The Webster Technique in plain language
The Webster Technique is a chiropractic adjustment developed specifically for pregnant patients. It was created by Dr. Larry Webster, the founder of the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA), and is now the standard prenatal chiropractic approach taught and certified by ICPA worldwide.
In simple terms, the technique does three things:
- Restores balance to the bones and joints of the pelvis — the sacrum and the SI joints.
- Releases tension in the soft tissues that connect to the uterus, especially the round ligaments and the sacrotuberous ligament.
- Reduces tightness in the muscles that influence pelvic position, like the iliopsoas.
When the pelvis is balanced and the surrounding tissues are relaxed, the uterus is no longer being pulled or twisted by tight ligaments. That gives the baby more room to move and to settle into the position that works best for labor — usually head-down, facing mom's back.
Important: The Webster Technique does not turn a breech baby. It removes the biomechanical restrictions that may be preventing the baby from finding its own optimal position. The baby does the rest.
Why pregnancy creates the problems Webster addresses
Pregnancy reshapes the body in ways that put real stress on the pelvis and the structures around it. Three changes matter most.
The pelvis bears more load — and shifts forward. As the baby grows, the center of gravity moves forward. The lower back curves more, the pelvis tilts, and the SI joints take on uneven pressure. This is why so many pregnant patients develop low back pain, sciatic-style nerve pain down one leg, or pubic symphysis pain in the front of the pelvis.
The round ligaments get stretched and irritated. The round ligaments anchor the uterus to the front of the pelvis. As the uterus expands, these ligaments stretch dramatically — sometimes by more than ten times their normal length. When one side is tighter than the other, it pulls the uterus into a slightly rotated position, which is one of the main mechanical reasons a baby may have trouble settling head-down.
Pregnancy hormones loosen the ligaments. Relaxin and other pregnancy hormones soften the ligaments throughout the body to prepare the pelvis for birth. That's helpful at delivery, but during pregnancy it means joints are more mobile and more likely to get stuck in less-than-ideal positions. The Webster Technique gently restores them.
What is ICPA Webster Certification, and why does it matter?
Not every chiropractor who adjusts pregnant patients is Webster Certified. The certification is a separate, formal credential issued by the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA).
To earn it, a chiropractor must:
- Complete the full ICPA Webster Certification course (a hands-on, in-person seminar)
- Pass a three-part proficiency exam — a practical demonstration, a written exam, and a principles and practice agreement
- Maintain active ICPA membership and ongoing continuing education in prenatal and pediatric chiropractic care
Webster Certified chiropractors are listed in the ICPA's public Find a Chiropractor directory, which is the directory most midwives, doulas, and OB providers refer from. Dr. Madeline Klesk at Forward Spine Center is ICPA Webster Certified — meaning when you walk in for a Webster adjustment in Golden Valley, you're working with a chiropractor who has met that credentialing standard.
What does a Webster adjustment actually feel like?
This is the question we get most often, and the honest answer is: it's much gentler than people expect.
You don't lie flat on your stomach. You'll be positioned on pregnancy pillows that fully support the belly, or side-lying with bolsters. There is never any pressure on the abdomen.
There's no cracking, twisting, or popping near the belly. Dr. Madeline uses gentle, sustained contacts — usually with her hands or thumbs — to balance the sacrum and SI joints. Many patients describe it as firm, targeted pressure that releases slowly. A few areas of the upper back or neck may get a more traditional adjustment depending on your symptoms, but the pelvic work is consistently low-force.
Soft tissue work is part of the session. Dr. Madeline will often work on the round ligaments and the psoas muscle as part of the appointment. Most patients feel a noticeable release in their lower belly and hips immediately afterward.
Appointments are short. Once you're an established patient, ongoing Webster visits run about 15 to 20 minutes. Your first visit is longer because it includes a full pregnancy history, postural and pelvic assessment, and a clear explanation of the plan before any adjustment is performed.
When should you start the Webster Technique?
The most common starting point is the second trimester, but the technique is safe and useful at any stage of pregnancy. Patients at Forward Spine Center typically come in for one of three reasons:
- Early pregnancy (first trimester): Low back pain, nausea, or general pelvic discomfort. Webster work can begin gently as soon as a patient feels ready.
- Mid-pregnancy (second trimester): The classic Webster window. Patients come in for round ligament pain, sciatica, and hip pain, and to establish pelvic balance early — before baby is large enough for positioning to become an issue.
- Late pregnancy (third trimester): Often patients are referred by a midwife, doula, or OB because of baby positioning concerns — breech, transverse, or posterior — or for pelvic pain that's getting worse.
If you're already past 30 weeks and just learning about Webster, it is not too late. We see patients in their final weeks regularly. Earlier is better, but later is still genuinely helpful.
Who refers patients to Webster care?
Webster-certified chiropractors work closely with the rest of the pregnancy care team. At Forward Spine Center, we regularly coordinate with:
- Twin Cities midwives and birth centers
- Doulas serving the Minneapolis and Golden Valley area
- OB-GYNs whose patients are managing pregnancy-related musculoskeletal pain
- Pelvic floor physical therapists
If your provider has recommended chiropractic care during pregnancy and you're in the Twin Cities, asking specifically for a Webster Certified chiropractor is the right question to ask.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Webster Technique safe? Yes. The technique was designed specifically for pregnant patients and uses gentle, low-force contacts with full belly support. There is no twisting or pressure on the abdomen. ICPA-certified providers like Dr. Madeline have completed formal training and a proficiency exam for prenatal care.
How often do I need to come in? It depends on your symptoms and stage of pregnancy. Many patients start with one visit per week, then taper as symptoms improve. In the final weeks before delivery, some patients prefer to come more frequently again. Dr. Madeline will give you a clear plan, not an open-ended schedule.
Does insurance cover prenatal chiropractic care? Many plans do, and Forward Spine Center can verify your benefits before your first visit. Call (763) 332-2680 or email frontdesk@forwardspinecenter.com and the front desk can confirm coverage.
Can I bring my partner or another child to the appointment? Yes. Forward Spine Center is a family-friendly clinic. Partners are welcome at any appointment, and children of all ages are welcome too.
Do you continue care after the baby is born? Yes. Postpartum care for mom and gentle pediatric chiropractic for newborns are both available at Forward Spine Center. Many of our families continue care together after delivery.
Booking a Webster Technique appointment in Golden Valley
If you're pregnant and looking for a Webster Technique chiropractor in the Twin Cities, Forward Spine Center is located at 701 Decatur Ave N Ste 102, Golden Valley, MN 55427 — minutes from Plymouth, St. Louis Park, Minneapolis, and Maple Grove.
Book online at forwardspinecenter.janeapp.com or call (763) 332-2680. Dr. Madeline reserves time each week specifically for prenatal patients.
