Chiropractic · Kitchener, Waterloo & Cambridge
The Webster Technique is a chiropractic assessment and adjustment of the sacrum, the bone at the base of your spine, and the joints on either side of it. Chiropractors with extra training use it for low back and pelvic discomfort, most often during pregnancy. At CARESPACE it is part of a regular chiropractic visit. No referral is needed, and you can book online.
What the Webster Technique involves
The technique was developed in the 1980s by Dr. Larry Webster, a chiropractor. It is taught today by the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA), which certifies chiropractors who complete its course. The ICPA describes it as a specific analysis of the sacrum followed by a chiropractic adjustment, with the aim of improving how the sacrum and pelvis move.
Your chiropractor checks how the joints between your sacrum and pelvis are moving. One of the checks is how far each heel bends toward your buttock. They then adjust the side that is restricted, and often work on the muscles and ligaments around the pelvis as well. The technique can be used with anyone, but most people who ask for it are pregnant.
What it does not do
The Webster Technique is care for your back and pelvis. It is not a treatment for your baby, and it is not a way to turn a breech baby. The ICPA itself does not endorse it as a treatment for a baby’s position. If your baby is breech, or you have any concern about your pregnancy, talk to your midwife, physician or obstetrician.
What the evidence says
About half of pregnant women have back pain at some point in their pregnancy. Research on the Webster Technique itself is thin: mostly surveys of chiropractors and reports of single cases. For chiropractic care in pregnancy more broadly, a 2020 systematic review rated the evidence for low back pain as inconclusive but favourable. In plain terms, it may help, and better studies are needed.
Your chiropractor will tell you what they expect, and will change the plan if you are not improving.
What to expect
Your first visit is a chiropractic assessment: your health history, how your pregnancy is going, and an examination of your back, hips and pelvis. If the Webster Technique suits you, it can usually start at that visit. Tell your chiropractor how far along you are and about anything your midwife or physician has flagged, so they can position you comfortably and plan around it.
One team, one plan
Back and pelvic pain in pregnancy often responds to more than one kind of care. Your chiropractor may bring in a pelvic health physiotherapist, a Registered Massage Therapist for prenatal massage, or a Kinesiologist for exercise you can keep doing as your body changes. They work from one plan.
For more on what helps, read pelvic girdle pain in pregnancy and pregnancy pain and prenatal care.
Chiropractors who use the Webster Technique
These chiropractors have told us they use the Webster Technique. Sort by next availability or by the location closest to you.
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Shannon Webster, BA (Hons), DC
Chiropractor, Clinic Director
You should not have to keep organizing your life around pain when Dr.
No availability About Shannon
See all CARESPACE chiropractors →
Common questions
Can the Webster Technique turn a breech baby?
No. It is an assessment and adjustment of your sacrum and pelvis, not a treatment for your baby. The organization that teaches it does not endorse it for changing a baby’s position. If your baby is breech, your midwife, physician or obstetrician will explain your options.
Should I tell my midwife or physician?
Yes. Let them know you are seeing a chiropractor, and tell your chiropractor about anything they have flagged. If you have an urgent concern about your pregnancy, contact your midwife, physician or hospital, not a chiropractor.
Do I have to be pregnant?
No. The ICPA describes the Webster Technique as an assessment and adjustment that can be used with anyone. Most people who ask for it are pregnant.
How many visits will I need?
It varies. After the assessment your chiropractor will tell you what they expect, and they will reassess as your pregnancy goes on. If it is not helping, they will say so and suggest something else.
Do I need a referral, and will my plan reimburse it?
No referral is needed. Book online or call our Central Reception Team at 519-208-2273. CARESPACE does not bill insurance directly; you pay at your visit and receive a detailed receipt to submit to your extended health plan. The Webster Technique is done during a chiropractic visit, so the receipt is for chiropractic care. Check your plan for annual maximums.
Sources
- Ohm J, Alcantara J. The Webster Technique: definition, application and implications. Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health, 2012.
- Weis CA, Pohlman K, Draper C, et al. Chiropractic care for adults with pregnancy-related low back, pelvic girdle pain, or combination pain: a systematic review. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 2020;43(7):714–731.
- Borggren CL. Pregnancy and chiropractic: a narrative review of the literature. Journal of Chiropractic Medicine, 2007;6(2):70–74.
- Pistolese RA. The Webster Technique: a chiropractic technique with obstetric implications. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 2002;25(6):E1–9.
Ready to book?
Book online with a chiropractor, or call 519-208-2273 and our Central Reception Team will match you with a chiropractor who uses the Webster Technique.