Pregnancy & Chiropractic – Webster’s Technique

Webster’s Technique for Pregnancy Adjustments

The International Chiropractic Pediatric Association defines Webster’s Technique as:

“The Webster technique is a specific chiropractic analysis and diversified adjustment. The goal of the adjustment is to reduce the effects of sacral subluxation/ SI joint dysfunction. In so doing neuro-biomechanical function in the pelvis is improved. “

More of their views on the technique can be found at: http://icpa4kids.com/about/webster_technique.htm

How do I go about treating and managing the care of a patient through their pregnancy?

I start with a detailed health history. I discuss and understand any unique health conditions of the patient and answer questions as they relate to chiropractic care. 

A detailed explanation of how the birth process relates to the joints in your spine and pelvis is discussed with some hands on with spine/bone models. Also, a discussion of the common ailments related to pregnancy discomfort are explained. 

Webster protocols for adjustments are explained, including the demonstration of bolster pillows for belly comfort, how the drop table mechanism works, and significance of belly pain/pressure at the round ligament and the treatment for this pressure all to describe this very gentle technique. I also go through the cervical adjustment assessment and what to expect with a manual manipulation of the cervical spine, including some possible sore muscles the first day after your first visit. 

Finally, I often discuss best practices of avoiding prolonged sitting, avoiding prolonged car rides, avoiding high stress situations, and staying active (including increased walking to keep the pelvis and sacrum moving during pregnancy).

It is often thought by many pregnant women that they need to stop their active lifestyle during pregnancy and go to bed rest because they know others who have done this. I conclude that unless your OB or Midwife has a good reason for you to be on bed rest, it is best to keep up your activity level daily with just some weight modifications as needed and sometimes scaling back on intensity. Keeping 3-5 mile walks in your routine daily are a great way to keep your pelvis and sacrum moving. And on the contrary, sitting on a chair all day for work are a great way to cause pain and poor movement of the Sacral Iliac (SI) Joint.

I hope to help more pregnant women achieve the comfort that they seek during pregnancy as well as resulting in an easy birthing process using this gentle and very effective technique!

Dr. Kevin Cressey