Throughout the childbearing process, there’s nothing more important than ensuring the safety of the mother and newborn baby. The Webster Technique is a form of chiropractic therapy which has been proven to aid in making the act of giving birth safer and less physically strenuous.
What is the Webster Technique?
“The Webster Technique is a specific chiropractic sacral analysis and diversified adjustment. The goal of the adjustment is to reduce the effects of sacral subluxation/ SI joint dysfunction. In doing so, neuro-biomechanical function in the pelvis is facilitated.” – The International Chiropractic Pediatric Association
The Webster Technique is a method of naturally adjusting the pelvic alignment of a childbearing mother. This chiropractic treatment helps to fix and prevent sacral subluxations, or misalignments where the bottom of the spine meets the pelvis. These misalignments have been found to be somewhat common occurrences for pregnant women. During pregnancy, a woman’s body releases hormones which loosen ligaments in attempt to make her pelvis more amiable to the birthing process. Sometimes the body can over-loosen those ligaments which can lead to sacral subluxations and other issues.
Additional Causes of Sacral Subluxations
- Back trauma
- Incorrect posture
- Various forms of arthritis
A Brief History on the Webster Technique and its Developer
Founder of the International Pediatric Chiropractic Association (ICPA), Dr. Larry Webster, developed the Webster Technique more than 30 years ago. Dr. Webster graduated Logan Chiropractic College in 1959 prior to starting a family practice in Missouri. Later on in his life, he was brought on as a clinic director for the Life Chiropractic College where he was also a professor in pediatrics. Dr. Webster developed the Webster Technique after witnessing the long and painful birthing process his daughter Lucinda endured.
The Benefits of the Webster Technique
The Webster Technique helps to ensure that the mother’s pelvis is properly aligned and balanced. When the mother’s pelvis is aligned correctly, the baby has been proven to have a better chance of moving into a position that makes the birthing process both safer and more comfortable. This also decreases the likelihood of a C-section (Cesarean section) having to be performed and is especially beneficial to parents planning on a natural birth for their baby.
Other Potential Benefits of Chiropractic Care During Pregnancy
- Helps to establish an overall healthier pregnancy
- Decreases spinal and muscular pain
- Aids in shortening the amount of time spent in labor
Finding a Chiropractor Certified in The Webster Technique
The ICPA put Webster Technique Certification into practice two decades ago. The certification course was created by Dr. Larry Webster’s widow, Connie Webster, along with Dr. Jeanne Ohm, the Chief Executive Officer of ICPA. The Perinatal certification program is currently a 180-hour, in-depth process.
Dr. Joseph Merckling has been certified in the Webster Technique by the ICPA and was featured on News 12 demonstrating the benefits it can provide. As the supervising doctor of Merckling Family Chiropractic, Dr. Merckling has been successfully implementing the Webster Technique for over a decade.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment and learn how the Webster Technique can benefit you firsthand.
