Throughout pregnancy, the developing body tries to adjust to the weight gain, rise in hormones, and subsequent postural changes. These postural alterations raise the possibility of sacral/pelvic imbalance at any given time.
What is the Webster Technique in Chiropractic?
Webster Technique assists in function of all the pelvic floor structures.
The technique was invented by Dr. Larry Webster. He was determined to find a method to help his pregnant daughter.
A baby can be positioned feet or bottom first in the uterus. Ideally, a baby is positioned so that the head is delivered first during a vaginal birth. Most breech babies will turn to a head-first position by 36 weeks.
What is a Webster Certified Chiropractor?
A Webster-certified chiropractor is a chiropractor who has undergone additional training in the Webster Technique.
This technique is suitable for those patients who wish to utilize all-natural remedies.
Benefits
· Improves joint movement and feeling of pressure in the lower back.
· Can help alleviate pain related to sciatica and pregnancy.
How the Webster Method Works
The initial visit is like any regular chiropractic visit. The doctor will conduct a thorough interview, history, and background of your health and concerns.
This allows the doctor to determine if you are a good fit for the treatment and if he or she believes the treatment can help. If you both agree to continue, treatment will be provided during the same initial visit at our office.
The doctor will explain to you in person the steps and modalities that will be used during the session. In the Webster Technique, the patient starts by lying on their tummy on the chiropractic table using a specialized pregnancy pillow.
The practitioner will put their hands on the pelvic and SI joints to assess joint movements, pulls, or unevenness from various pelvic structures.
After the practitioner has identified the structures that need to be worked on, a series of gentle mobilization techniques and massage techniques are used on the specific areas.
For the joint alignments, the Webster-certified chiropractor typically uses a specialized table called the “drop table” which is extremely gentle and pain-free. Our chiropractors are also trained to use the activator method (another extremely gentle adjusting technique) to help improve joint mechanics and alignment.
The treatment lasts 20-30 minutes, is very gentle, and will require the patient to lie on their belly and their back at different times during the session.
Post-treatment soreness is rare due to the gentleness of the treatment and some patients notice a dramatic difference in their low back and pelvic pressure immediately.
This technique is suitable for those patients who wish to utilize all-natural remedies to help with their pain.
Possible Benefits and Risks of the Webster Technique
Using the Webster Technique has a wide range of advantages for the pregnant and might have some risks for her.
Benefits
- Improves joint movement and feeling of pressure in the lower back.
- Can help alleviate pain related to sciatica and pregnancy.
Risks
Risks are extremely minimal with the Webster Technique. Some common risks can include:
- Post-treatment soreness for the next 24-48 hours.
- Temporarily worsening of pain in the affected area.
Should I Visit a Webster Certified Chiropractor During Pregnancy?
Visiting a chiropractor is highly recommended during any pregnancy. The chiropractor can check the alignment and health of your pelvis and sacrum and ensure that the joint biomechanics are optimized.
In addition, Webster-certified chiropractors are also trained in prenatal exercise do’s and don’t. They can share pearls of wisdom when it comes to navigating your prenatal days about movement and exercise.
Being pregnant, especially for the first time, is overwhelming and confusing. Use our expertise and knowledge to help you navigate those challenges.
We also have additional training in pelvic floor health when it comes to prenatal and postnatal care and can assist you in challenges that may arise regarding pelvic floor dysfunctions during pregnancy.
If you are suffering from pregnancy pains including pelvic, back, neck, or even sciatic nerve pain, we highly recommend you book a treatment session with our Coquitlam pregnancy chiropractors at Fulcrum Therapy.