At Custom Chiropractor, we are always up to date and thorough with the latest techniques, research and treatment plans for all our patients and services we offer. Dr. Mati’s ICPA Webster Technique certification is the latest addition to an array of specializations and adaptations to better serve pregnant patients during and after their pregnancy.
The Webster Technique is a specific adjustment in chiropractic that reduces stress in the nervous system, balances pelvic muscles and ligaments and optimizes pelvic function in the mother during pregnancy and childbirth.
We believe chiropractic care in pregnancy is not about pain or symptoms, it is about function. Our practitioners go through a chiropractic assessment and necessary adjustments. These adjustments improve nervous system function, balance pelvic muscles and help in normalizing maternal physiology to allow for a better pregnancy and birth. The Webster Technique may optimize a baby’s ability to get into the best possible position for birth. The goal of adjustments during pregnancy is to reduce interference to the nervous system and enhance normal body function for a safer, easier birth.
How Can a Chiropractor using the Webster Technique help during my pregnancy and labor?
Pregnant patients will be educated on the benefits of chiropractic care during and after their pregnancy. Many choose to continue with their chiropractic care throughout their pregnancy and following the birth of their child. In regards to the Webster Technique, pregnant patients should be aware of the objectives of chiropractic on the first visit and how the chiropractic adjustment corrects issues with pelvic muscles and ligaments.
The Webster technique refers to a chiropractic adjustment that reduces nerve system stress, balances pelvic muscles and ligaments and optimizes the mother’s pelvic function in pregnancy and birth but also increases the chances for safer, easier births as a result of improved neuro-biomechanical function. In addition our chiropractors will offer lifestyle suggestions to implement in your everyday life in order to improve posture and establish pelvic balance throughout pregnancy.
Addressing pelvic pain during pregnancy
Pubic pain is one problem many pregnant women suffer from. Nevertheless, doctors While frequently dismissed as “non significant”, “unfixable,” we believe that pubic pain can be managed and treated. Chiropractic manipulations help many women with relief and ease of pain, and paired with soft tissue work which can decrease muscle tension in the surrounding musculature.
The Pelvis Anatomy
The pelvis consists of three bones, the hip, sacrum and coccyx. The pubic symphysis is located most anteriorly on the pelvis. There is a small gap between the two sides of the pelvis that is covered by different ligaments and bound by the fibrocartilaginous tissue. This is important to help the pubic bone function easily, stabilize the pelvis and encourage a good variety of movements. During pregnancy the pubic symphysis has an important role because its versatility allows the bones to easily accommodate and stretch to create space for the baby. Pregnancy hormones relaxin and progesterone also help your body’s ligaments to loosen and become even more flexible than before so that the baby can easily come through the birth canal. In some women this region can become tight and exert additional pressure on the joint due to excessive hormone levels, extra hormonal responsiveness or a restricted pelvis. All of these cause discomfort and pain in the pelvic region.
Tips for coping with pubic pain during pregnancy
- Place a pillow between your legs when sleeping. Read more here.
- Use silk or satin sheets and clothing, which make it easier to turn over in bed.
- Sit down to get dressed, especially when putting on underwear or pants.
- An ice pack may feel soothing and help reduce inflammation in the pubic area.
- Stretch the hamstring muscles with a strap around your foot to help reduce sciatica. Read more here.
Find the right chiropractor for you
It is important to find a chiropractor with specialized training in the treatment of pregnant women. While most chiropractors are educated at colleges, some have specialized post-graduate training and are true experts for pregnant women, babies and children. Several specially trained chiropractors use the Webster Technique and Dr. Mati is one of them.
There is understandable concern about how an adjustment takes place during pregnancy, especially by many women who have never seen a chiropractor before.
HERE IS WHAT TO EXPECT: the mother usually lies at her belly on a pregnancy pillow with an indentation intended to protect and crib a baby during a chiropractic adjustment. The treatment usually occurs on the “drop table”, which is a specific chiropractic table, which can be modified to include a maternity pillow. For some modifications, the woman may also lay on her stomach. Sections of the drop-table can be partially aligned at an angle. The bent part of the table falls down as the chiropractor applies pressure. This pressure plus the small drop are often necessary to reduce restrictions in the pelvis and spine. In addition, our chiropractors also provide soft tissue work around the joints to release the tension and lower the chances of the joints being restricted again.
How to make an appointment
If you would like to learn more about chiropractic and Webster Technique during your pregnancy or postpartum please contact us or book online with one of our practitioners. To schedule an appointment, please call us at 408-248-8700 or visit our website at customchiropractor.com.
After scheduling your appointment, intake forms will be conveniently emailed to you to complete prior to your initial evaluation. These forms will include questions about your health history so our chiropractors can get a clear picture on how to get you back to your pain-free life again.
