What is The Webster Technique?

Simply put, the Webster Technique is an analysis and correction of the bony structures, muscles, and ligaments of the pelvis using gentle chiropractic adjustments. No twisting, cracking, or popping at our office!

The Webster Technique is specific chiropractic analysis and adjustment that reduces interference to the nervous system and balances maternal pelvic muscles and ligaments. This in turn may reduce tension in the mother’s pelvic muscles and ligaments and contribute to optimal fetal positioning in preparation for birth.” –International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA)

If you’re pregnant, you may have heard of the Webster Technique because of breech presentation; Webster Technique can definitely help with breech babies!

Chiropractic care before, during and after pregnancy can be truly helpful to your birthing process.  Won’t it hurt the baby?  Is it safe?  Will it hurt me?  Why in the world would I see a chiropractor for pregnancy – aren’t they only good at dealing with neck and back pain?

The short answers to these very valid and common questions: No. Yes.  No.  Yes, we are excellent at dealing with spinal pain and dysfunction, and as properly trained and Webster Technique certified chiropractors we can help with the discomfort as your body changes while growing life, but it can help your pelvis prepare for the birth.

Imagine trying to walk through a doorway that is too wide, but not tall enough.  Or too tall and not wide enough.  Or one that is just plain wonky and a bit rotated.  Yikes!  Not so easy, right?

Now envision the bony parts of your pelvis that the baby is to be pushed through being misaligned like these doorways.  If this space is not an ideal shape due to pelvic bone restrictions, this is what can delay labor, cause the baby distress, be painful for the mother and, if the baby cannot make it through the canal safely, a surgical intervention.  And this is where your chiropractor can help with your birth.  Doesn’t a smooth vaginal birth without back labor, where the baby doesn’t “get stuck” progressing through the birth canal sound pretty enticing? 

The Webster Technique is a very safe and gentle technique that helps prepare your pelvis for the very physical act of birth by ensuring the pelvic bones are aligned normally so that the pelvis may open evenly, as well as addressing the soft tissues around the area.  It is also great at relieving pain from round ligament tension, sacroiliac joint dysfunction, symphysis pubis dysfunction, and lower back pain.  While it is not a technique to specifically “turn” a baby in a breech position, it has been shown to help encourage the baby to reposition itself by freeing up restrictions in the pelvis and the soft tissues attached.  And best of all – it is safe and gentle!

If you or someone you know is pregnancy, share our office! We would love to help!