Webster Technique

Developed by Dr. Larry Webster, the Webster Technique is the gold standard for chiropractic care for pregnant women. It is a pregnancy specific technique for analysis of the pelvis and surrounding soft tissues. It focuses on creating optimal function and physiology of the pregnant pelvis, resulting in greater comfort and better birth outcomes with the potential for an intervention-free birth. Because it is a very gentle and effective technique, it is comfortable for women during any stage of pregnancy. Once a woman gives birth, the need for effective chiropractic care doesn’t end! As a woman’s body is transitioning to her life as a mother, the added physical strain of caring for a baby often puts stress on the spine. Chiropractic care can help the mother adapt to her new role by supporting her spine and nervous system to work optimally.

About the Webster Technique 

From Pathways to Family Wellness magazine, Issue 61:

“With the intent of supporting natural childbirth in the mid 1980s, Larry Webster, D.C., developed a chiropractic adjustment now called the Webster technique. The first and most significant observation of this adjustment was for women who were presenting breech during pregnancy. After they received the Webster adjustment, their babies turned head down. As a result, they were more likely to experience a natural childbirth that was safer and easier.

Often people will ask, “How can a chiropractic adjustment affect baby positioning?” The answer is by improving pelvic balance. When the mother’s pelvis is out of alignment, the ligaments that connect from the pelvis to the uterus increase their tension (tone) resulting in a distortion to the uterine space. Don MacDonald, D.C. offers a great analogy: “Increased tone is like sleeping in a bed with someone sitting on the sheets beside you. Can you turn over freely? No.” For the baby, the surrounding walls of the uterus tighten with pelvic imbalance, becoming more and more like tight bedsheets that restrict her motion. The chiropractic adjustment to the pelvis releases tension to the ligaments and uterus so that the baby can move freely and assume the best possible position for birth.

It is important to realize that many pregnant women are seeking ICPA doctors throughout their pregnancies to utilize the many additional benefits of the Webster technique. For every stage of pregnancy, this adjustment reduces interference to the nervous system—a vital benefit to improve physiology for both Mom and her baby. When Mom’s physiological function is at its best, the baby’s development is optimized. Balancing the pelvic bones, muscles and ligaments and improving normal physiology sets the stage for a natural birth.

Chiropractic care and the Webster technique allow for safer, easier births!”

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