Prenatal Chiropractic: The Webster Technique
Reviewed by: Dr. Silvia Kwon | Updated: June 2026
Pregnancy places significant physical demands on the body. As the baby grows, changes in posture, ligament laxity, centre of gravity, and pelvic mechanics can contribute to discomfort and altered movement patterns. Prenatal chiropractic care aims to support comfort, mobility, and function throughout pregnancy.
One technique commonly used by chiropractors with additional prenatal training is the Webster Technique.
What is the Webster Technique?
The Webster Technique is a specific chiropractic assessment and treatment approach designed to address tension and biomechanical dysfunction within the pelvis and surrounding soft tissues during pregnancy. The goal is to improve pelvic function and reduce mechanical stress on the muscles, ligaments, and joints that support the growing uterus.
The technique focuses on gentle chiropractic adjustments and soft tissue therapy to help optimize pelvic movement and comfort throughout pregnancy.
Potential Benefits of the Webster Technique
Improved Pelvic Function and Alignment
As the body adapts to pregnancy, changes in posture and ligament flexibility can affect pelvic mechanics. The Webster Technique aims to improve joint mobility and reduce restrictions within the pelvis, supporting more efficient movement and comfort.
Reduced Muscle and Ligament Tension
Tension in the pelvic floor, hip muscles, round ligaments, and surrounding connective tissues can contribute to discomfort during pregnancy. Gentle manual therapy may help reduce tension and improve mobility in these areas.
Relief of Pregnancy-Related Discomfort
Many pregnant patients seek chiropractic care for symptoms such as low back pain, pelvic girdle pain, hip discomfort, and changes in posture. Chiropractic treatment may help improve function and reduce pain associated with these common pregnancy-related concerns.
Support for Healthy Movement and Activity
Maintaining mobility during pregnancy can make everyday activities more comfortable. By addressing joint restrictions and muscle imbalances, prenatal chiropractic care may help support movement, exercise participation, and overall physical function.
Preparation for Labour and Delivery
While no treatment can guarantee labour outcomes or fetal positioning, optimizing pelvic mobility and reducing musculoskeletal tension may help create a more functional environment for labour and delivery. Research in this area continues to evolve, and outcomes vary from person to person.
Dr. Silvia Kwon practices diversified manual chiropractic, myofascial release therapies, exercise and stretch protocols, Activator adjusting, as well as Webster technique for pregnancy. She also treats infants and kids of all ages, and is mother to three energetic children herself!
Is Prenatal Chiropractic Safe?
For most uncomplicated pregnancies, chiropractic care is considered safe when provided by a qualified practitioner with experience in prenatal treatment. Before beginning care, your chiropractor will complete a thorough health history and assessment, discuss your goals, explain the potential benefits and risks of treatment, and determine whether chiropractic care is appropriate for your situation.
As with any healthcare treatment during pregnancy, it is important to keep your healthcare team informed of any changes in your health status or pregnancy.
Treatment Options for Back, Hip and Pelvic Pain During Pregnancy
Low back pain, hip and pelvic pain, buttock tension, and sciatica are among the most common concerns experienced during pregnancy. Research suggests that approximately 40–70% of pregnant individuals will experience back pain, with symptoms often becoming more noticeable as pregnancy progresses and the body’s posture, centre of gravity, and ligament flexibility change. (SpringerLink) As the body adapts to rapid physical and hormonal changes, increased stress on the spine, pelvis, muscles, and connective tissues can affect comfort, mobility, and daily activities.
Chiropractic care, including the Webster Technique, is a popular treatment option for pregnancy-related back and pelvic pain. However, the best results are often achieved through an integrated treatment plan that addresses multiple aspects of physical function and wellness.
At Anatomica, our multidisciplinary team works together to support patients throughout pregnancy. In addition to prenatal chiropractic care, many pregnant individuals benefit from registered massage therapy, acupuncture for pain relief, prenatal osteopathy, and physiotherapy. These treatments can help reduce muscle tension, improve mobility, support pelvic function, and manage common pregnancy-related aches and pains. Current clinical guidelines for pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain recommend individualized treatment plans that may include manual therapy, exercise, education, and other conservative care approaches. (NCBI)
Our practitioners have specialized training in prenatal care and can safely adapt treatment throughout all stages of pregnancy, helping patients stay comfortable, active, and supported as their bodies change.
Prenatal Chiropractic Care at Anatomica
Our chiropractor Dr. Silvia Kwon provides evidence-informed chiropractic care for patients throughout pregnancy. Her treatment approach may include adjustment and diversified chiropractic techniques, myofascial release therapy, soft-tissue release and joint mobilizations, exercise prescription, mobility and stretching in addition to activator-assisted adjustments and the Webster Technique when appropriate.
As a parent of three energetic children herself, Dr. Kwon understands firsthand the physical demands that pregnancy and parenting can place on the body. Her goal is to help patients move more comfortably, stay active, and feel supported throughout every stage of their pregnancy journey. She treats patients through all trimesters and throughout their postpartum recovery, and provides natural care for newborns and children of all ages.
Looking for prenatal chiropractic care in Toronto? Book an assessment with Dr. Silvia Kwon to learn whether the Webster Technique may be appropriate for your pregnancy and wellness goals.
References
- Salari N, et al. The Global Prevalence of Low Back Pain in Pregnancy: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth. 2023. (SpringerLink)
- Öztürk GZ, et al. Musculoskeletal Pain and Symptoms in Pregnancy: A Descriptive Study. 2018. (PMC)
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Management of Pelvic Girdle Pain in Pregnancy. 2021. (NCBI)
- D’Souza RS, et al. Pregnancy-Related Spinal Biomechanics: A Review of Low Back Pain and Degenerative Spine Disease. 2025. (MDPI)
