Jeanne Ohm D.C. & Joel Alcantara D.C.
Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health – Chiropractic ~ Volume 2012 ~ Issue 2 ~ Pages 49-53
Abstract
Background: Developed by Larry Webster DC [1945-1997] over 30 years ago, the Webster Technique has been observed clinically to be associated with improved pregnancy outcomes since that time. The International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA) was founded by Webster to promote and defend the chiropractic care of children, pregnant women and general family wellness care through patient advocacy, post-graduate education and research. The ICPA is the oldest free-standing organization in the chiropractic profession to teach and certify chiropractors on the Webster Technique.
Objective: To clarify the philosophical, theoretical and clinical framework of the Webster Technique by providing a historical perspective while clarifying its clinical utility in the context of caring for pregnant women. A definition of the Webster Technique as promoted and taught by the ICPA is reviewed and the “hands-on” technique as originally taught by Webster is reviewed and described.
Discussion: Due to the empirical observations that pregnant women under chiropractic care with breech fetal pregnancies were reporting correction of fetal position to vertex following the use of the Webster Technique, the technique was inappropriately described in its early days as a “breech turning technique” by both patients and some chiropractors.
Conclusion: The ICPA holds that the Webster Technique is a specific assessment and diversified adjustment for all weight bearing individuals and is utilized to enhance neuro-biomechanics in that individual. The ICPA does not endorse the use of Webster’s as a treatment for fetal malposition or in-utero constraint.
Key Words: Chiropractic, pregnancy, Webster Technique, subluxation, ICPA
