Webster Technique

The Webster Technique is a specific chiropractic analysis and adjustment developed for use during pregnancy. It is defined and taught by the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA), which sets the standard for how the technique is performed and certified. The focus is the sacrum and the sacroiliac (SI) joints, together with the soft tissues of the pelvis.

It is important to be precise about what the Webster Technique is and is not. It is not a technique for turning a breech baby, and it is not an obstetric maneuver performed on the baby. The chiropractor never attempts to move the fetus. Instead, the technique addresses the mother's pelvic alignment and the muscular and ligamentous tension surrounding the uterus.

The technique combines a gentle, specific correction of sacral misalignment (a sacral subluxation) with a soft, targeted release of the round ligaments, the supportive structures that suspend the uterus. The goal is a balanced, neurologically and biomechanically optimal pelvis during pregnancy.

When the sacrum is misaligned, it can alter the position and tension of the pelvis and disturb the nerve supply to the pelvic region. Webster analysis identifies this sacral subluxation, and a gentle correction restores more normal sacral position and movement, which in turn reduces abnormal pull on the surrounding structures.

A key part of the technique is releasing tension in the round ligaments. These ligaments attach to the uterus, and when one side is tight it can create asymmetric tension and what is described as intrauterine constraint, a restriction of the room available within the pelvis and uterus. By easing round-ligament tension and balancing the pelvis, the technique aims to reduce that constraint.

Neurologically, restoring proper sacral alignment improves the input the nervous system receives from the pelvis and supports better autonomic and muscular regulation of the area, consistent with the broader chiropractic model that correcting subluxation removes interference and lets the body self-regulate. The reduction of constraint is understood as creating a more balanced environment, allowing the baby the room it needs, rather than the chiropractor acting on the baby directly.

The Webster Technique is for pregnant patients, and it is commonly used throughout pregnancy to support comfort and pelvic balance. Expectant mothers often seek it for low back, sacroiliac, and pelvic pain, sciatica related to pregnancy, and general comfort as the body changes, and many begin care early and continue into the third trimester.

It is also chosen by patients who simply want their pelvis well-balanced as their due date approaches. Dr. Calloway performs the gentle, pregnancy-appropriate analysis and adjustment, and coordinates respectfully with the patient's obstetric provider as part of a team approach to pregnancy.

Care is gentle and tailored to pregnancy. Specialized pregnancy positioning and pillows are used so you can be adjusted comfortably without pressure on the abdomen. Dr. Calloway first analyzes the sacrum and SI joints to identify misalignment, then delivers a low-force, specific correction; there is no twisting of the belly and no force applied to the abdomen.

The round-ligament release is a light, brief soft-tissue contact on the lower abdomen to ease ligament tension. The whole experience is calm and comfortable, and most patients find it relieving. A visit is short, and many mothers leave feeling more balanced and at ease in the pelvis.

Frequency depends on your symptoms and how far along you are; some patients come occasionally for comfort while others are seen more regularly as the due date nears to keep the pelvis balanced. Dr. Calloway sets a schedule appropriate to your pregnancy and stays in communication with your maternity care provider.