Gonstead Diversified and Activator Techniques Explained

The Gonstead Diversified and Activator techniques are among the most widely utilized chiropractic methods globally. These approaches are integral to chiropractic care, physiotherapy, and rehabilitation, focusing on non-invasive strategies to address musculoskeletal problems.

• The Gonstead Technique emphasizes precise spinal adjustments based on thorough assessments, including X-rays and palpation, aiming to restore optimal alignment and function.
• The Diversified Technique employs a combination of manual adjustments to correct joint dysfunctions, enhancing mobility and overall spinal health.
• The Activator Method utilizes a handheld instrument to deliver gentle, targeted impulses to specific spinal segments, making it suitable for patients seeking a low-force alternative.

At Chiropractic Specialty Center®, we integrate these techniques within a comprehensive, non-invasive care framework, ensuring personalized treatment plans that align with each patient’s unique needs.

Key Takeaways: What You Need to Know

• Comprehensive Techniques: Gonstead, Diversified, and Activator methods are foundational in chiropractic care, each offering unique benefits.
• Non-Invasive Approach: These techniques prioritize non-invasive care, aligning with physiotherapy and rehabilitation principles.
• Personalized Care: Treatment plans are tailored to individual needs, ensuring optimal outcomes through precise application of these methods.

Ready to Experience Personalized Chiropractic Care?

Discover how our integrative approach at Chiropractic Specialty Center® can address your musculoskeletal concerns through non-invasive chiropractic, physiotherapy, and rehabilitation methods. Contact us today to schedule your consultation.

Overview Of The Three Most Common Chiropractic Techniques

Gonstead, Diversified, and Activator techniques are the top three chiropractic care methods. Collectively, they represent over 95% of what chiropractors use when helping their patients. In this article, we provide some background information on all three. However, before we begin our discussion, let’s briefly go over the purpose of chiropractic.

Chiropractic care is the most effective method for many conditions such as neck issues, back issues, scoliosis, sciatica, slipped disc, joint problems, sports injuries, spondylolisthesis, and spondylosis. There are hundreds of other conditions that a Chiropractor can help people with. Moreover, thousands of published studies reveal the health benefits of chiropractic care. Some studies report that chiropractic and spinal manipulations (adjustments) are two times more effective than traditional medical care for the spine.

There are over two hundred chiropractic adjustment techniques. Some use the hands-on or manually provided forms, while others use a handheld instrument. Also, there are overlaps in both the manual and handheld instrument techniques, each having some degree of uniqueness.

What Are Great Methods for Chiropractic Care?

Gonstead, Diversified, and Activator are the best three chiropractic methods. Yes, these three methods top the list. However, in our opinion, help rendered through an Activator is better than Gonstead or Diversified. There are several reasons why we help patients through an Activator instrument. We are going to cover them in the subsequent sections. First, let’s see what makes a given technique superior to others.

The best chiropractic adjustments are segment-specific (targeted), short lever, and high velocity while maintaining low amplitude. More specifically, a short lever applies to the specific contact on the vertebra, and the high velocity refers to the quick application of force. The low amplitude is related to force depth.

Chiropractic adjusting procedures via the long or short lever approaches induce motion and increase mobility. The manual method of chiropractic adjustment (Gonstead & Diversified)  impacts multiple segments instead of restricting the correction to a specific spinal segment or point performed by the activator method. The hands-on chiropractic adjustments (short or long lever methods) lack specificity in targeting a single segment or joint, and as such, they are deemed non-specific.

How Specific Are The Chiropractic Techniques Provided In A Side-Lying Position Or Those Requiring Rotation Of The Neck & Back?

Procedures such as the side posture adjustment (lying on one’s side for the low back care), anterior thoracic adjustment, and the rotatory cervical or neck care accompany are examples of non-specific therapies.

The two commonly used chiropractic techniques that require a side-lying position are the Gonstead chiropractic method and the Diversified technique. Both of these methods are not as specific as the Activator chiropractic methods of care. In other words, the Gonstead and diversified methods are non-specific as they provide mobilizations for multiple segments. To summarize, they lack the precision needed for targeting a specific vertebra or bone.

Generally speaking, the Diversified and Gonstead chiropractic techniques are the methods where a “cracking” or audible popping sound is heard. In other words, they induce general mobilizations that cause an audible popping sound.

General mobilization is best for non-acute patients presenting with multiple hypo-mobile segments. In our opinion, patients presenting with acute conditions, torn discs, inflamed joints, or injured soft tissues are better cared for through targeted methods that allow precision.

Methods incorporating precision targeting are better tolerated than the rotatory (twisting) techniques through Diversified or Gonstead chiropractic methods. Patient tolerance is an essential factor. Most manual methods require the specific positioning of a patient in need of care.

Are Activator, Diversified, And Gonstead Chiropractic Care Uncomfortable?

It would be best if you did not have to hurt to get better. Discomfort is a warning sign! Therefore, it concerns if you experience discomfort during chiropractic caret. If discomfort is felt, it may indicate that the procedure was too aggressive. Patients with spinal disc or spinal joint disorders can experience discomfort with methods that twist or rotate the spine.

The activator method of chiropractic care is possibly the only chiropractic technique that is smooth and easy. Patients who experience discomfort will almost always feel a varying degree of discomfort with most pre-care positioning of the manual methods, such as the Diversified method or the Gonstead technique.

For example, a patient with back issues may experience more discomfort when rolled forward from their side-lying position with a flexed knee. An increase in issues or discomfort at the time of positioning or during the adjustment process causes an involuntary or instinctive muscle tightening. The same applies to those receiving care from a rotational care for neck discomfort. The instinctive and spontaneous muscle tension is an uncontrollable, automated response known as paraphysiological muscle guarding or response.

Importance Of Paraphysiological Muscle Response During The Chiropractic Adjustment

Your nervous system controls the entire body. This controlling mechanism is voluntary or involuntary, impacting every cell or tissue, including muscles, ligaments, joints, and spinal discs.

Physiological muscle response occurs when a muscle is stimulated, resulting in the contraction or tightening of that muscle. Paraphysiological muscle response is an automatic guarding mechanism that protects us from injury. It occurs when our body or part of our body is positioned oddly. Let’s look at the Gonstead, Diversified, and Activator methods and their impact on physiological muscle response.

The manual methods (Diversified and Gonstead) require the patient to be positioned lying on one side with the knee flexed or neck bent and rotated towards one side during neck care. Both positions are unnatural and uncomfortable, especially for those who experience discomfort. These unnatural pre-care positions usually cause uncontrolled muscle guarding (paraphysiological muscle response).

Discomfort and uncontrolled guarding are present in all patients who experience discomfort in pre-care setups. Prolonged patient positioning yields higher degrees of discomfort and paraphysiological muscle guarding (response).

Adjusting (caring) patients during an uncontrolled guarding (paraphysiological muscle response) or discomfort is the leading factor in aggravating symptoms. Patients who experience higher degrees of discomfort or exhibit intense guarding may even worsen. Therefore, patients and those presenting with acute conditions get better results from methods that avoid guarding or cause an increase in discomfort or discomfort during care.

The instrument-assisted methods, as provided by the Activator, prevent muscle guarding or uncontrollable subconscious tightening. Patients cared for by an Activator instrument are not required to maintain an uncomfortable position, as such care is provided in a natural, relaxed state.

Should You Avoid the Rotational Chiropractic Care?

While the rotational chiropractic adjustments feel good, they may be harmful. Published research in reputable chiropractic journals calls for non-rotatory methods of chiropractic care for slipped discs, sciatica, and scoliosis. Also, patients who suffer from spondylolisthesis, spondylosis, and degenerative joint disease should avoid the rotatory chiropractic care methods.

The main reason for this is to avoid further injury or damage. Rotational methods and techniques are associated with an audible popping sound or cracking. We understand that the cracking of the spine feels good for most. Still, if you have a degenerated disc, slipped disc (bulging or herniated disc), sprained back, or scoliosis, then the rotatory methods of chiropractic care are not for you. Let’s assess the Gonstead, Diversified, and Activator systems of care and their rotational components.

Of the Gonstead, Diversified, and Activator, Diversified and Gonstead are both rotatory chiropractic techniques. However, the degree of rotatory movements is less with the Gonstead method. Nonetheless, there is a rotatory component, especially when the patient is larger than the chiropractor. Larger patients cared for through Diversified or Gonstead’s side-posture methods are often challenging for the short or small chiropractor. Shorter or physically weak chiropractors may apply more force and rotation to overcome height or strength issues.

What Is The Best Chiropractic Care Technique For Expecting & New Mothers

Prenatal and postnatal chiropractic care is beneficial for both new mothers and expecting ones. Focused evidence-based chiropractic care can help with pregnancy aches and discomfort without harmful side effects. However, pregnancy brings changes. And these changes impact the type of physiotherapy or chiropractic care you need. For starters, during the later sates of pregnancy and for several weeks after their delivery, hormonal levels are at their peaks.

The ovaries and the placenta produces the Relaxin hormone. Relaxin is essential for the reproductive system, during delivery, and post-delivery. It is the hormone that prepares your muscles, ligaments, and joints to deliver your baby during childbirth—Relaxin peaks during your first trimester and again a few weeks before delivery. During the first trimester, it helps with the implantation of the fetus into the uterus wall. In the later stages of the pregnancy, it helps prepare the mother’s body for the delivery. As the name applies, Relaxin relaxes all soft tissue.

Expecting and new mothers should avoid aggressive physiotherapy procedures and rotatory chiropractic techniques such as the Gonstead and Diversified methods. Gonstead chiropractic care during your pregnancy or up to 6 months after birth can cause damage due to increased Relaxin levels. A better alternative to these techniques is the Activator method of chiropractic. Prenatal and postnatal chiropractic care is best through the Activator methods. The best prenatal and postnatal method of chiropractic care is the Activator method for new and expecting mothers.

Unlike the Diversified and Gonstead chiropractors, an Activator chiropractor will not twist or rotate the spine. Visit our related page to learn more about prenatal and postnatal chiropractic and physiotherapy care.  

Forceful Versus the High-Velocity Chiropractic Care Or Adjustment

Gonstead, Diversified, and Activator care aim to restore stability in joints and soft tissues. As mentioned, there are hundreds of methods used by chiropractors, some of which are forceful. Techniques that use more force can cause soreness or complications. Patients with acute conditions such as a disc disorder, sprained or sprained spine, or joint shouldn’t opt for care through a forceful method.

Generally speaking, the vast majority of chiropractic techniques are minimally forceful. However, even the minimally force chiropractic care methods can aggravate a spinal disc disorder or an injured joint. The degree of the forcefulness of chiropractic care depends not just on the technique but also on the chiropractor providing the care.

The three most common chiropractic techniques along with a short overview:

1. Diversified Technique: A rotatory method that involves some force.
2. Gonstead Technique: Mildly rotatory methods with minimal force
3. Activator Chiropractic methods: Non-rotatory methods without force

It’s important to understand what each one does and how it can impact the human body. This article summarizes the three most commonly used methods (Gonstead, Diversified, and Activator), starting with the Activator method. Here is a look at the activator technique’s value and why it has become the number one option for chiropractors looking to provide targeted corrective care.

What Is The Activator Method?

The activator method refers to a unique care system for helping people with neck issues, back issues, joint problems, sports injuries, scoliosis, slipped disc patients, and those who have headaches or migraines.

It is a method that is completed using an “Activator Adjusting Instrument. The Activator is a hand-held device that delivers small doses of high-velocity impulses into the spine or joints. The aim is to maximize stability and improve mobility in the vertebrae or joints. It’s important to note that this technique is a direct replacement for a manual technique such as the Diversified or Gonstead methods.

There are several advantages to the Activator Adjusting Instrument or Activator Chiropractic Methods (ACM). It provides precision targeting joints and spine at a degree impossible with the manual or hands-on Gonstead or Diversified method. The depth of care is also controlled at a better level with an activator. ACM is a well-researched, non-rotatory, non-forceful method. Its proven clinical successes are the main reason why so many chiropractors have started to use it as their primary means of care.

The Advantages Of ACM Care

Activator offers a controlled and direct low-amplitude high-velocity impulse to manipulate joints of tissues. The primary reason chiropractors prefer to use this technique is the precision targeting and velocity of the care impulse.

We have provided additional factors why Gonstead and Diversified practitioners are turning to Activator Methods of care below:

• Non-Force: Activator’s higher velocity has replaced the need for force
• Depth Control: Activator allows better control over the depth of a given care. Depth control is critical to spine and sport injury patients
• Doesn’t aggravate or complicate condition: Flare-ups, aggravations, and complications are non-existent when caring for patients with the activator
• Faster recovery: Better targeting and non-force features of the Activator have reduced recovery from discomfort or injury significantly

The manual hands-on methods in positions may cause guarding or trigger an involuntary muscle tightening, especially with longer positioning times. Care of an acute patient by the manual method incorporates a longer positioning time. A prolonged setup can lead to tears, aggravation, and general discomfort, which is why the activator method is adored. When the muscles aren’t tensing up, it’s easier to address the underlying issue and get to the bottom of things as soon as possible. The Activator keeps care centralized without creating unwanted constraints in the target area.

An Overview Of The Gonstead Chiropractic Technique

Dr. Clarence Selmer Gonstead was born in 1898 and passed away in 1978. He founded the Gonstead chiropractic technique in the 1940s. In the 1960s, Chiropractic Universities started teaching the Gonstead technique. Today, it is one of the top three most utilized chiropractic care techniques in the world. Dr. Gonstead developed several chiropractic concepts. These include primary and secondary subluxations, as well as the concept of compensation. According to Dr. Gonstead, there is compensation for every subluxation. These theories are incorporated in all chiropractic methods, including those delivered through the Diversified chiropractic techniques and the Activator. Dr. Gonstead is the most notable researcher on theories of spinal stability through chiropractic care.

According to the Gonstead method, the pelvis establishes the spine’s foundation. The pelvis is the part of the body where the hip bones attach to the lower back. Gonstead practitioners believe that slight misalignments of the pelvis cause structural instabilities in segments above. It is for this reason why Gonstead practitioners always require full spine x-rays that include the pelvis. Moreover, it is the primary reason most Gonstead chiropractors address the pelvis as the actual cause of all issues.

How The Gonstead Therapy Of Pelvic Unleveling As Cause Of Discomfort As Debunked By MRI?

According to this method, the misalignments put much pressure on the spinal discs, causing them to slip or herniate through. However, we must mention that this theory has been debunked. Researchers have proven the spinal disc degenerative changes as the primary reason for the slipped disc, joint problems, and misalignments of the spine and the pelvis with the advent of MRI assessment. As the disc degenerates (wear out), it places undue stress on spinal discs and spinal joints. Accumulated stresses result in minor alignment issues of the spinal bones and joints of the pelvis. The hallmark of a misaligned or subluxated joint is swelling or inflammation. In other words, a misaligned joint is an irritated joint. Irritated joints will always present with some degree of an inflammatory process.

Analysis Of The Diversified Chiropractic Technique

The Diversified method of chiropractic care is the most common type of chiropractic adjustment. It is the primary technique taught to chiropractic students. An estimated 95% of chiropractors are proficient in the Diversified methods of chiropractic care. In short, it is the technique most patients are familiar with. Diversified adjustment is somewhat similar to the Gonstead method as it entails a high-velocity, low-amplitude thrust, resulting in cavitation or “cracking” (popping sounds). Both have some degree of scissoring movements or rotations, but Diversified is reliant more on the rotatory or scissoring system of care.

Dr. D. D. Palmer developed the Diversified chiropractic technique. Dr. Palmer is the founder of the chiropractic profession. He was the first to coin the term subluxation. Dr. Palmer discovered the profession of Chiropractic in 1895. The Diversified technique became the main chiropractic care method with the Palmer School of Chiropractic in 1904. The reason why it is taught to all chiropractic students is that of the fact that the profession’s founder discovered it.

If you spend enough time in the chiropractic community, you hear many dos and don’ts. Some of the ‘rules taught to up-and-coming chiropractors make sense, but some are merely rules of thumb that get repeated without full understanding. All too often, newly qualified chiropractors accept rules as gospel and repeat them, not realizing why they were taught to avoid certain moves or why certain adjustments are performed in a given way.

How MRI Debunked The Gonstead Theory Of Pelvic Misalignment As The Cause For The Subluxated Or Misaligned Spine?

We mentioned that MRI had debunked the pelvis as sources of subluxations or misalignments; let’s see how? Review of pelvic and Lumbar MRI of patients with low back problems (subluxations or misalignments) has confirmed the existence of degenerative changes and inflammatory changes in spinal joints in the absence of an inflammatory reaction in the sacroiliac joint (pelvis).

MRI is the gold standard for assessing spine and joint conditions. It debuted in 1982, three years after the passing of the dearly departed Dr. Clarence Gonstead. During his lifetime, the best means of assessing the spine was through full spine x-rays. We are confident that much of Dr. Gonstead’s theories would have changed; had this modality been discovered during his lifetime. He would not have required the full spine x-rays or base his argument of subluxation on the pelvis, for starters. The contributions he has made are significant, without a doubt. Every chiropractor is forever indebted to him regardless of the techniques they use.

Difference Between Gonstead & Diversified Chiropractic Techniques

Rotation is taught as dangerous, and young students are told to avoid rotational prestress for fear of severe, adverse outcomes. Such outcomes are unlikely if the chiropractor is well trained and provides care carefully. However, scoliotic patients, moderately inflamed joints, and those diagnosed with spinal disc damage such as tears or herniations may experience complications with Gonstead and Diversified methods.

As mentioned earlier, the “scissoring” move, especially for neck or low back care, are the reason for these complications. Dr. Gonstead advocated a non-scissoring move. However, performing Gonstead without scissoring hands is hard for new chiropractors. It takes at least a decade to master! So, most still incorporate the “scissoring” into the Gonstead method. The scissoring two-hand move is evident in the newly trained Gonstead practitioner.

Few Chiropractic Universities teach Gonstead techniques to students. The main reason being the time it consumes in becoming highly proficient. Those who are not taught during their studies will have a difficult time becoming proficient. Most have to rely on weekend courses to learn the method. Weekend courses offer limited training, yet another reason why many Gonstead practitioners incorporate the Diversified scissoring moves into the Gonstead technique.

The two-hand ‘scissoring’ methods, as provided through the Diversified and Gonstead, produce an audible crack (popping sound). It may even feel good. Yes, the cracking sound is satisfying, and the patient may also enjoy a feeling of released pressure, but if the adjustment weren’t the right one, the discomfort would return very quickly.

Final Thoughts

The Diversified, Activator and Gonstead techniques are the chiropractic care methods that have stood the test of time. In general, the non-force activator method provides all-encompassing control without further aggravation. This is essential in managing severe herniation and canal stenosis; otherwise, the condition can worsen over time. The process is efficient, safer, and better when weighing various pros and cons.

After thorough research, we chose the Activator method as our primary technique. Several factors were looked at; we have listed some of them below:

• • Proven research-backed method,
  • The best method of care for sports injuries,
  • Precision care for the spine, spinal disc issues such as disc bulges, herniation, extrusions, sciatica, spondylosis, spondylolisthesis, and the scoliotic spine.
  • Ability to target a single spinal segment,

• Non-rotatory method (no twisting or scissoring moves involved as it harms damaged or injured soft tissues or joints),
• High-velocity non-force method,
• Provides corrective care without aggravations,
• A tolerable system for the injured, weak, young, or elderly,
• Reproducibility time and again,
• Dependent on the practitioner’s knowledge, but not their size (Diversified or Gonstead methods are dependent on practitioner size and strength)

In our assessments of the Gonstead, Diversified, and Activator techniques based on the criteria mentioned above, the Activator topped the list. If you are in discomfort and wondering which to choose, choose care via the Activator. We are not an Activator method-only center. We hope you have found this article helpful. Contact our main center at 03 2093 1000 to learn more about Gonstead, Diversified, and Activator techniques today.

Author:

Yama Zafer, D.C., with an educational background in physiotherapy and chiropractic from Cleveland Chiropractic University in Kansas City, has dedicated nearly three decades to the fields of physiotherapy and chiropractic; read more about Y. Zafer on his official bio page.

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Last Update:

Last updated on Thursday, May 22, 2025: Gonstead Diversified and Activator Techniques Explained.