Do any reading about chiropractic treatment during pregnancy and the chances are you will read about or have seen videos posted on the internet of “The Webster Technique. So what is the mystery surrounding it?
What is it?
The Webster Technique is essentially an adjustment to the sacrum. The sacrum is the large triangular bone at the base of the spine and it forms an important articulation (joint) with the pelvis. Tension in the sacroiliac joint and the ligaments that overly it can cause pain and low back pain that is so common in pregnancy. Restriction in the sacrum is identified in the heel to buttock test where restricted flexion indicates restriction in the sacroiliac joint on the same side. A correction is made with an adjustment to the sacroiliac joint with the patient usually laid on their side.
How does it work?
It is proposed that tension/misalignment/restriction in the sacroiliac joint may cause tension and altered stresses on specific pelvic muscles and ligaments. Tension in these structures can alter the normal mechanics of the pelvis and the uterus. It is hypothesised that this tension can have a negative effect on the uterus which may prevent the baby from comfortably assuming the best possible position for birth.
Does the Webster Technique turn breech babies?
No. Whilst the technique is reported to have a high success rate in turning breech babies there is currently no high quality research studies that support this. The Webster Technique does however play its part in chiropractic care during pregnancy but for optimising biomechanics of the spine and pelvis.
My chiropractic treatment includes, but is not limited to, adjustments of the sacroiliac joint (or ‘The Webster Technique’). I will supplement this with soft tissue work and massage to affected muscles and ligaments and posture advice and exercises to help maintain core musculature .The aim is to make pregnancy as pain free as possible and to minimise distress to birth mother and baby during and immediately after the delivery.
Will one treatment fix the problem?
Not normally. The nature of the problem will determine how many treatments are required however most people will require 4 to 6 sessions to bring about and maintain the changes to the pelvis and surrounding connective tissues.
For further information or to speak to Alison about chiropractic care during your pregnancy please call 07828 686026.
