Chiropractic care is a natural and drug-free way to treat many common health conditions. And while you may have read or experienced the wonders of the Gonstead technique, not many are aware of what the Webster technique is, let alone its benefits and risks.
In this blog post, we will be discussing just that. We will look at everything you need to know about the Webster technique, its benefits, risks, and more!
Brief History Of The Webster Technique
The Webster chiropractic technique was developed by the founder of ICPA (International Chiropractic Pediatric Association), Dr. Larry Webster. He created this technique intending to aid pregnant women who were experiencing discomfort due to subluxations.
After witnessing his daughter’s Lucinda, complicated and painful delivery, Dr. Webster was driven to find a way to prevent this from happening to other mothers and their children. He understood that chiropractic, the study, and practice of the musculoskeletal system, could be used as a way to prevent and alleviate complicated labor by realigning the mother’s pelvic bone, skeletal subluxations, and neuromuscular system.
Webster then started to spread this technique to other chiropractors and it has since been used by many chiropractors all over the world to help pregnant women with breech babies, as well as other complications during pregnancy.
When Webster applied this technique through repeated chiropractic adjustments, he found that the majority of his patients who were breech (bottom first) eventually turned vertex (head first), allowing for a much safer and less complicated birth.
And with that, the Webster technique was also coined as the “Webster Breech Turning Technique” later to be called the “Webster In-Utero Constraint technique”.
What Are The Benefits Of The Webster Technique?
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The overall benefit of the Webster technique is that is the most effective procedure for addressing malpresentation. Studies show that compared to the 50% success rate of the external cephalic version, the Webster technique is significantly more successful. However, more research is needed in this area.
As with all obstetric procedures, there are two patients, the mother, and the child. And while all chiropractic techniques aim to improve the health of both patients, the Webster technique is unique in its focus on the mother and child during pregnancy.
Maternal Benefits
The main purpose of the Webster technique is to reduce interference within the pregnant woman’s nervous system, specifically the sacral nerve. This interference is often caused by subluxations (misalignments) in the pelvis.
During pregnancy, the Webster technique can be used to realign the pelvis and reduce this interference. This allows the mother’s nervous system to function optimally, which can lead to a variety of benefits such as:
- Improved pelvic and sacral alignment
- Relieved back pain and sciatica during pregnancy caused by subluxations
- Increased comfort
- Improved mobility
- Reduced stress
- Improved digestion and elimination
Fetal Benefits
While the Webster technique is primarily used to treat the mother, it also provides many benefits for the child.
One of the most common problems that chiropractors see during pregnancy is subluxations in the mother’s pelvis. These subluxations can cause a variety of problems for the child, such as:
- Restricted movement in the womb
- Interference with the natural position of the baby
- Decreased oxygen and blood flow to the baby
The Webster technique can be used to reduce these subluxations and allow the child to move more freely in the womb. This can lead to a variety of benefits such as:
- Improved oxygen and blood flow to the baby
- Increased space in the womb
- Improved position of the baby
What Are The Risks Of The Webster Technique?
Now that we know some of the benefits of the Webster technique, it’s important to understand that like any other medical procedure, there are risks associated with this technique as well. These risks, however, are minimal compared to the risks involved with the external cephalic version or surgery.
The most common risk of the Webster technique is that it can cause discomfort for the mother. This discomfort is usually mild and goes away quickly.
Other rarer risks include:
- Bruising
- Tenderness
- Soreness
There are minimal risks to the fetus with the Webster technique.
It is important to note that these side effects are typically mild and go away quickly. If you experience any severe side effects, please contact your chiropractor immediately.
Who Should Use This Technique?
The Webster technique is a safe and effective treatment for pregnant women who are experiencing subluxations in their pelvis. This technique can be used to treat a variety of pregnancy-related problems such as back pain, malpresentation such as breech, and restricted movement in the womb.
How Is The Webster Technique Performed?
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The Webster technique is performed by a licensed chiropractor. During the procedure, the chiropractor will gently realign the pelvis using a variety of techniques. These techniques may include:
- Manual adjustments
- Mobilizations
- Trigger point therapy
After the pelvis is aligned, the Webster technique chiropractor will provide support and advice on how to maintain proper alignment during pregnancy.
The Webster Technique is the only safe chiropractic technique to use on the pelvis of a pregnant woman. The work in the pelvis is ligamentous, meaning that the torso is never rotated. This keeps pressure off of the uterus and helps to ensure a healthy pregnancy.
How Successful Is It?
The Webster technique is an effective treatment for pregnant women who are experiencing subluxations in their pelvis. In most cases, this technique can help to reduce or eliminate pain, improve mobility, and increase comfort.
It is also more successful than other treatments such as an external cephalic version which can result in harmful side effects such as fetal distress, premature ruptured membranes, and vaginal bleeding.
Where To Find A Webster Technique Chiropractor
If you are pregnant and experiencing subluxations in your pelvis, you may want to consider finding a chiropractor who specializes in this technique. You can find a Webster technique chiropractor near you by searching for “chiropractor webster technique” online.
You can also consult with your obstetrician or midwife to see if they can recommend a chiropractor in your area.
Have A Safe Delivery With The Help of a Wbetser Technique Chiropractor in Denver
The Webster chiropractic technique is a safe and effective treatment for pregnant women who are experiencing subluxations in their pelvis. This technique can be used to treat a variety of pregnancy-related problems such as back pain, malpresentation such as breech, and restricted movement in the womb.
If you are pregnant and considering this treatment, contact us today.
We at Concise Chiropractic are highly trained in the Webster technique and can help you feel your best during your pregnancy as you welcome your new bundle of joy into the world.
