01 Jun Webster Technique for Prenatal Chiropractic
What is the Webster Technique?
The Webster technique is a gentle chiropractic adjustment for pregnant women. It works to align the pelvis and sacrum to support a more comfortable, safer, and easier birth. It is a technique that benefits both mother and baby, as it is great for muscle tension in the mother’s lower back, and it can help to turn breech babies in the birthing canal.
This prenatal chiropractic technique includes a soft tissue release of associated muscle groups, allowing the pelvis to function properly during pregnancy. Focusing on stabilizing the sacrum and the sacroiliac (SI) Joint, the Webster Technique can improve pelvic function by restoring nerve function.
What is the History of the Webster Technique?
Dr. Larry Webster, founder of the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association, discovered the technique in 1986. His research was originally focused on chiropractic adjustment to turn breech babies, as he found a connection between sacral and pelvic misalignment and abnormal fetal positioning. However, his technique has proven to be effective at relieving symptoms for pregnant women, including sciatica, hip pain, back pain, and even heartburn, nausea, and exhaustion.
What are the Benefits of the Webster Technique?
The Webster Technique benefits are vast for both baby and mom, including:
- ensuring a faster recovery time
- reduction in time of labor and delivery
- prevention of a potential cesarean delivery
- controlling symptoms of nausea
- relief from back, neck or pelvic pain
- reduced need for pain medication during delivery and pregnancy
- sciatica
- round ligament pain
- pubic pain
- plantar fasciitis / foot pain
Webster Technique for Turning a Breech Baby
The majority of babies assume the proper head-down position before labor. This is a process that is instinctive as latching onto the breast and pushing their feet against the uterus during contraction. About 4% of babies, however, do not turn to leave the vagina head-first. When the fetus’s buttocks, feet (or both) are in place to come out first during birth it is called a breech presentation. (1)
There are many reasons that could induce this type of presentation, including: preterm delivery, little amniotic fluid, fibroids, twins/multiples, and more. Also, an unbalanced sacrum, pelvis, muscles and ligaments can contribute to a breech positioning.
This is where the Webster Technique helps. By positioning the pelvis and sacrum in proper alignment, the balanced pelvic muscles and ligaments can reduce any strain on the uterus, allowing the baby to move into the natural “vertex” (head down) positioning.
There are many documented cases in both chiropractic and obstetric literature showing the effectiveness of the Webster Technique. (2) An International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA) study showed the Webster Technique was successful in resolving breech presentations 92 percent of the time. (3)
“the Webster Technique was successful in resolving breech presentations 92 percent of the time.”
– A study by the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA)
Easier Labor for Mother’s
In addition to the repositioning of babies who present breech, this technique can also benefit the mother during pregnancy and labor. Any sort of imbalance in the spine, muscles, and ligaments can produce pain and discomfort in a pregnant woman.
In realigning the pelvis and decreasing ligament tension, the Webster Technique can give mother’s a much more natural and comfortable pregnancy. Approximately 50–80% of women experience back pain during their pregnancy (Hughes et al, 2018). The Webster Technique and chiropractic care in general involves soft tissue massage, mobilization, spinal manipulation and specific exercises to provide relief.
Webster Technique at Cavallo Health
At Cavallo Health, we provide comprehensive chiropractor care. Quinn Ji, DC and Abigail Vande Hei, DC are experts in the Webster Technique, providing safe and effective care for pregnant women and their babies.
To book an appointment, fill out the form below or call us at:
New Holland Office: 717-351-0631
Quarryville Office: 717-806-5672
There is no reason to suffer through a painful pregnancy! Call us today!
References:
- https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/if-your-baby-is-breech#:~:text=A%20breech%20presentation%20occurs%20when,%25%20of%20full%2Dterm%20births.
- Pistolese RA. The Webster Technique: a chiropractic technique with obstetric implications. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2002 Jul-Aug;25(6):E1-9. doi: 10.1067/mmt.2002.126127. PMID: 12183701.
- Brill, Julie. “Effective alternative treatments for breech presentation.” Special Delivery, vol. 27, no. 4, winter 2004, pp. 5+. Gale Academic OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A128063327/AONE?u=tall85761&sid=bookmark-AONE&xid=576ea275. Accessed 1 June 2022.
- Hughes CM, Liddle SD, Sinclair M, McCullough JEM.The use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) for pregnancy related low back and/ or pelvic girdle pain: an online survey. Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2018;31:379– 383. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctcp.2018.01.015
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