditions.

Benefits of Gonstead Chiropractic Treatment

• Personalised treatment which considers the patient’s unique health history and lifestyle
• Minimal discomfort during sessions
• Non-invasive
• Specific, accurate adjustments to get to the root of the issue
• Reduces inflammation
• Reduces pain
• Improves mobility

The Activator Method

Unlike the Gonstead method, the Activator method adjusts the spine using a small handheld instrument called an activator.

The device provides quick, gentle, and precise impulses to the joints to improve alignment. It is all done while the patient lies still - so there’s no need for uncomfortable twists and turns.

The speed of the activator’s impulses prevents the muscles from tensing up which helps to reduce discomfort. The chiropractor can manually adjust the force of the impulses themselves depending on your treatment needs and comfort level. This makes the Activator method particularly beneficial for patients with reduced mobility, the elderly, or children.

Before beginning treatment, Activator chiropractors may compare the length of the patient’s legs to indicate whether there are any misalignments in the spine. The chiropractor will use these findings to address spinal issues and restore a patient’s mobility.

How It Works

• A chiropractor will assess a your physical health, medical history, and examine any asymmetry in leg length
• During treatment, you’ll usually lie face down and remain in that position
• The chiropractor moves the activator instrument from your lower back up towards the head
• You should only feel a light tapping when the activator moves along your body and there should be little to no recovery time needed
• Treatment will be repeated as often as your chiropractor suggests - usually once or twice a week

Benefits of Activator Chiropractic Treatment

• Treatment does not require twisting, turning, or other sudden, uncomfortable movements
• The activator instrument is gentle, precise, and your chiropractor can control the level of force
• Minimal discomfort and recovery time because the activator’s impulses are so quick that your body is less likely to tense up
• Effective and gentle for patients with reduced mobility, the elderly, and children
• Reduces pain
• Improves spinal function
• Improves mobility

Which Method Is Best for You?

Both the Gonstead and Activator methods are backed by studies which show their unique approaches to treating spinal conditions to be beneficial.

The key differences between them are that the Gonstead method uses detailed examination to highlight the exact source of your pain and use precise adjustments to improve your symptoms.

The Activator method, on the other hand, relies on an instrument to adjust the spine and can be beneficial if you prefer a gentle treatment which doesn’t involve twisting, turning, or other manual adjustments.

When you begin chiropractic treatment, your chiropractor will always conduct a thorough examination of your symptoms and recommend the best technique based on your condition, comfort level, and individual circumstances. 

Our Approach

Our chiropractors performs the Gonstead method because it allows us to provide better results faster.?

Using the technology we have at hand, including x-rays and other diagnostic equipment, we can identify the origin of your pain and provide personalised treatment to your unique needs.

Our detailed analysis will include:

1. Initial consultation

One of our expert chiropractors will discuss your health concerns, medical history, and get an overview of your lifestyle to determine the best treatment for you 

2. Visual assessment

We’ll look at your skin, muscle, posture, and the way you walk to identify any issues in your spine. By doing this, we can recognise both existing and potential problems which could affect you in the future.

3. Nervoscope

The Nervoscope instrument highlights areas of inflammation by measuring heat within the spine. This helps us to gain a better understanding of what is causing your pain and the level of treatment you require.

4. Static palpation

We’ll use our hands to apply gentle pressure to your spine to identify inflammation and muscle tension. This helps us to further pinpoint the source of your pain.

5. Motion palpation

Using our fingertips, we’ll feel the movement in your spine to identify any possible dysfunctions in the vertebrae. 

6. X-rays

An x-ray of your spine will give us a precise image of any misalignments. It will also show us any fractures, degeneration, or congenital anomalies so that we can pinpoint the areas which need to be treated. 

While the Gonstead method has helped many of our patients, we understand that every patient’s needs are unique and will only recommend this treatment if it is right for you.

If you would like to learn more about the Spinal Works approach or to book an initial consultation in Townsville or Cairns, contact us using the form on this page or by calling 07 4454 1859.