What is the Webster Technique?

The Webster Technique is a specific chiropractic adjustment protocol primarily used during pregnancy to improve pelvic alignment and function. Developed by Dr. Larry Webster, this technique is designed to reduce sacral (lower spine) misalignment, which may contribute to uterine tension and discomfort during pregnancy. By aligning the sacrum, the Webster Technique creates optimal space in the pelvis, which can encourage proper fetal positioning, particularly when the baby is in a breech position.

How the Webster Technique Works

The technique focuses on:
– Sacral alignment: Chiropractors assess and adjust misalignments in the sacrum, which can impact the positioning of the uterus and ligaments surrounding it.
– Round ligament tension: Gentle manual adjustments or pressure are applied to reduce tension in the round ligament, which can contribute to uterine constraint and affect fetal movement.

Benefits of the Webster Technique:

– Reduced pregnancy-related discomfort: By improving pelvic function, the technique can help alleviate lower back pain, sciatica, and discomfort associated with pregnancy.
– Improved fetal positioning: Some studies suggest that the Webster Technique can increase the likelihood of optimal fetal positioning, which can reduce the need for interventions such as cesarean sections due to breech presentation.
– Promotes easier, safer deliveries: Improved alignment of the pelvis may help reduce labor complications and promote a smoother delivery process.

Is the Webster Technique Safe?

The Webster Technique is considered safe and is used by many pregnant women seeking chiropractic care. It is a non-invasive and gentle method, with many pregnant women finding relief from common pregnancy-related discomforts. Chiropractors trained in this technique typically specialize in prenatal care.

Who Can Benefit from the Webster Technique?

– Pregnant women, particularly those in the second and third trimesters, who experience pelvic misalignment or discomfort.
– Women with breech babies seeking non-invasive ways to encourage optimal fetal positioning.

While the Webster Technique is commonly associated with pregnancy, it’s also beneficial for improving overall pelvic function, which can be important for women both before and after pregnancy.

The Webster Technique doesn’t guarantee a baby will turn if in breech position, but it creates an environment that allows for more freedom of movement. Learn more at International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA) and the American Pregnancy Association. Always consult with a licensed chiropractor trained in this technique and discuss it with your healthcare provider before beginning treatment.

Dr. Armen Rostami is a Webster Certified chiropractor serving Glendale, Pasadena, Burbank, and surrounding communities.

History of the Webster Technique

The Webster Technique, developed by Dr. Larry Webster, is a specialized chiropractic adjustment technique designed to optimize pelvic alignment during pregnancy. Dr. Webster, founder of the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA) and a Logan practitioner, was inspired to create the technique after witnessing his daughter Lucinda’s difficult labor during the birth of her daughter, Shannon. Although he adjusted Lucinda during labor, he felt that chiropractic care could have a more significant impact if tailored specifically for pregnancy. This motivated Dr. Webster to develop an adjustment method to ease the birthing process by addressing pelvic subluxations.

After his personal experience with his daughter’s birth, Dr. Webster sought a more precise chiropractic approach to support women during pregnancy and labor. Shortly after developing the technique, he began caring for a pregnant mother whose baby was in a breech position. He applied his new pelvic adjustment method, and after several sessions, the baby turned to the vertex position, making for a safer and easier delivery. This early success demonstrated the effectiveness of the Webster Technique in improving fetal positioning.

Dr. Webster then taught the technique to other chiropractors, and they reported similar results. Babies in breech or other suboptimal positions often turned to the optimal vertex position following this specialized chiropractic care. Initially named the “Webster Breech Turning Technique,” it was later renamed the “Webster In-Utero Constraint Technique” to reflect its broader application for promoting optimal pelvic biomechanics and easing labor.

When Dr. Webster’s daughter Pamela was pregnant, he ensured she received regular chiropractic care and shared his technique with her chiropractor and obstetrician. Both healthcare providers supported the chiropractic approach, recognizing the importance of proper pelvic alignment in promoting a healthier, safer birth experience.

Today, the Webster Technique is widely recognized within the pregnancy and birth community, with families seeking chiropractors trained in this technique to ensure a more comfortable and efficient birthing process. Chiropractors proficient in the Webster Technique offer an alternative to support optimal fetal positioning and reduce the likelihood of complications during birth.

This technique has become an integral part of prenatal care, valued for its non-invasive, holistic approach to improving birth outcomes by focusing on pelvic alignment and reducing tension in the surrounding muscles and ligaments.