Webster’s Technique Part I: What Is It And Why Is It Used?

Webster’s Technique is a specific chiropractic technique that is focused on stabilizing the sacrum and SI joint for improved function. Also known as Webster’s Protocol, the technique is most often used in pregnant women to improve pelvic and uterine function and correct fetal positioning, but it can be helpful for anyone who is suffering from pain or stiffness in the sacrum.

Dr. Megan McClimon of Beacon of Life Chiropractic is trained in the Webster Technique and has found it to be an extremely effective way to relieve many low-back, pelvic, and SI joint complaints.

History of Webster’s Technique
Webster’s Technique was discovered by Dr. Larry Webster, founder of the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association. Dr. Webster found the adjustment to be a safe way to restore pelvic balance and function. His research was originally directed at correcting sacral misalignment in pregnant women in order to ease pregnancy and childbirth and to help breech babies naturally reposition themselves head down. However, the technique has proven to be very effective at relieving back pain, hip pain, sciatica, and heartburn even in non-pregnant individuals.

Myths About Webster’s Technique
One persisting myth about Webster’s Technique is that it is used to reposition breech babies. This is not accurate. Webster’s Technique is not the same thing as the obstetric technique: external cephalic version (ECV) or a “version”. ECV is the manual repositioning of the baby so that it is head-down. This involves a practitioner pushing on the uterus to physically move the baby. It’s difficult and can be painful for the mother.

Webster’s Technique is very different. Webster’s is about facilitating correct pelvic and sacral alignment in mothers via spinal manipulations, which are not painful at all. Once alignment has been corrected and balance restored to the pelvic region, the baby is free to turn itself head-down. This is made possible by the loosening of uterine and pelvic muscles, which may have inhibited the baby’s movement before the procedure.

Like all areas of chiropractic, Webster’s Technique operates under the philosophy that by helping the body return to its most natural positioning and proper alignment, we can take a step back and let the body manage itself naturally with no outside interference. In many cases, this is exactly what happens.