Our Chiropractic Techniques

The Webster Technique was designed by Dr. Larry Webster the founder of the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA). He developed it as an assessment of a pregnant mother’s sacral alignment. When the sacrum (tailbone) moves out of its proper place, especially during pregnancy, the ligament attached adds tension and creates counter-rotation to the opposite ligament known as the round ligament.

The ICPA recognizes that in a theoretical and clinical framework of the Webster Technique in the care of pregnant women, sacral subluxation may contribute to difficult labor for the mother (i.e., dystocia). Dystocia is caused by inadequate uterine function, pelvic contraction, and baby mal-presentation. The correction of sacral subluxation may have a positive effect on all of these causes of dystocia.

This technique is a safe means to restore proper pelvic balance and function. You can learn more about the Webster Technique here.

The assessment includes heel flexion to buttocks, with restricted flexion indicating the affected SI joint. Correction is made with a sacral adjustment. It is used on all weight bearing individuals presenting with this biomechanical restriction. Common symptoms include (but are not limited to) low back pain, sciatic neuralgia, and symptoms associated with sacral subluxation and/ or S/I joint dysfunction.

In this clinical and theoretical framework, it is proposed that sacral misalignment may contribute to the three primary causes of dystocia via uterine nerve interference, pelvic misalignment and the tightening and torsion of specific pelvic muscles and ligaments. The resulting tense muscles and ligaments and their aberrant effect on the uterus may prevent the baby from comfortably assuming the best possible position for birth.

The obstetric literature has determined that correct positioning of the baby in-utero affects birth outcome and decreases the potential for undue stress to the baby’s developing spine and nerve system. Obstetric literature has determined the importance of normal pelvic neuro-biomechanics including uterine function and pelvic alignment for the prevention of dystocia (difficult birth).