What is the Webster Technique?
The Webster Technique is a specific chiropractic sacral analysis and adjustment with the goal of reducing the effects of sacral subluxation and sacroiliac joint dysfunction. In doing so, neuro-biomechanical function in the pelvis is facilitated. In this clinical and theoretical framework, it is proposed that sacral misalignment may cause the tightening or torsion of specific pelvis muscles and ligaments. It is these tense muscles and ligaments and their aberrant effect on the uterus which may prevent the baby from comfortably assuming the best possible position for birth. Many people refer to this as the “turning technique” for breech pregnancies. This is a common misconception. Although many times the baby may move into the optimal position for birth following this adjustment, the goal remains to create balance in the pelvis of the mother to decrease the risk of dystocia during birth.
Dystocia is the term given to a labor that is stalled or slowed due to a resistance to normal function. This can be caused by physiological/biomechanical stress, emotional stress, or medical/technological stress. An example of the physiological/biomechanical stress that might cause dystocia would be uterine dysfunction, pelvis misalignment and abnormal fetal positioning. Any emotional stress during the pregnancy increases the mother’s sympathetic response which has a direct correlation to the baby’s development. Finally, medical/technological stress is introduced as labor begins and can compound on itself as the dystocia continues.
How can this adjustment help you?
Chiropractic works with the body’s own ability to adapt and function the way it was designed to. Chiropractic care prior to and during pregnancy is vital to the normal physiological function of both the mother and the baby.
Adjustments for the mother prior to conception can help establish optimal physiological function in the uterus and decrease interference to the vital nervous system which controls and coordinates all of her systems and functions. This type of care helps regulate the normal uterine cycle and better prepare the body for conception. After conception chiropractic care can prepare the pelvis for an easier pregnancy and birth by creating balance in the bony structures, muscles and ligaments. The Webster Technique also removes the torsion of the ligaments that support the uterus thus potentially reducing aberrant tension in the uterus. The adjustments continue to remove the nervous system interference
helping improve maternal function.
The infant benefits from chiropractic care during pregnancy in multiple ways. First the mother’s nervous system has less interference allowing for better baby development. Second, the balanced pelvis allows the baby more room to develop without restrictions to its’ forming cranium, spine, and other skeletal structures. Third, this balanced pelvis allows the baby the room to move into the optimal position for birth. Finally,
with proper fetal positioning there is a significant decrease in dystocia and the resulting birth trauma caused by intervention.
Chiropractic care has benefits prior to conception, during pregnancy and postpartum for both the mother and the infant.
References:
- Dr. Jeanne Ohm, D.C.
- ICPA Module: Perinatal Care: Webster Technique
February 1st, 2012